The Carvana vending machine in Gaithersburg. Via Carvana.
There’s a new way to buy a car in Gaithersburg—from a massive vending machine.
The e-commerce company Carvana announced Tuesday it has opened an automated, coin-operated “Car Vending Machine” at its newest location just off I-270 in Gaithersburg.
Customers who purchase a vehicle on carvana.com can go to the vending machine where they get a special commemorative, oversized coin that activates the vending process and puts their new vehicle into the delivery bay to drive away, according to the company.
The vehicles come with a seven-day return policy, enabling customers to have an extended test drive period.
The vending machine builds on the company’s initial business model in the Washington, D.C., area, which launched in 2016 and provides customers with next-day vehicle delivery after they purchase a car online.
“Washington, D.C., residents have welcomed the new way to buy a car for nearly two years,” Ernie Garcia, CEO and founder of Carvana, said in a statement. “Growing our presence on the East Coast is a great way to kick off the summer. We’re looking forward to bringing the fun car-buying experience we’re known for to even more people in the area.”
The vending machine is an eight-story, all-glass tower that holds up to 30 vehicles. The company has 10 other vending machines in cities such as Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Nashville. The Phoenix-based business was founded in 2012.
The Gaithersburg vending machine is at 15710 Shady Grove Road. The machine is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.