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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Who can I contact if I need help or have questions?

Our sales team & customer care team are available to call on 0330 040 1031.


If you have a question about buying a car email sales@carsa.co.uk.

If you would like to raise an issue please do so at http://go.carsa.co.uk/cc

Car Purchase
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What payment methods do you accept?

Deposits up to £200 can be paid by card; balances must be by bank transfer or finance. We cannot accept large cash payments.

Car Purchase
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Can I add extras like paint protection or a dash cam?

Yes. Options include GardX lifetime paint/interior protection, Nextbase dash cams, and a Tyre & Alloy Care Plan. After placing your order you can discuss these options with a representative.

Car Care
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Do you offer financing options for buying a car?

We’re FCA‑authorised and work with several lenders to offer HP or PCP finance. You can also use outside finance (a separate admin fee may apply).

Car Purchase
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Is the car taxed and insured when I buy it?

You'll need to arrange road tax and insurance from the day you take ownership. When you collect the car, our team will help you tax it on-site using the document reference number we have on record – it only takes a couple of minutes. We handle the DVLA registration transfer for you.

Car Purchase
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Do you offer dash cams or other accessories with the car?

Yes. We can supply and install Nextbase front‑and‑rear dash cams and other accessories like tailored mats—just let us know at checkout.

Car Purchase
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What is GardX paint and interior protection?

GardX is a nano‑coating applied by professionals that forms a durable ‘second skin’ over paint and fabric/leather, backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Car Care
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Can I test drive or inspect the car before I commit to buying?

Definitely. Your reservation guarantees an exclusive test‑drive appointment with no obligation. If it’s not right, you walk away and we refund the deposit.

Car Purchase
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EV? ICE? Hybrid? Plug-in Hybrid? What does it all mean?

It's an alphabet soup out there, so here's the plain-English version. There are three main types of vehicle we sell, and the easiest way to tell them apart is to ask one question: do you plug it in, and what powers it?

ICE — Internal Combustion Engine. The traditional setup: a petrol or diesel engine, no electric motor, no plug. This is what most cars on the road still are. You fill up at the pump and go.

EV — Electric Vehicle (sometimes called fully electric or battery electric). Runs purely on a battery and electric motor — no petrol or diesel involved at all. You charge it by plugging it in, either at home or at a public charger. Cheaper to run per mile and nothing coming out of the exhaust, but you'll want to think about where you'll charge it.

Hybrid — A mix of both worlds: a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor with a battery. The car decides when to use each to save fuel. Hybrids break down into two types, and the difference comes down to whether you plug them in.

Self-charging / mild hybrid — You never plug these in; they charge their own battery as you drive (partly through braking). Some are tuned for fuel efficiency, others for a bit of extra poke and smoother stop-start running — many BMWs, for example, use a mild hybrid setup for exactly that. Think of it as a petrol or diesel car that's given a helping hand by a small electric system.

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) — As the name suggests, you plug these in to charge a bigger battery. That lets you drive a decent distance on electric alone (usually somewhere in the region of 20–40 miles, depending on the car) before the engine takes over for longer journeys. Great if you've got a short daily commute you can do on electric but still want the engine there for longer trips and no range worries.

The quick way to remember it: ICE never plugs in and has no electric help. Self-charging and mild hybrids never plug in but charge themselves. Plug-in hybrids plug in but keep the engine as backup. EVs only plug in, with no engine at all.

Do I need to cancel my direct debits for road tax or insurance?

Yes. Once the sale is complete contact your insurance company to cancel your policy. The DVLA will automatically cancel your road tax and refund any full months remaining. Cancel any direct debits to avoid being charged again though you should wait until you have received your tax refund first.

How long is my guaranteed valuation valid for?

Your guaranteed valuation is valid for 7 days from the date it is issued provided the vehicles condition and details remain as described.

What happens after I accept your offer?

Once you accept our guaranteed valuation you will be able to select your preferred handover appointment time. You will receive a confirmation email with details of what to bring and what to expect on the day.

What happens at my appointment?

The process typically takes 30-45 minutes. We will inspect your vehicle verify your ID via YOTI then complete the paperwork and payment if you are happy to proceed.

What is my instant valuation based on?

Your instant valuation assumes your vehicle is in good condition with no mechanical issues has a full service history, no modifications and no missing items (keys manuals parcel shelf etc.). Your final valuation may be higher or lower depending on what we find at inspection.

What if I only have one key for my vehicle?

We can still purchase your vehicle with one key though having both keys and any spare fobs does help maximize your valuation. Please bring all keys you have available to your appointment.

Can I sell a vehicle with outstanding parking fines or penalties?

Any outstanding fines or penalties remain the responsibility of the registered keeper. We recommend settling these before your appointment to avoid any complications with the DVLA during the ownership transfer.

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