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.

How will I receive payment for my vehicle when selling my car to Carsa?

Payment is processed on the day of your appointment once the sale is complete. Funds are typically transferred directly to your bank account and should arrive within minutes, though in some cases it may take up to 24 hours depending on your bank.

What do your warranty products cover?

Every Carsa car comes with a free 90-day warranty as standard. On top of that you can add an Extended Warranty for petrol, diesel and hybrid cars, or a specialist EV Extended Warranty for electric vehicles — both administered by AutoProtect and covering major mechanical and electrical components if they suddenly fail. You can see exactly what's included on each product page: carsa.co.uk/car-care/extended-mechanical-warranty and carsa.co.uk/car-care/electric-vehicle-extended-warranty. These are Mechanical Failure Warranties, not insurance products, and they're optional.

Can I return a car if I change my mind after purchase?

Carsa does not offer a returns policy for change of mind. We encourage customers to take a test drive and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing.

Do I need to book an appointment or can I just turn up to view a car?

We recommend booking an appointment and reserving your vehicle before visiting. Our branches are busy, and booking ensures the car will be at your chosen location and a team member will be available to help you. You can book online via the vehicle page.

Can I buy CarsaCover for a car I didn't purchase from Carsa?

No, CarsaCover is only available for cars purchased from Carsa.

Do you offer drive away insurance?

We don't have an affiliated insurance partner, but many customers use Cuvva for short-term cover — they offer policies from 1 day up to a year.

Are there age restrictions for test drives?

Yes, to take a test drive you must: be over 21 years old, have held your driving licence for at least 1 year, have not been involved in an accident in the last 3 years, have not been banned or excluded from driving, and have no more than 6 points on your licence. All test drives are accompanied by a member of our team. Please bring your driving licence with you.

How does the finance eligibility checker work?

Our free eligibility checker takes about 30 seconds and uses a soft credit check — so it won't affect your credit score. You'll need to provide your monthly budget, personal details (name, date of birth, contact info), address history for the last 3 years, and employment status. You'll then see your chance of approval, a personalised APR estimate, which finance types (HP or PCP) you may be eligible for, and an estimate of how much car you can afford based on your budget. These results are a guide to help you understand your options before you apply.

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.