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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Will a private plate affect my insurance?

Normally, no — private plates don’t affect your premium, as insurers don’t treat them as a modification. Still, it’s best to confirm with your provider.

Part Exchange
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I’m part exchanging but have lost my V5

You will need your V5 to part exchange a car with Carsa. You can apply for a new V5 on the DVLA website

Part Exchange
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I’ve booked an appointment, what do I need to bring?

You’ll need to bring your driving licence. If you’re part exchanging, please also bring your V5, service documents, and spare key. If you’re part exchanging and have a private plate, please refer to this FAQ about part exchanging with a private plate

Car Purchase
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Can I buy a car on finance at a Carsa Store?

Absolutely. If you visit a Carsa branch, our team can help you set up finance on the spot. The process is the same as online: we’ll gather some details and submit the application to our lenders. You can then sign the finance agreement digitally or in person once approved. So even at the store, you can purchase a car with a finance plan.

Finance
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Can I change my finance application?

If you haven’t finalized your finance agreement yet, yes, we can adjust the application. For example, if you want to change the deposit amount or the length of the term or even the type of finance, we can work that out (it might mean doing a new quote or application, but it’s doable before signing). However, if you’ve already been approved and signed the agreement, changing it would mean cancelling that agreement (which usually you can do in the early cooling-off period) and starting a new one – not an ideal route unless necessary. So definitely speak up about any changes you want before you sign the finance contract. We’re pretty flexible up to that point.

Finance
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Where’s my PIN to complete e-signing?

When you’re completing the finance e-sign process, the PIN is usually sent via text message to your mobile phone. It’s a one-time code from the lender to confirm it’s you signing the contract. So, check your phone for an SMS from the lender (or sometimes an email if they use that method). If you still can’t find it, let us or the lender know, and they can resend the PIN. It’s a security step – they typically send a 4 or 6 digit code that you then enter to finalize the e-signature.

Finance
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I’ve changed my mind about part-exchanging – what now?

If you haven’t finalized the purchase yet, just tell us that you no longer want to part-exchange. We can adjust the deal so that you keep your car and pay the full price for the new car (minus any deposit you still want to put in). If you already handed over your part-exchange and completed everything, then the transaction is done and we typically wouldn’t unwind it. But if it’s before or during paperwork, you can back out of the part-exchange portion and we’ll recalculate the transaction without it.

Part Exchange
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When does my contract end?

Your finance contract will end once you’ve made all scheduled payments (and paid any final balloon payment if it’s a PCP). For example, if you took a 48-month term, it ends after the 48th payment (or when the balloon is settled). The specific end date will be listed on your finance agreement. You can also contact your lender to find out the exact date or remaining payments. In short, it ends when the loan is fully paid according to the agreement.

Finance
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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sales@carsa.co.uk

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