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.

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.

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.