Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of PresentationThe accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). As discussed in Note 1 — Business Organization, Carvana Group is considered a VIE and Carvana Co. consolidates its financial results due to the determination that it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Certain accounting estimates involve significant judgments, assumptions and estimates by management that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, which management considers to be critical accounting estimates. The judgments, assumptions and estimates used by management are based on historical experience, management’s experience, and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions made by management, actual results could differ materially from these judgments and estimates, which could have a material impact on the carrying values of the Company’s assets and liabilities and the results of operations.
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| Comprehensive Loss | Comprehensive Loss During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, the Company did not have any other comprehensive income and, therefore, the net loss and comprehensive loss were the same for all periods presented.
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| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company has cash deposits and cash equivalents deposited in or managed by major financial institutions. Cash equivalents include highly liquid investment instruments with original maturities of three months or less, and consist primarily of money market funds. At times the related amounts are in excess of the amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company has not experienced any losses with these financial institutions and does not believe it represents significant credit risk.
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| Restricted Cash | Restricted CashAmounts included in restricted cash primarily represent the deposits required under the Company's short-term revolving facilities and any undistributed amounts collected on the finance receivables pledged under the Company's finance receivable facilities as explained in Note 10 — Debt Instruments. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts Receivable, Net | Accounts Receivable, NetAccounts receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, includes certain amounts due from customers and their finance providers. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based upon historical experience, current economic conditions, and other factors and is evaluated periodically. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance Receivables Held for Sale, Net | Finance Receivables Held for Sale, Net Finance receivables include installment contracts the Company originates to its customers to facilitate vehicle sales. The Company classifies these receivables as held for sale, as it does not intend to hold the finance receivables it originates to maturity. The Company typically sells the finance receivables it originates, as explained in Note 8 — Finance Receivable Sale Agreements and Note 9 — Securitizations and Variable Interest Entities. The Company records a valuation allowance to report finance receivables at the lower of unpaid principal balance or fair value. To determine the fair value of finance receivables the Company utilizes industry-standard modeling, such as discounted cash flow analysis, factoring in the Company’s historical experience, the credit quality of the underlying receivables, loss trends and recovery rates, as well as the overall economic environment. For purposes of determining the valuation allowance, finance receivables are evaluated collectively to determine the allowance as they represent a large group of smaller-balance homogeneous loans. The allowance was approximately $36 million and $21 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Principal balances of finance receivables are charged-off when the Company is unable to sell the finance receivable and the related vehicle has been repossessed and liquidated or the receivable has otherwise been deemed uncollectible. Interest income on finance receivables held for sale is recognized when earned based on contractual loan terms and is included in other sales and revenues. Loan origination costs are capitalized and recognized as a reduction to the gain on loan sale when the loans are sold.
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| Vehicle Inventory | Vehicle Inventory Vehicle inventory consists of used vehicles, primarily acquired directly from customers and at auction. Direct and indirect vehicle reconditioning costs including parts and labor, inbound transportation costs and other incremental overhead costs are capitalized as a component of inventory. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Vehicle inventory cost is determined by specific identification. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price less costs to complete, dispose and transport the vehicles. Selling prices are derived from historical data and trends, such as sales price and inventory turn times of similar vehicles, as well as independent market resources. Each reporting period the Company recognizes any necessary adjustments to reflect vehicle inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value through cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
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| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment Property and equipment consists of land, buildings and improvements, transportation fleet equipment, software, and furniture, fixtures and equipment and is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Repairs and maintenance costs that extend the life or utility of an asset are also capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Costs incurred during construction are capitalized as construction in progress and reclassified to the appropriate fixed asset categories when the project is completed. In addition, interest on borrowings during the active construction period of construction projects is capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Costs incurred during the preliminary project planning phase are charged to expense as incurred. The Company capitalizes direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software. The Company also capitalizes payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the development of software products for internal use, to the extent of the time spent directly on the project. Capitalization of costs begins during the application development stage and ends when the software is available for general use. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are charged to expense as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining lease term or the following estimated useful lives:
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets | Goodwill and Intangible Assets Intangible assets are recognized and recorded at their acquisition date fair values. Definite-lived intangible assets consist of developed technology, customer relationships, and non-compete agreements and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The Company determined the useful lives of its definite-lived intangible assets based on multiple factors including technological obsolescence, the make-up of the acquired customer base and expected attrition, and the period over which expected cash flows are used to measure the fair value of the intangible asset at acquisition. The Company periodically reassesses the useful lives of its definite-lived intangible assets when events or circumstances indicate that useful lives have significantly changed from the previous estimate. No impairment charges related to intangible assets were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, or 2020. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually during the second quarter or more frequently when events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company has one operating segment, which is its reporting unit; therefore, management analyzes goodwill associated with all of its operations when analyzing for potential impairment. When conducting annual or interim impairment assessments, if applicable, a two-step process is used. First, an optional qualitative evaluation is performed as to whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Company's sole reporting unit is less than its carrying value, using an assessment of relevant events and circumstances. In performing this assessment, the Company is required to make assumptions and judgments including, but not limited to, an evaluation of macroeconomic conditions as they relate to the business, industry and market trends, as well as the overall future financial performance of the reporting unit. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, no additional tests are performed. However, if the Company concludes otherwise or elects not to perform the qualitative assessment, the Company performs a second step consisting of a quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment. This assessment requires the Company to compare the fair value of its reporting unit with its carrying value, which was negative as of December 31, 2022. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge will be recognized. In performing this assessment, the Company is required to make assumptions and judgments including, but not limited to, financial projections, discount rate, and future market conditions.
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| Leases | Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception by evaluating if the asset is explicitly or implicitly identified or distinct, if the Company will receive substantially all of the economic benefit or if the lessor has an economic benefit and the ability to substitute the asset. Right-of-use ("ROU") assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. The Company assesses whether the lease is an operating or finance lease at its inception. Operating lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. To calculate the present value, the Company uses the implicit rate in the lease when readily determinable. However, the Company's leases generally do not provide an implicit rate and it uses its incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is based on collateralized borrowings of similar assets with terms that approximate the lease term when available and when collateralized rates are not available, it uses uncollateralized rates with similar terms adjusted for the fact that it is an unsecured rate. The operating lease ROU asset is the initial lease liability adjusted for any prepayments, initial indirect costs incurred by the Company, and lease incentives. The Company's operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company's finance leases are included in property and equipment and long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
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| Securitizations and Variable Interest Entities | Securitizations and Variable Interest Entities The Company reviews subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as other entities, to determine if they should be considered VIEs, and whether it should change the consolidation determinations based on changes in their characteristics. The Company considers an entity a VIE if its equity investors own an interest therein that lacks the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or if such investors do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or if the entity is structured with non-substantive voting interests. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company evaluates whether it has variable interests in the VIE and if so, if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE on an ongoing basis. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company sponsors asset-backed securitization transactions. These transactions often result in the creation of securitization trusts, which are VIEs. To comply with Regulation RR of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the "Risk Retention Rules") the Company retains at least a 5% interest in the credit risk of the underlying finance receivables, which it accomplishes by retaining at least a 5% interest in each security issued by the securitization trusts. Typically, this includes notes and certificates, which are presented as beneficial interests in securitizations on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
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| Revenue Recognition and Shipping and Handling | Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the five-step model prescribed by ASC 606 that includes: (1) identify the contract; (2) identify the performance obligations; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) performance obligations are satisfied. Retail Vehicle Sales The Company sells retail vehicles directly to its customers through its website. The prices of retail vehicles are set forth in the customer contracts at stand-alone selling prices which are agreed upon prior to delivery. The Company satisfies its performance obligation for retail vehicle sales upon delivery when the risks and rewards of ownership and control pass to the customer. The Company recognizes revenue at the agreed upon purchase price stated in the contract, including any delivery charges, less an estimate for returns. Estimates for returns are based on an analysis of historical experience, trends and sales data. Changes in these estimates are reflected as an adjustment to revenue in the period identified. The amount of consideration received for retail vehicle sales includes noncash consideration representing the value of trade-in vehicles, if applicable, as stated in the contract. Prior to the delivery of the vehicle, the payment is received or financing has been arranged. Payments from customers that finance their purchases with third parties are typically due and collected within 30 days of delivery of the retail vehicle. Revenue excludes any sales taxes, title and registration fees, and other government fees that are collected from customers. Wholesale Sales and Revenues The Company sells vehicles to wholesalers. These vehicles sold to wholesalers are primarily acquired from customers and do not meet the Company’s quality standards to list and sell through its website. The Company satisfies its performance obligation for wholesale sales and revenues when the wholesale purchaser obtains control of the underlying vehicle, which is upon delivery or pick up at an auction when the transfer of title, risks and rewards of ownership, and control pass to the wholesale purchaser. The Company recognizes revenue at the amount it expects to receive for the used wholesale vehicle, which is the fixed price determined at the auction, or for wholesale marketplace transactions, at the amount it expects to receive for auction fees charged in facilitating the transaction. The purchase price of the wholesale vehicle is typically due and collected within 30 days of delivery of the wholesale vehicle and auction fees are typically due within two days of a completed sale. Other Sales and Revenues Other sales and revenues include gains on the sales of finance receivables, commissions on VSCs, GAP waiver coverage, and customer insurance and interest income received on finance receivables prior to selling them to investors. Customers purchasing retail vehicles from the Company may enter into contracts for VSCs and, if they finance with the Company, GAP waiver coverage. The prices of VSCs and GAP waiver coverage are set forth in each contract. The Company sells and receives a commission on VSCs under a master dealer agreement with DriveTime, pursuant to which the Company sells VSCs that DriveTime administers and is the obligor. The Company receives a commission on GAP waiver coverage contracts where the administrator of the contract is obligated to reimburse the holder of the underlying finance receivable for a balance that is in excess of the value of the financed vehicle in the event of a total loss. The Company recognizes commission revenue at the time of sale, net of a reserve for estimated contract cancellations. GAP waiver coverage contracts obligate whoever holds the underlying finance receivable to not attempt collection of a balance that is in excess of the value of the financed vehicle in the event of a total loss. GAP waiver coverage is recognized as the performance obligation is satisfied over the period of coverage, generally on a straight-line basis over the expected period the outstanding balance of the related finance receivable will exceed the value of the financed vehicle, less a reserve for cancellations. Upon selling the corresponding finance receivable, the Company recognizes any remaining deferred revenue. The reserve for cancellations of VSCs and GAP waiver coverage contracts is estimated based upon historical experience and recent trends and is reflected as a reduction of other sales and revenues. Changes in these estimates are reflected as an adjustment to other sales and revenues in the period identified. Under the master dealer agreement with DriveTime, the Company is also contractually entitled to receive profit-sharing revenues based on the performance of the VSCs once a required claims period has passed. This is a form of variable consideration the Company recognizes as revenue to the extent that it is probable that it will not result in a significant revenue reversal. The Company applies the expected value method, utilizing expected VSC performance based on historical claims and cancellation data from its customers, as well as other qualitative assumptions to estimate the amount it expects to receive. The Company reassesses the estimate each reporting period with any changes reflected as an adjustment to other sales and revenues in the period identified. Profit-sharing payments will begin when the underlying VSCs reach a specified level of claims history. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had ending receivables of approximately $8 million and $19 million, respectively, related to cumulative profit-sharing payments recognized as revenue to which it expects to be entitled. The receivables are included in other current assets and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company accounts for sales of finance receivables in accordance with ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets ("ASC 860"). ASC 860 states that a transfer of an entire financial asset, a group of entire financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial asset in which the transferor surrenders control over those financial assets is accounted for as a sale only if all of the following conditions are met: •The transferred financial assets have been isolated from the transferor - put presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership. •Each transferee has the right to pledge or exchange the assets (or beneficial interests) it received, and no condition both constrains the transferee (or third-party holder of its beneficial interests) from taking advantage of its right to pledge or exchange the asset and provides more than a trivial benefit to the transferor. •The transferor, its consolidated affiliates included in the financial statements being presented or its agents do not maintain effective control over the transferred financial assets or third-party beneficial interests related to those transferred assets. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, all transfers of finance receivables met the requirements for sale treatment. The Company records the gain on the sale of a finance receivable upon receipt of proceeds, in an amount equal to the fair value of the net proceeds received less the carrying amount of the finance receivable. The Company has made customary representations related to the sales of finance receivables. Any significant estimated post-sale obligations or contingent obligations to the purchaser of the receivables would be accrued if probable and estimable in accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies. Any such obligations are considered in the Company's determination of the accounting for the transfers of the finance receivables under ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets. Shipping and HandlingThe Company's logistics costs related to transporting its used vehicle inventory include fuel, maintenance, and depreciation related to operating its own transportation fleet, and third-party transportation fees. The portion of these costs related to inbound transportation from the point of acquisition to the inspection and reconditioning center are capitalized to inventory and then included in cost of sales when the related used vehicle is sold.
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| Cost of Sales | Cost of Sales Cost of sales includes the cost to acquire used vehicles and direct and indirect vehicle reconditioning costs associated with preparing the vehicles for resale. Vehicle reconditioning costs include parts, labor, inbound transportation costs, and other incremental overhead costs, which are allocated to inventory via specific identification and standard costing. Occupancy and labor costs not related to vehicle acquisition or reconditioning, including those incurred in connection with expanding production capacity, are expensed as incurred as a component of selling, general and administrative expense. Cost of sales also includes any necessary adjustments to reflect vehicle inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
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| Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses | Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses primarily include compensation and benefits, advertising, depreciation expense, facilities costs, technology expenses, logistics and fulfillment expenses, and other administrative expenses. SG&A expenses exclude the costs related to reconditioning vehicles and inbound transportation, which are included in cost of sales, and payroll costs of employees related to the development of software products for internal use, which are capitalized to software and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.
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| Advertising Costs | Advertising CostsAdvertising production costs are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses are included in SG&A expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-Based Compensation | Equity-Based CompensationThe Company classifies equity-based awards granted in exchange for services as either equity awards or liability awards. The classification of an award as either an equity award or a liability award is generally based upon cash settlement options. Equity awards are measured based on the fair value of the award at the grant date. Liability awards are re-measured to fair value each reporting period. The Company recognizes equity-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the award’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award, less actual forfeitures. No compensation expense is recognized for awards for which participants do not render the requisite services. For equity and liability awards earned based on performance or upon occurrence of a contingent event, when and if the awards will be earned is estimated. If an award is not considered probable of being earned, no amount of equity-based compensation is recognized. If the award is deemed probable of being earned, related compensation expense is recorded over the estimated service period. To the extent the estimate of awards considered probable of being earned changes, the amount of equity-based compensation recognized will also change. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Defined Contribution Plan | Defined Contribution PlanThe Company sponsors a qualified 401(k) retirement plan (defined contribution plan) for its employees. The plan covers substantially all employees who have attained the age of 18. Participants may voluntarily contribute to the plan up to the maximum limits established by Internal Revenue Service regulations. The Company provides matching contributions of 40% up to the first 6% of an employee’s compensation, which vests evenly over the employee’s initial five-year service period. On January 1, 2022, the plan was amended whereby prospective participants' employer matching contributions vest evenly over the employee's initial four-year service period. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities | Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company from time to time enters into short-term derivative instruments to manage risks arising from its business operations and economic conditions, primarily cash flow variability that may arise from interest rate changes between the time the Company originates finance receivables and the time it sells them through securitizations. The Company does not designate these derivative instruments as hedges under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging for hedge accounting treatment and as a result they are accounted for as economic hedges. Gains and losses related to the derivative instruments are included within other sales and revenues to follow the presentation of the hedged item within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and any derivative instruments outstanding as of the end of the period are reported at fair value on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
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| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements The fair value of financial instruments is based on estimates using quoted market prices, discounted cash flows, or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and the estimated timing and amount of future cash flows. Therefore, the estimates of fair value may differ substantially from amounts that ultimately may be realized or paid at settlement or maturity of the financial instruments, and those differences may be material. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not represent the Company’s underlying institutional value. The Company uses the three-tier hierarchy established by U.S. GAAP, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value to determine the fair value of its financial instruments. This hierarchy indicates to what extent the inputs used in the Company’s calculations are observable in the market.
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| Segments | Segments Business segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which discrete financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing operating performance. Based on the way the Company manages its business, the Company has determined that it currently operates with one operating segment and therefore one reportable segment. The chief operating decision maker focuses on consolidated results in assessing operating performance and allocating resources. Furthermore, the Company offers similar products and services and uses similar processes to sell those products and services to similar classes of customers throughout the United States ("U.S."). Substantially all revenue is generated and all assets are held in the U.S. for all periods presented.
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| Income Taxes | Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities related to the expected future tax consequences arising from temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities based on enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Any effects of changes in income tax rates or laws are included in income tax expense in t he period of enactment. The Company reduces the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the evidence available, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. In making the assessment under the more likely than not standard, appropriate consideration must be given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. The assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carry forward periods by jurisdiction, the Company's experience with loss carryforwards not expiring unutilized, and all tax planning alternatives that may be available. A valuation allowance is recognized if under applicable accounting standards the Company determines it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets would not be realized.
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| Adoption of New Accounting Standards | Adoption of New Accounting Standards In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2021-08 requires contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606 instead of being recorded at fair value. The Company early adopted ASU 2021-08 in the second quarter of 2022 and it did not have a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements as there were no business combinations affected by the retrospective application to January 1, 2022.
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| Loss Per Share | Basic and diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to Class A common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive shares. For all periods presented, potentially dilutive shares are excluded from diluted net loss per share because they have an anti-dilutive impact. Therefore, basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Class A common stockholders are the same for all periods presented. Net loss for all periods presented is attributable only to Class A common stockholders, due to no activity related to convertible preferred stock during those periods. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||