FAQs

Got Questions? We’ve got answers. Whether you’re buying your first car or trading in your old car, we’re here to make it simple. Explore our FAQs for quick, honest answers about Carsa’s process, prep, finance, handover, and more.

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How often do I need to get my car serviced?

You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific car. Generally, most cars need servicing roughly once a year or every 10,000-12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Some newer models have service indicators that count down based on usage. The key is regular maintenance – at least annually – to keep things running smoothly. During your purchase, we can advise when the next service is due for your car, and after that just stick to yearly or mileage-based intervals as guided by the car’s handbook.

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Do you offer service plans for ongoing maintenance?

At the moment, we don’t offer pre-paid service plans. You would simply pay for services as you go. We’re here to service your car whenever you need, but we don’t have an ongoing maintenance subscription plan (often called a service plan). So just book in and pay per service as needed.

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When will my next service be due?

It depends on the car’s recommended schedule. Typically, cars should be serviced once a year or roughly every 10,000-12,000 miles (whichever comes first). If we’ve just serviced the car before delivery, your next service would likely be due in about a year from that service date. We’ll let you know the last service date and any upcoming due dates when you purchase the car.

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When will my next MOT be due?

If the car just had an MOT done as part of our prep, then your next MOT is due one year from that date. If it’s a nearly-new car under 3 years old that hasn’t needed an MOT yet, then its first MOT will be due when it turns 3 years old. We’ll let you know the MOT status and date when you buy the car, so you’ll know when to plan for the next one.

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Can I reserve multiple cars before visiting a Carsa Store?

We allow one reservation per customer at a time. Reserving a car takes it off sale for others, so we stick to one car per appointment/reservation. If you’re interested in multiple cars, you can discuss it with us – we might schedule back-to-back appointments so you can see each one. But you wouldn’t typically reserve two cars simultaneously; instead, you’d reserve the one you’re most keen on first.

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Will someone from Carsa come with me on the test drive?

Yes, one of our team members will accompany you on the test drive. They’re there to answer any questions about the car and for insurance purposes. It’s a relaxed ride – the colleague will sit in and guide you if needed, but you’ll get to drive and experience the car yourself.

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Will you fix any previous advisories on the MOT?

We address all critical issues noted during inspection or MOT. If an MOT advisory pointed out something important (like brake pads nearing the limit or a tyre that will need replacement soon), our technicians will assess it. We typically fix safety-related advisories as part of reconditioning. Minor advisories that don’t affect safety might not be immediately fixed, but they will be noted. Rest assured, we won’t let anything that compromises the car’s roadworthiness slip through.

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Will the car be serviced before delivery?

Every car goes through our inspection and reconditioning process. If a routine service is due or overdue, we will carry it out before you get the car. So in practice, yes – if the car needed a service, it will be serviced as part of our prep. That said, not every car will get an oil change if it isn’t due, but we ensure it’s up to date on maintenance when delivered.

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What’s the difference between PCP & HP finance?

PCP usually offers lower monthly payments and greater flexibility if you like to change cars every few years. However, you’ll need to pay a balloon payment if you want to own the car outright. HP has higher monthly payments, but once the final payment is made, the car is automatically yours.

What is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance?

PCP is a more flexible type of finance where part of the cost is deferred into a final “balloon payment” (known as the Guaranteed Future Value). At the end of the agreement, you can choose to:

  • Pay the balloon payment to own the car.
  • Hand the car back, as long as it’s in good condition and within mileage limits.
  • Trade it in for another car, using any value left over as your deposit.

To see how this looks in practice, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator — you can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage to see how payments change.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for PCP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

What is Hire Purchase (HP) finance?

HP is a simple and straightforward type of finance. You pay a deposit, then fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. Once all payments (and any small option-to-purchase fee) have been made, the car is yours. HP is a good option if you know you want to own the car outright at the end of the agreement.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for HP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

Can I get two cars on finance?

Yes, some customers are able to take finance on more than one vehicle, as long as their credit profile and affordability are strong enough. Lenders may ask for extra documents or a clear reason for needing a second car.

Can I get finance with no UK credit history?

Yes, some specialist lenders will consider customers with no UK credit history, although they may ask for additional documents. These can include proof of your right to remain in the UK, two proofs of address, and an international driving licence. 

If you’re unsure, check your eligibility with our finance tool — it’s a simple way to see whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance

Can I get finance if I have negative equity or an existing car on finance?

It can be possible. Some lenders will work with customers who have existing finance or a small amount of negative equity (where the car is worth less than the outstanding balance). For example, if you part-exchange your car, the existing finance can sometimes be settled as part of the new deal.

To understand how much negative equity you have, you can get a part exchange quote on our website by following this link or by calling us up and speaking to an agent.

Can I get car finance without a balloon payment?

Yes. If you’d prefer not to have a balloon (final) payment, a Hire Purchase (HP) agreement might be more suitable. With HP, you make fixed monthly payments until the balance is cleared, and once the final payment is made (plus any small option-to-purchase fee), the car is yours outright.

Are PCP and HP eligibility criteria different?

Yes, they can be. PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) sometimes has stricter criteria, because it involves a larger deferred payment (the optional final payment). HP (Hire Purchase) tends to be more straightforward, as you’re paying the full balance of the car over the term. Ultimately, it depends on the individual lender’s requirements.

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sales@carsa.co.uk

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