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 is the Tyre & Alloy Maintenance Plan?

An optional quarterly inspection plan covering puncture repairs (and up to 5 tyre replacements) plus minor alloy scuff repairs or contributions toward replacements.

What makes Carsa different from other used car sellers?

You get rigorous inspections, transparent history, a free warranty, and friendly nationwide service. Our prices are also on average £700 below the market average.

Are there any extra fees I should be aware of?

Just a clear £149 admin fee covering inspection, HPI certificate, DVLA registration and the 3‑month warranty. All optional extras are quoted up‑front.

How does Carsa ensure its used cars are high quality?

Every Carsa vehicle undergoes a thorough vehicle inspection and has an Autotrader provenance check so you can trust its condition and background.

Do Carsa vehicles come with an MOT and service history?

All cars are sold with a valid MOT. Any available service history is provided, and our team is transparent about prior usage so you know exactly what you’re buying.

Are Carsa’s cars history‑checked (Auto Trader Provenance Check)?

Yes. We run an official Autotrader Provenance Check. This confirm that there is no outstanding finance, theft or write‑off history, and to verify mileage.

Can I extend or upgrade my warranty?

Yes. You can add an Extended Warranty at the point of purchase — a one-off price for 12, 24, 36 or 48 months of cover on top of your free 90-day warranty, administered by AutoProtect. There's a dedicated EV Extended Warranty for electric vehicles too. It's optional, and your Carsa team will talk you through the options and price at handover.

How does the Reserve & Collect process work?

Reserve a car online with a small refundable deposit. We prepare it (usually 3–5 days) and schedule your hand‑over for collection or delivery.

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.

What if my car has a private plate?

If you want to keep it, you'll need to put it on retention with the DVLA before handover. If not, we can leave it on the car, just let us know your preference and we'll handle the rest. You can remove your private plate here: https://www.gov.uk/personalised-vehicle-registration-numbers/take-private-number-off

What if my car has damage or modifications?

We assess each vehicle individually. Minor cosmetic damage or modifications may be acceptable and will be reflected in your valuation. However, we're unable to purchase vehicles with significant mechanical faults, accident damage, or structural damage. Please provide accurate details during the valuation process so we can give you an accurate quote.

What if it doesn't have a full service history?

We can still value and purchase your vehicle without a full service history. During the valuation process, you can select 'Partial Service History' if some records are missing, or 'No Service History' if you have none. This may affect your valuation, but it won't prevent us from buying your car.

Can I part exchange a car that's not in my name?

Yes, that's fine, as long as there's no outstanding finance. The person named on the V5C just needs to be present at handover and sign a quick consent form.

Can I part exchange if my car's on finance?

Yes, you can. We'll help you settle any remaining finance using the value of your current car. If your car's worth more than what you owe, the leftover amount goes towards your next one. If it's worth less, you can just pay the difference upfront.

Can I put my part exchange value towards a finance deal?

Definitely. Once we've valued your car, that amount can be used as a deposit towards your new finance plan with us, it's all taken care of automatically.