I don't think it comes off as a sponsored article at all though. In fact, it's very skeptical of Carvana's business model and pricing algorithm throughout the article.
At the heart of every scam is an offer you cant believe to be real. You clearly see how stupid other party is and how your own cleverness will make you some serious $$$.
"look at those idiots overpaying for used cars" is a perfect advertisement for a scam.
"look at those idiots overpaying for used cars" is a perfect advertisement for a scam.