DriveTime Reviews

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About DriveTime

DriveTime Automotive Group Inc., based out of Phoenix, Arizona, operates more than 140 dealerships in the U.S. and is one of the nation's largest used car dealership networks. The company focuses on helping you find a great vehicle, and its approval process lets you know your down payment and monthly payments before you start shopping.

Pros
  • Quick application process
  • Five-day return guarantee
  • Options for all credit backgrounds
Cons
  • Interest rates on the higher end

Helpful Reviews

Clovis, NM
Verified purchase
Easiest car buying experience ever! Austin was helpful from the moment I called him. I was at the dealership less than hour because he helped me with all the paperwork the day bef...

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Hemet, CA
Verified purchase
I'm very happy with DriveTime, Aaron and Antonius. They showed TRUE integrity with my exchange of vehicles, and didn't question my intent, which is AWESOME customer service. My ex...

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What is DriveTime?

DriveTime.com is an online car-buying site with more than 140 dealerships across the United States. DriveTime has a streamlined process for financing and buying cars for people with different credit histories.

You can complete the application process online and see financing terms for the company’s thousands of used cars for sale without impacting your credit score. Each used car, truck, van or SUV includes a free AutoCheck history report and comes with a five-day return policy and a 30-day/1,500-mile limited warranty.

How does DriveTime work?

DriveTime’s dealership employees, referred to as customer experience guides (CEGs), are salaried employees who do not work on commission, which means you’re less likely to face pushy sales tactics. The company’s CEGs provide customers with the most useful information possible to help you find the right vehicle for your situation.

The DriveTime Advice Center on the company’s website has a wealth of resources on credit scores, auto financing and personal savings goals. You can search for the nearest DriveTime location on the company’s website to view vehicles in person.

DriveTime used car inventory

DriveTime has thousands of vehicles at over 140 locations in the United States, so customers looking for their next car or SUV have no shortage of choices. When browsing cars online on DriveTime’s website, you can view each vehicle’s safety rating, features, mileage and AutoCheck history report. DriveTime also accepts trade-ins.

DriveTime payment

All financing for a DriveTime purchase is done in-house, and the company is open to accepting any credit score, including no credit at all. DriveTime down payments will vary based on the price of the vehicle and the customer’s financial situation.

DriveTime features

Other features from DriveTime include:

  • Two-minute online approval: All you have to do is enter some basic information, and in a few minutes you’ll know whether you’ve been approved for DriveTime financing.
  • Free AutoCheck vehicle history reports: To see the full history of your vehicle and make sure it hasn’t been in any accidents, just view the AutoCheck report that comes with every DriveTime vehicle.
  • Five-day return policy: If you are dissatisfied with your vehicle for whatever reason, you can return it to DriveTime within five days.
  • Complimentary 30-day/1,500-mile limited warranty: This warranty will help keep you covered in case of an unexpected breakdown or another malfunction of the vehicle.
  • Range of options for down payments: Depending on your current financial situation, DriveTime can allow for varying amounts of down payments.

DriveTime FAQ

Is DriveTime a “buy-here, pay-here” dealership?

Yes. You can apply for financing through a DriveTime location, which makes it a “buy-here, pay-here” (BHPH) dealership.

Does DriveTime work with bad credit?

DriveTime works with people with all credit histories, including car buyers with poor or bad credit.

Does DriveTime take trade-ins?

DriveTime does accept trade-ins. You can start the trade-in process online and complete it at one of the company’s physical dealerships.

Still have questions?

Is DriveTime good?

DriveTime is a good option for car buyers of all credit backgrounds who want a streamlined financing and purchasing process. DriveTime has more than just a wide array of used cars at fair prices. Additional features like a five-day vehicle return policy and a 30-day/1,500-mile limited warranty make it a solid choice for your next vehicle purchase.

DriveTime Reviews

Over 10k reviews since 2012

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    How do I know I can trust these reviews about DriveTime?
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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
    Verified purchase
    Customer Service

    Reviewed April 13, 2026

    I freaking love Drive Time!!! My grandson and I were stranded, and I filled out so many applications to so many dealers. All of them but Drive Time said that I was either not approved or wanted an un-godly amount down. Spoke to Robert at the Salem, Va location and he was the ONLY one that told me what I needed to do and what documents I needed. When I arrived, he made it so easy. Got me into such a beautiful SUV with only $200 down. He took time with me making sure I understood everything about the papers I was signing to my options and what my vehicle choice had to offer me. We walked around the vehicle, and he showed me all the features it had and how to work it. Before I drove off in it, he made sure I had all the apps I needed downloaded, auto pay set up, made sure I did not have any questions and even set my phone up to my radio. I highly recommend Drive Time!!!!!

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      Verified purchase
      Staff

      Reviewed April 9, 2026

      I do believe I have now reached a level of automotive satisfaction normally reserved for lottery winners and folks who inherit well. Let me tell you about a gentleman by the name of Colt over at DriveTime. If charm, competence, and an almost suspicious level of patience could be bottled, labeled, and sold, it would have Colt’s face on it. The man handled my car buying experience with such grace you would think I was being fitted for a tuxedo instead of signing paperwork. Not once did I feel rushed, confused, or like I needed a translator for dealership jargon. He explained everything so clearly I briefly considered asking him to come home and organize my pantry. Now, onto the crown jewel of this entire affair, my Cadillac Escalade.

      This is not a vehicle. This is a rolling declaration of success. This is what happens when comfort and power shake hands and decide to show off a little. I sit higher than my problems, glide smoother than sweet tea on a summer porch, and quite frankly, I suspect lesser vehicles move out of the way out of sheer respect. If this Escalade were a person, it would own land and give excellent advice.

      And yes, I am a returning customer, which in my world is about the highest compliment you can give. I do not return to places that do not treat me right. DriveTime, and Colt in particular, made sure I felt taken care of from the moment I walked in to the moment I drove off like I had somewhere important to be. If you are considering buying a vehicle, do yourself a favor. Go see Colt. Shake his hand. Let him work his magic. And prepare yourself, because you just might leave feeling like you have upgraded not only your car, but your entire outlook on life. Five stars. Possibly six if you count how good I look driving this Escalade.

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      Profile pic of the author.
      StaffHonesty & Transparency

      Reviewed March 28, 2026

      Had an amazing experience with DriveTime. Vanessa was incredibly welcoming, kind, and professional from the moment I walked in. After a recent disappointing experience with another dealership, my hopes were honestly pretty low—but Vanessa completely turned that around. She reassured me that she would do everything she could to help me get into the car I wanted, and her confidence really made a difference.

      Even though her shift ended before everything was finalized, she made sure I was taken care of. Joshua stepped in seamlessly and continued providing excellent service. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions, and even let me test drive several cars until I found the perfect one. He made the entire process smooth and stress-free and ultimately helped close the deal. Overall, the experience was stellar from start to finish. The level of care, patience, and professionalism I received was exactly what I needed. I’m truly grateful to both Vanessa and Joshua along with the rest of the team, for making this such a positive experience!

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceSales & MarketingOnline & AppStaffTimeliness

      Reviewed March 21, 2026

      So far DriveTime has done everything they can do to help me. There was some kind of issue with the car transmission I picked so I brought it back the next day and they were more than happy to find me a different car or take that one to the shop to get fixed. I opted for a different car. Found one on one of the other lots and they called over to make sure it was available and transferred all the information and paperwork to that location. I was happy there was a warranty. I was going to take the car to a mechanic but the issue was very obvious when driving over 50 or on the freeway. The process was easy. They have tablets for the kids to play on making the car experience easier to get through and it wasn’t like I had to talk with one person to sale me the car and then a finance guy. They all do both the sales and finance part. The relaxed environment made it not so stressful to get through car buying process.

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      Verified purchase
      Sales & MarketingPunctuality & SpeedStaff

      Reviewed March 21, 2026

      Ilia (eye-Leah) and her team were very helpful. got me into the vehicle that worked for me and my family. I felt a little shuffled around, while she multitasked with other customers and her lunch, They also had a meeting in the middle of my visit discussing sales and what not which was uncomfortable for me as a customer to hear how they are pushing sales and etc. Getting this car was a huge deal for me and it would have made my experience better to be handled directly by Ilia instead of 2 other people. Sort of made me feel like ok I got that deal moving not she moved into the next.

      Ilia did make sure to communicate and and make sure we were not just sitting there but the entire experience at the dealership was about 4-5 hours. I brought up having the car washed and was told it would take a really long time and it was only water so I opted to take out to carwash myself only because I have Quick Quack membership but that was pretty disappointing considering I was financing a 16k vehicle and giving them 1500 down. It wasn’t a no but it felt like a lame offer that they knew would be refused. Just my opinion.

      I walked away with a car that I desperately needed so for that I’m majorly grateful for their help in getting me into a vehicle that worked for me. Thanks DriveTime!! Overall good experience! In the end I ended up with an amazing vehicle that I didn’t think I was gonna be able to swing. I also got to put the big green bow on my car which felt cool getting a newer to me vehicle. It’s a big purchase and deserves a big bow haha. Thanks guys! Sincerely, One happy mama with a new Volkswagen Atlas.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed June 1, 2026

      I was very happy with my purchase and experience in Plano. Yolanda did so well and worked well within my budget to find what works for me and still keep the qualities of the card that I desired. She showed me alternative options. They agree to be more of what I wanted than what I even came for. Happy purchaser!!!

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

      Reviewed May 31, 2026

      I had a great experience with William. He was Amazing and customer service Phenomenal!! I would recommend this location because the entire staff was so friendly and helpful. The process was a breeze and the approval was fast.

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      Verified purchase
      Sales & MarketingPricePunctuality & SpeedStaffRatesTransparency

      Reviewed May 31, 2026

      I had a fantastic experience purchasing my vehicle at Drivetime! Lestania was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and completely transparent about the pricing and features. There was zero high-pressure sales tactic, which made the whole process stress-free. Brad in the finance department also worked quickly to get me a great rate. Highly recommend this team!

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      Verified purchase
      Sales & Marketing

      Reviewed May 31, 2026

      Just let me say that Sierra is the best car sales person who I've ever had the pleasure of working with. She went over everything with us and explained everything we were wanting. We went in there looking for a specific vehicle and she sure did get us into it. This was the easiest car buying experience we've ever had. It all took about an hour. I will always go back to Drive Time every time I need a new vehicle.

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      Verified purchase
      Amanda increased rating by 4 stars.
      Sales Tactics
      After a positive interaction with DriveTime, Amanda increased their star rating on June 4, 2026.

      Updated review: June 4, 2026

      My initial purchase at the Pittsburgh North location was disastrous with a faulty vehicle and extremely pushy salesperson. I decided to return the car but made the 250 mile trip to Columbus, Ohio, and purchased a beautiful Jeep from Hayden **. He couldn't have been more kind. Understanding, helpful, and laid back if he tried. All salespeople should strive to behave like a respectable person as himself. I'm extremely happy after my second attempt with Drivetime.

      Original Review: May 31, 2026

      Extremely pushy salesman who wouldn't take no for an answer. Car is full of stagnant moldy water in the spare wheel well and rear floors are also soaked. I plan to return the car as soon as possible.

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      DriveTime
      Response from DriveTime

      Thank you for providing us with your feedback regarding your experience with our North Pittsburgh location. It's our goal to provide all our potential customers a personalized and comfortable experience. If at any time the service level or communication at DriveTime is not up to our standards, we would definitely like the opportunity to address this. If you have any additional questions, please DM us or contact our Customer Relations Department at (888) 290-0148 and an agent would be happy to assist.

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      DriveTime Company Information

      Social media:
      Company Name:
      DriveTime
      Company Type:
      Private
      Year Founded:
      2002
      Address:
      1720 West Rio Salado
      City:
      Tempe
      State/Province:
      AZ
      Postal Code:
      85281
      Country:
      United States
      Website:
      www.drivetime.com

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