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.

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.

Will I receive confirmation of the sale?

Yes you will receive an email receipt once the sale is complete including details of the transaction and payment as well as our Terms and Conditions.

What is the difference between an instant and guaranteed valuation?

An instant valuation gives you an estimated price based on the information you provide online and some presumptions we have made about your vehicle. A guaranteed valuation is our detailed offer after you have shared additional information with us and this is the amount we commit to paying subject to the vehicle matching the details provided at your handover inspection.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Please bring your vehicle, your photo card driving licence and your V5C logbook. Please bring all service records you have for your vehicle. We would also recommend giving your car a clean beforehand as it helps us assess the condition more accurately.

Do I need to inform my insurance company before the handover?

You should maintain insurance on your vehicle until the sale is complete. After your handover appointment contact your insurance company to cancel your policy. You may be entitled to a refund for any remaining months of coverage.

Can I get car finance with bad credit, CCJs, IVAs or bankruptcy?

Having a poor credit history doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be declined. At Carsa, we work with a wide panel of lenders, some of whom specialise in customers with CCJs, IVAs or even past bankruptcies. Approval can be more challenging, and you may be asked for extra proof of income, or, in the case of an IVA, consent from your insolvency company.

The best way to check is to use our free finance eligibility tool. It shows you your options instantly without leaving a mark on your credit file.

How can I get car finance?

At Carsa, we make it easy to apply for finance in the way that suits you best. You can:

Apply online by finding a car on site and then selecting Reserve & Collect
Speak with a specialist over the phone for tailored advice.
Visit a Carsa showroom and apply in person.

Lenders will normally check your income, credit profile, and ID, and may ask for extra documents such as bank statements or payslips. If you’re unsure whether you’ll be accepted, our free eligibility tool is the best place to start. It won’t affect your credit score, and it gives you a clear idea of your options.

How much warranty is left on the car I’m looking to buy?

Cars come with a manufacturer warranty when new, usually lasting a set number of years or miles. How much cover is left will depend on the car’s age, mileage and the manufacturer’s terms, so we can’t guarantee this for every vehicle. The best way to confirm the exact cover is to check directly with the manufacturer.

If you’d like extra cover, we have warranty products available at the time of purchase.

How many keys will my new car come with?

A lot of our vehicles do come with two keys, but we can only guarantee that each car has at least one. If the car has two keys, we’ll provide both.Because keys can occasionally be misplaced or damaged during transport or preparation, we can only confirm the exact number at the point of test drive. To secure your car for a test drive, simply find it on our website and book with a refundable deposit.

Can I see the battery health report for a specific electric vehicle?

Yes. We check the battery health of the electric cars we sell on site, as part of our standard inspection, so you can see how the battery's doing before you buy.

Electric cars use manufacturer-made batteries that are designed to last many years, and they're carefully managed with cooling systems and safety margins to keep them in good shape. Battery health is measured as State of Health (SoH), a percentage showing how much of the battery's original capacity it's still holding. A new battery is 100%, and a gentle drop over the years is completely normal.

You'll find each car's State of Health on its page. If you'd like to go through a particular car's battery in more detail, leave an enquiry and the team will be happy to help.

Do you offer cashback on a part exchange

There are a few scenarios where we would offer cash back on a part exchange, for example if the car you are buying is worth less than your part exchange. If you have a specific question about your situation, then please give us a call.To initiate the process, find the car you want to book on our website and book a handover with our online booking tool.

How long does it take to remove a private plate and return to the original?

If you apply online, the change can often be completed immediately. By post, it usually takes 2–6 weeks, but can be as quick as 3 days. If the DVLA needs to inspect your car, it may take longer.

Can I put a private plate on a car with finance?

Yes, but you’ll need permission from your finance company before making the change.