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.

Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?

Yes please call us as soon as possible and we will find you a new slot.

Can I sell my car to Carsa if I have outstanding finance

If your car has outstanding finance, you can only sell your car to Carsa if you are part exchanging. This means you must also buy a car from Carsa.

Do you charge any fees when selling my car to Carsa?

No, our valuation and vehicle purchase service is completely free with no hidden fees.

What condition does my car need to be in for you to purchase it?

We purchase vehicles in various conditions however the condition will affect the valuation. We look for vehicles that are roadworthy safe and legally drivable with no significant accident damage or modifications.

Do you purchase commercial vehicles or only private cars?

We do not purchase commercial vehicles from customers.

What happens if there is an error on my V5 document?

If you notice an error on your V5 you will need to apply for a corrected version through the DVLA before we can complete the purchase. You can do this online at https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book

My car has no service history as it is relatively new and is not yet due its first service - what shall I do?

Please use the Not Yet Due option within our valuation process.

Do you buy cars with mechanical faults or accident damage?

We assess each vehicle individually. Minor mechanical issues or cosmetic damage may be acceptable though this will be reflected in the valuation. We will not be able to purchase your vehicle if there are significant mechanical faults, accident damage or structural damage.

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.