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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What is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance?

PCP is a more flexible type of finance where part of the cost is deferred into a final “balloon payment” (known as the Guaranteed Future Value). At the end of the agreement, you can choose to:

  • Pay the balloon payment to own the car.
  • Hand the car back, as long as it’s in good condition and within mileage limits.
  • Trade it in for another car, using any value left over as your deposit.

To see how this looks in practice, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator — you can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage to see how payments change.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for PCP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

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What is Hire Purchase (HP) finance?

HP is a simple and straightforward type of finance. You pay a deposit, then fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. Once all payments (and any small option-to-purchase fee) have been made, the car is yours. HP is a good option if you know you want to own the car outright at the end of the agreement.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for HP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

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Can I get two cars on finance?

Yes, some customers are able to take finance on more than one vehicle, as long as their credit profile and affordability are strong enough. Lenders may ask for extra documents or a clear reason for needing a second car.

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Can I get finance with no UK credit history?

Yes, some specialist lenders will consider customers with no UK credit history, although they may ask for additional documents. These can include proof of your right to remain in the UK, two proofs of address, and an international driving licence. 

If you’re unsure, check your eligibility with our finance tool — it’s a simple way to see whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance

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Can I get finance if I have negative equity or an existing car on finance?

It can be possible. Some lenders will work with customers who have existing finance or a small amount of negative equity (where the car is worth less than the outstanding balance). For example, if you part-exchange your car, the existing finance can sometimes be settled as part of the new deal.

To understand how much negative equity you have, you can get a part exchange quote on our website by following this link or by calling us up and speaking to an agent.

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Can I get car finance without a balloon payment?

Yes. If you’d prefer not to have a balloon (final) payment, a Hire Purchase (HP) agreement might be more suitable. With HP, you make fixed monthly payments until the balance is cleared, and once the final payment is made (plus any small option-to-purchase fee), the car is yours outright.

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Are PCP and HP eligibility criteria different?

Yes, they can be. PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) sometimes has stricter criteria, because it involves a larger deferred payment (the optional final payment). HP (Hire Purchase) tends to be more straightforward, as you’re paying the full balance of the car over the term. Ultimately, it depends on the individual lender’s requirements.

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Can I get good car finance with a large deposit?

A larger deposit usually lowers your monthly payments and may improve your chances of being accepted. However, on PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) agreements, some lenders cap the maximum deposit you can put down. 

If you want to understand how a larger deposit may increase your monthly payments, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator on the page. You can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage (for PCP) to see how the payments change.

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How do I choose the right car for me?

Take your time to think about what matters most to you – like budget, size, fuel type and features. You can browse our stock online using filters (for example, if you need a family SUV or a small city car). We also have friendly advisors who can help discuss options if you’re unsure. Basically, start with what you need from a car, and we’ll help you find a great match.

Can I get a discount for buying at a Carsa Store?

We price all our cars competitively upfront, so you'll get the same great deal whether you buy online or in-store. Our no-haggle pricing means you're already getting our best price, no need to negotiate!

That said, we do run promotions from time to time. You can check out our deals page to see any cars with active offers, but don't wait too long, as these promotions don't tend to stick around for long!

Are your prices negotiable?

Our prices aren’t negotiable. We operate a transparent no-haggle policy – the price you see is our best price. This way, every customer gets the same fair deal without needing to negotiate. We regularly review our prices against the market to keep them competitive, so you can trust you’re getting a good value.

Can I negotiate on the price of a car at a Carsa Store?

No – the price is the same whether you’re at a Carsa Store or online. We have a no-haggle policy, so our prices are fixed and fair. You won’t be able to negotiate a lower price at the store; we’ve already done the work to price it competitively, so you can buy without the back-and-forth.

Can I buy a car at a Carsa Store?

Yes, you can. We have physical Carsa Stores (branches) you can visit. Even though you might browse and reserve online, the actual purchase and handover will happen at one of our stores. At the store, you can view the car, take a test drive (by appointment), and complete the paperwork with our team’s help.

Should I cancel tax and insurance?

Yes, but only after you've handed the car over. It needs to stay taxed and insured up until then, especially if you're still driving it.

Do I need to tell the DVLA after I part exchange?

Yes, once you hand over your car, it's your responsibility to inform the DVLA. You can do this online or by sending them the yellow slip (V5C/3) from your logbook.

Do I need to bring my car to a Carsa store?

If you're collecting your new car in person, yes, bring your part exchange with you. If you're having your new car delivered, we'll arrange to collect your old one when we drop off the new one.

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