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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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How experienced and qualified are Carsa’s technicians?

Our technicians are highly qualified and experienced. They are trained professionals who specialise in inspecting and preparing used cars to a high standard. Every car undergoes a rigorous inspection by our technicians, who have lots of experience in the motor trade. In short, you can trust that knowledgeable, certified mechanics have checked over and serviced your car before sale.

Does Carsa offer GAP insurance?

No, we don’t offer GAP insurance. You would need to arrange GAP insurance separately if you want it.

Do you use manufacturer-approved parts and servicing?

We use high-quality parts that meet or exceed the original manufacturer specifications. Our service centres aren’t tied to a specific manufacturer, but any part we fit (for maintenance or repairs) will be OEM-approved or equivalent quality. So you can be confident that replacements – whether it’s brake pads, filters, or other components – are suitable for your car and won’t affect any remaining manufacturer warranty.

Do I need to be a Carsa customer to have my car serviced?

No – our service centres are open to everyone, not just Carsa customers. Whether you bought the car from us or elsewhere, you can still book it in at a Carsa service centre for maintenance, repairs, or MOTs. We’re happy to help any car owner with servicing.

Can I book a service through Carsa?

Yes. We we partner with HiQ to provide servicing, so you can absolutely book your car in with us for routine servicing. Just visit our Carsa Service website or call the service centre, and you can schedule a service appointment at a location that’s convenient for you. We’ll be happy to continue taking care of your car’s maintenance.

When will I receive the V5 logbook for my Carsa car?

The V5C logbook is sent to you by the DVLA after purchase. It usually takes a few weeks; typically you can expect it within up to 6-12 weeks by mail.

How and when will I receive my car’s service history?

We’ll provide the service history documents to you when you get the car. If it’s digital, we’ll give you a printout or email, and if the car has a service booklet, that will be in the car’s documents pack. Essentially, at the point of handover (collection or delivery), we’ll hand you any service records or tell you how to access them. So you’ll have the history in hand right away.

How much will additional labour and parts cost?

The cost really depends on what needs doing. Labour and parts costs vary by the specific job. If your car needs extra work outside of what’s covered or standard, our service team would give you a quote beforehand. That quote will break down the cost for parts and the labour time involved. There isn’t a flat rate since it could be anything from new brake pads to a more complex repair. Rest assured, we’ll always inform you and get your approval for any additional work and costs.

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sales@carsa.co.uk

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0330 040 1031