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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I’ve changed my mind about part-exchanging – what now?

If you haven’t finalized the purchase yet, just tell us that you no longer want to part-exchange. We can adjust the deal so that you keep your car and pay the full price for the new car (minus any deposit you still want to put in). If you already handed over your part-exchange and completed everything, then the transaction is done and we typically wouldn’t unwind it. But if it’s before or during paperwork, you can back out of the part-exchange portion and we’ll recalculate the transaction without it.

Part Exchange
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When does my contract end?

Your finance contract will end once you’ve made all scheduled payments (and paid any final balloon payment if it’s a PCP). For example, if you took a 48-month term, it ends after the 48th payment (or when the balloon is settled). The specific end date will be listed on your finance agreement. You can also contact your lender to find out the exact date or remaining payments. In short, it ends when the loan is fully paid according to the agreement.

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What deposit do I need to pay?

We’re quite flexible – you can put down as much or as little as you want, even £0 deposit if that suits you. Of course, paying a deposit (like 10% or any amount) will reduce your monthly payments, but if you prefer a zero-deposit deal, that’s possible too, subject to credit approval. So, in short, there’s no fixed required deposit; it depends on what you’re comfortable with and what the finance approval comes back with. Many customers choose to pay something upfront, but it’s not mandatory.

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Once I've been approved for finance on a Carsa car, what are the next steps?

Congrats on the approval! Next, we’ll finalize the paperwork. You’ll likely receive a finance agreement to sign (often electronically). We’ll also arrange the vehicle handover details with you – such as setting a date for collection or delivery and taking any deposit payment if you haven’t paid it yet. Basically, once approved, it’s about signing the contract and then picking up your car. We handle the liaison with the finance company, so after you sign, we draw down the funds from them and you get the car on the agreed date.

Finance
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What happens at the end of my PCP agreement?

At the end of a PCP, you’ve got three options: 1) Pay the final balloon payment to keep the car (this is also called the Guaranteed Future Value payment). If you pay that, the car is yours outright. 2) Hand the car back to the finance company. You’ll hand back the vehicle and, as long as it’s within the agreed mileage and in fair condition, you have nothing more to pay (if it’s exceeded mileage or has excessive damage, charges might apply). 3) Part-exchange the car for a new one – often customers will use any equity (if the car is worth more than the balloon) towards a new car. Basically, you can keep it, hand it back, or trade it in.

Finance
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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.

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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.

Part Exchange
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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can I change or cancel my in-store appointment?

No problem at all. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, just let us know as soon as you can. You can contact the store or our customer support, and we’ll help you reschedule or cancel the booking. We understand that plans change – we’ll work with you to find a new time if needed.

Can you help me choose the right car when I visit a Carsa Store?

Certainly. When you visit a Carsa Store, our team will be more than happy to assist you in finding the right car. You can tell us what you’re looking for (budget, size, features, etc.), and our friendly advisors will help point you towards options that fit your needs. We’re there to make the car-buying process easier for you.

Will I be given any previous service history, MOT certificates or other documents with my car?

Yes, of course. We will hand over any available documents when you get the car. That includes things like the car’s service book or print-out of its service history, the latest MOT certificate (if applicable), and any other papers (like the user manual or spare key info). The V5C logbook will be sent to you by the DVLA after the sale is registered, but everything else we have, we’ll pass to you at collection or delivery.

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