who delivers cars

[BeckettRose]

The short answer is that new cars are typically delivered by the dealership from which you purchase them. However, the process and options have expanded significantly, especially with the rise of online car buying. The method of delivery depends entirely on where and how you buy the car.

When you buy from a traditional local dealership, you'll usually pick up the car directly from the dealer's lot after completing the paperwork. The salesperson will walk you through the vehicle's features—a process known as delivery or PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection).

The major change in recent years is direct-to-consumer delivery from manufacturers. Companies like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid operate like Apple; you order online, and the car is delivered to your home or a local service center. Many traditional brands now also offer Courtesy Delivery, where a car you ordered from a dealer in another state is dropped off at a local partner dealership for you to collect.

For online marketplaces like Carvana and Vroom, home delivery is their core service. They transport the car via a carrier truck right to your driveway. Similarly, most factory-ordering processes through brands like Ford or Chevrolet can be set up for dealership pickup or home delivery, sometimes for an additional fee.

Here’s a quick comparison of common delivery methods:

Delivery Method	Typical Provider	Key Feature	Potential Cost
Dealership Pickup	Local Franchised Dealer	Standard, in-person vehicle orientation	Often included
Manufacturer Direct	Tesla, Rivian, Lucid	Scheduled home delivery or service center pickup	Usually included
Online Retailer Home Delivery	Carvana, Vroom	Front-door delivery, often with a return policy	May be included or a flat fee
Courtesy Delivery	Traditional Brands (e.g., GM)	Delivery to a local dealer for a far-away purchase	Typically $400 - $800
Broker-Assisted Delivery	Car-buying services	Handled by the broker as part of their service	Built into service fee

Always confirm the delivery details and any associated costs before finalizing your purchase.

[LaGriffin]

I just bought my car through Carvana last month. The whole thing was weirdly easy. I did it all on my phone, and about a week later, this big truck showed up with my car on the back. The guy lowered it, had me sign a tablet, and that was it. I had a whole week to decide if I liked it. No pressure, no salesman talking my ear off. It showed up right at my house.

[VanKyle]

As a former dealership sales manager, I can tell you the standard is still in-person dealer delivery. It’s a crucial step. A good salesperson ensures you understand the technology and controls before you drive off, which is a major safety and satisfaction factor. While home delivery is convenient, you miss that hands-on walkthrough. For a complex new vehicle, that personalized PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) at the dealership is invaluable and part of the service you pay for.

[McConnor]

If you're factory-ordering a vehicle to get specific options, ask about "courtesy delivery." You can often get a better price from a high-volume dealer in another state. They can arrange for the car to be shipped to a local dealership near you for final prep and pickup. It saves you a long flight or drive. It’s not always free, but the savings on the purchase price can make it well worth the few hundred dollar delivery fee.

[McKathryn]

For a used car bought on eBay Motors or a similar site, the delivery is on you to figure out. The seller might help arrange transport, but you're paying for it. You'll need to get quotes from auto transport companies. It's based on distance, vehicle size, and whether you want an open or enclosed carrier. It’s a separate transaction from the car purchase itself, so factor that cost into your total budget. It’s not as seamless as buying from a big company that includes delivery.