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DriveTime Reviews and Ratings
DriveTime Logo
If you’re looking into DriveTime, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth it as a service. They advertise affordability and accessibility. But is there a catch? In this review, we’ll break down exactly what DriveTime offers, how much it really costs, what customers are saying, and whether it’s actually worth it. Our goal is to help you answer the question: Is DriveTime worth it? Without further ado, let’s get into it.
What is DriveTime?
DriveTime homepage
DriveTime Automotive Group Inc. is a Tempe, Arizona-based used car retailer that specializes in subprime auto financing. Founded in 2002 (originally Ugly Duckling), DriveTime operates over 137 dealerships in 26+ states and uses its own lending arm, Bridgecrest, to approve customers with poor or no credit.
The company is privately owned by Ernest Garcia II, who also owns Carvana. Scott Worthington has served as CEO since 2021. DriveTime reports over $22 billion in vehicle sales financed to date, with more than 700,000 active customers. They hold an A+ rating with the BBB, despite facing legal action in the past.
State availability
Based on mid-2025 data, here are the states where DriveTime is available versus unavailable. :
States Where DriveTime Is Available (30 States): Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia.
Among these, the highest dealership counts are in Florida (20), Texas (16), California (11), Georgia (12), and North Carolina (9), while specific counts in the other states aren’t disclosed. All in all, these 30 states are part of DriveTime’s network of approximately 149 dealerships nationwide.
States Where DriveTime Is Not Available: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, plus the District of Columbia.
Your Best Lending Partner: We match you with top lenders for the best deals. Fast, Easy Process: Quick approvals with expert support. Tailored Solutions: Flexible terms that fit your needs.
What Does DriveTime Actually Offer?
DriveTime offers in-house financing, a wide inventory of used cars, and flexible payment options. Here’s a breakdown of their core services:
Used Car Sales
DriveTime sells over 10,000 vehicles nationwide, all with no-haggle pricing. Each vehicle goes through a 14-day inspection process, and you can shop online or at one of their dealerships. Customers also get a 5-day return policy, which is rare for this market.
Auto Financing
DriveTime finances its own cars using Bridgecrest, their internal lender. There’s no minimum credit score required. In fact, DriveTime targets customers with FICO scores in the 550 range. They use their own credit scoring model and claim to have approved over 3 million customers.
DriveTime Interest Rates
Interest rates typically range from 7% to 24% APR, but most borrowers fall between 14% and 20%. These rates are much higher than what banks or credit unions offer. It’s common for DriveTime customers to end up paying 40% to 60% more than a vehicle’s actual market value.
DriveTime Warranty Coverage
All vehicles come with a 30-day/1,500-mile limited warranty. Additional protection plans and GAP insurance are available through a partner company called SilverRock. But be warned: many customers say SilverRock frequently denies claims, even for major issues like engines and transmissions.
DriveTime Application Process
The application process takes about 2 minutes online or 15 minutes in person. In order to apply you’ll need the following:
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of residence (like a utility bill)
- Proof of income (like a pay stub)
- Proof of insurance.
- Must be at least 16 years old.
Bankruptcy is not an automatic disqualifier but is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
How much will DriveTime actually cost?
What you gain in accessibility for lower credit users with DriveTime, you lose in affordability. Here’s a breakdown of the fees and costs to use DriveTime:
Fee types
DriveTime requires in-house financing and typically asks for down payments between $0 and $3,000+. You may also see:
- Documentation fees
- Optional extended warranty charges
- Optional GAP insurance fees
Transparency
Despite their no-haggle marketing, DriveTime has been criticized for hiding the true total cost of ownership. Many customers aren’t told up front how much interest they’ll be paying over time, or what’s actually covered under warranty.
Hypothetical DriveTime transaction
Let’s say you walk into a DriveTime dealership with a credit score in the low 600s and $1,000 saved for a down payment. After browsing their inventory, you find a used 2018 Nissan Altima priced at $16,000. DriveTime offers you in-house financing with an APR around 19%, depending on your credit profile.
You put down your $1,000 and finance the remaining $15,000 over 60 months. Your monthly payment ends up being around $390, not including taxes or fees. DriveTime may also include an optional extended warranty from their affiliate, SilverRock, and you’ll likely be making payments directly through their financing arm, Bridgecrest.
The whole process is fairly quick and credit-friendly, but the tradeoff is a higher interest rate and overall loan cost compared to traditional lenders or outside financing.
Industry comparison
Compared to traditional lenders that offer APRs between 4% and 8%, DriveTime’s average APR of 14% to 20% is steep. In multiple cases, customers reported paying $20,000 or more for cars valued at $7,500. That’s a massive markup.
What are customers saying about DriveTime?
Better Business Bureau (BBB) reviews
DriveTime BBB Accreditation and Rating
DriveTime has received 788 complaints through the BBB in the last three years. Here are a few direct quotes:
- “I was sold a car with no oil and have to wait until the claim is approved.”
- “I purchased a car… for only 5 hours. I smelled coolant and then my temperature light came on.”
- “We have been in contact with DriveTime corporate who was sympathetic but no help.”
Trustpilot reviews
DriveTime Trustpilot Reviews Overview
DriveTime scores a 3.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot. People are generally happy with the service and ability to be accepted by them, but there are negative experiences regarding the actual cars. Here’s some commonly echoed customer sentiment:
- “I can honestly say it was the best car buying experience I’ve ever had. The process was smooth and easy. Every employee we interacted with was friendly and eager to help”
- “The car I just purchased failed on me within 48 hours.”
Reddit reviews
Is DriveTime as bad as I am reading about? byu/johnkinthetrohnk inaskcarsales
Users on Reddit have an overwhelmingly negative sentiment on DriveTime Here are real quotes from Reddit threads:
- “DriveTime is the ‘last stop’ for people who can’t get financing anywhere else, at the cost of a blisteringly high interest rate.”
- “Everything is a lie… I bought a car 3 months later I have electric work that needs to be done over $2,000.”
Consumer Affairs and Yelp
- Consumer Affairs: 4.6/5 stars from 9,165 reviews (83% five-star)
- Yelp: 2.3/5 stars across nearly 2,000 reviews
Common themes include surprise repair costs, bad customer service after purchase, and warranty claims that go nowhere.
What can I expect from using DriveTime?
DriveTime claims to have sold over 1.5 million cars since launching. They service a $9.7 billion loan portfolio through Bridgecrest and say their credit model helps people get approved who would otherwise be denied.
That said, many customers report feeling trapped by the high interest, low-quality vehicles, and confusing warranty limitations. While the company does deliver on fast approvals, the long-term cost can be brutal.
Pros and cons of using DriveTime
DriveTime gets some things right, but it’s by and large got many flaws. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of DriveTime’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Fast, easy approvals for customers with bad credit
- No-haggle pricing takes pressure off negotiations
- 5-day return policy offers some protection
- Wide dealer network across 26+ states
Cons:
- Interest rates between 14%–24% APR are very high
- Vehicle quality is hit-or-miss
- SilverRock often denies claims
- Total loan cost can be 2–3x the vehicle value
- History of regulatory fines and class action lawsuits
Who is DriveTime actually for?
DriveTime is certainly not for everyone. Here is a breakdown of what the ideal DriveTime user would look like, and who would be best served to steer clear:
Recommended for:
- People with poor credit who can’t get financed elsewhere
- Borrowers who need a car fast and have no other options
- Customers who are okay with a high APR if it means approval
Not recommended for:
- Buyers looking for fair market pricing
- Anyone who qualifies for bank or credit union financing
- Drivers who want dependable vehicles with strong warranty coverage
Final verdict: Is DriveTime actually worth it?
DriveTime exists for one reason: to serve people with bad credit who need a car now. And for that, they deliver. But the cost is high, sometimes absurdly high at that.
If you have no other choice, DriveTime might get you back on the road. Just be prepared to overpay, fight for repairs, and deal with spotty customer support. Approval is easy with DriveTime. The real cost will come later.
If you are aware of the risks and want to use DriveTime still, here is a link to their website where you can apply directly and compare rates: https://www.drivetime.com/
Frequently asked questions about DriveTime
- Is DriveTime a legitimate company or a scam? DriveTime is a legal, licensed auto dealer and finance company. But they’ve faced major regulatory action, including an $8 million CFPB penalty for harassment and false credit reporting.
- Why are DriveTime’s interest rates so high? They lend to subprime borrowers, so they offset risk by charging higher rates—often 14% to 24% APR.
- What does SilverRock actually cover? SilverRock offers warranty and GAP protection, but many customers report denied claims. Coverage isn’t always clear at the time of purchase.
- Can I refinance a DriveTime loan? Yes. If your credit improves, you can refinance through a third-party lender to lower your interest.
- What if my car breaks down right after buying from DriveTime? File a claim with SilverRock and report the issue to DriveTime ASAP. But be prepared for delays and possible denials.
