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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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.

Car Purchase
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Can I test drive or reserve multiple cars before visiting a Carsa store?

We allow one reservation or test drive per customer at a time. Reserving a car takes it off sale for others, so we stick to one car per appointment. If you're interested in multiple cars, we'd recommend reserving the one you're most keen on first. If it's not right for you, you can then reserve another.

Car Purchase
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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.

Car Purchase
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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.

Car Purchase
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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.

Car Purchase
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Can I add my personal number plate to my new car before it's delivered?

We can help with that. Typically, your car will initially be registered with its existing number plate. To add your personal plate, you’d go through the normal DVLA process. We’ll act on your behalf to facilitate the transfer if you’d like – just let us know. You’d need to pay any DVLA fees for the plate transfer. Usually, we’ll deliver the car with the original plate, and then help you swap to your private plate soon after.

Car Purchase
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Do you allow walk-ins at a Carsa Store?

We do prefer that you book an appointment, because our cars are kept secure and we prepare them for scheduled viewings. You’re welcome to drop in, but if you haven’t booked, we can’t guarantee the specific car you want to see will be readily available or on-site. To avoid any wait or disappointment, it’s best to arrange a viewing/test drive slot beforehand.

Car Purchase
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Can I book an appointment at a Carsa Store?

Yes – you can schedule an appointment to visit a Carsa Store. In fact, we recommend booking an appointment (especially for test drives) so we can ensure the car you’re interested in is ready and waiting for you. You can book online through our website or simply give us a call, and we’ll set up a convenient time for you.

Car Purchase
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How do I apply for finance?

We’ll start with a quick pre‑qualification to estimate the APR you’re likely to be offered. You can run this check yourself on our website or call us and we’ll do it with you. Once you’re happy, we’ll complete the full finance application together over the phone.

How does part-exchange work?

Part-exchange is simple: you tell us about your current car (either online via a form or in-person at a branch) and we give you a valuation for it. This is usually a no-obligation quote based on the car’s details (age, mileage, condition, etc.). If you’re happy with it, you can then proceed with the trade-in as part of buying your new car. When it’s time to hand over, you bring your old car to us. We inspect it to ensure its condition matches what was described, finalize the trade-in paperwork, and then the agreed part-exchange value is deducted from the price of your new Carsa car.

How will my monthly payments work?

Your monthly payments will be set up as a direct debit with the finance lender. Typically, you’ll select or be assigned a monthly due date (for example, the 1st of each month). After you sign the finance agreement and take the car, the first payment usually comes out about one month later. From then, it’s an automatic monthly debit from your bank account for the agreed amount, on the same date each month, until the finance term is complete.

How much is my monthly payment?

The monthly payment depends on the car price, your deposit, the finance term, and the interest rate. Each car on our website can show an example finance quote with an estimated monthly payment. For a precise figure, we’d tailor a quote to your situation. We’d need to know how much (if anything) you want to put down, which car you are interested in and over how many years. For PCP we would also need to know your annual mileage. Then we can tell you exactly what the monthly cost would be.

When will my CarsaCover payments start?

If you're paying upfront, it's paid at the time you purchase the policy (usually when you buy the car). If you're paying via a monthly plan or as part of your car finance, then the payments will start alongside your car finance payments – typically one month after you collect the car. Essentially, there's no delay: you'll either pay at purchase or your installments will begin in the first billing cycle after the sale.

Will my data be shared with Assurant?

Yes, if you take out a CarsaCover policy, we will share the necessary information with Assurant (the underwriter) to set up and administer your cover. Your personal data will be handled securely and only used for the purposes of providing the insurance/warranty service. We don't share data beyond what's required for your policy.

What is CarsaCover?

CarsaCover is the name of our extended warranty and insurance package offerings. It refers to the optional plans you can get for added peace of mind after the standard 90-day warranty. Under CarsaCover, there are products like extended mechanical breakdown warranty, as well as cosmetic protection plans (like scratch & dent, alloy wheel cover, tyre insurance, etc.). It’s basically our suite of aftercare insurance products to help cover you against unexpected costs.

Does Carsa offer delivery?

Yes. Carsa offers optional home delivery across most of mainland UK. We use a trusted logistics partner to provide this service, and the fee we charge simply covers what they charge us to move the vehicle safely to your address. If you choose home delivery, there is an additional delivery fee to cover the transport cost. The amount depends on the distance (we’ll let you know the exact fee upfront before you commit). If you opt to collect the car from one of our branches, there’s no fee for collection. So, collection is free, and delivery has a charge which varies by location.

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