re: Would you buy a used car online?

I’ve bought all but one of my cars online and out of state because everyone in Louisiana is too greedy

Become an expert on the car that you want and just use common sense, you will be fine

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Right. Also, you're on the hook for the down payment and loan while they "process" the return.

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And what if you trade in your car? Carvana actually gave us a stunningly high offer on our trade in. Like almost retail price for it, and it's a 2010 model car. Do they hold onto that car until the 7-day window has passed?

Sure, carvana (not sure about vroom) has 7-day return policy too. 99% people buy car off looks (color, style, interior), and assuming they do the interior vacuum/shampoo and mechanically sound.

I have. And will do so again. However, it’s not entirely online as I am looking at pickups at Carmax and have several locations around me I can put a vehicle on hold, and go and test drive it.

And I have no problem buying a used vehicle even though I could buy a new one. The new ones are outrageously overpriced.

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traditional, show up at the dealership, take a test drive, and negotiate in person.

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That is the biggest waste of time I've ever spent in my life.

Why are you worried? There is a purchase warranty, so you get to drive it once delivered.
Their largest business model problem was exactly what your worried about. They have overcome those issues.
They cannot legally lie. It's now a federal offense if egregious enough, since it's a transaction via federal wiring of money, etc.
Carfax, have certified by local mechanic, drive it, etc.

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Not so much worried as trying to do my due diligence. It's a big purchase.

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Agreed. I guess what I'm eluding to is what are your worries that arent resolved thru the seller's policies?
You're gonna see the exterior and interior.
The engine and drivetrain can be tested/certified.
Carfax tells of any collisions/body repairs done.

I know the business. My brother is in used car business for 25 yrs

You are more protected thru these kind of transactions than you are buying in person. When buying in person, a person "puts eyes on it", which lowers their cautiousness and focus.

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What would driving it tell you if you have test driven the same vehicle at a dealer and you know it's the make/model you want?

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Bc the one at the dealer ain't used

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I've been truck shopping lately and, unfortunately, I dont make six figures just yet so I am shopping used trucks.

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Just a word of advice; i’ve made well over six figures for several years now, and i still would never, ever buy a new car or truck.. You generally get far more for your money when buying ‘pre-owned.’

To answer your question, i’ve never bought entirely online, but i have bought from Carmax, and even though they inexplicably get a lot of hate on here, i have had great experiences with them.. what i typically do every few years is i go to their website and search their inventory all over the country for EXACTLY what i want.. people might think ‘Why would you be so picky?’ But the way i see it, if i’m dropping $25k or $30k or whatever on a purchase, i deserve to have exactly what i want, down to specific options, colors, etc...i find what I want, it might be in Chicago or Kansas City- you can have them ship it to your nearest Carmax and pick it up.. or what i did last time is found exactly what i was looking for in Houston, bought a one way ticket from NOLA, flew there and drove it back home.

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Bc the one at the dealer ain't used

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But you now have something to compare it to...noise. handling, etc