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.

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.

How much can I claim on my extended warranty?

There's no cap on the number of claims during your agreement. On a standard extended warranty each claim can be up to the purchase price of your car; on the EV extended warranty each claim is paid up to £5,000.

How much does the extended warranty cost?

It's a one-off price with no monthly billing. For petrol, diesel and hybrid cars it's £699 for 12 months, £1,099 for 24, £1,399 for 36 and £1,699 for 48 months. EV cover is £999 for 24 months, £1,199 for 36 and £1,399 for 48. Prices can vary for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles and cars over £30,000 — your Carsa team will confirm the exact figure at handover.

Is the Carsa extended warranty an insurance product?

No. It's a Mechanical Failure Warranty — not an insurance product, and not regulated by the FCA. It covers the cost of repairing covered components if they suddenly fail, and it's completely optional. Every Carsa car also comes with a free 90-day warranty as standard.

EV? ICE? Hybrid? Plug-in Hybrid? What does it all mean?

It's an alphabet soup out there, so here's the plain-English version. There are three main types of vehicle we sell, and the easiest way to tell them apart is to ask one question: do you plug it in, and what powers it?

ICE — Internal Combustion Engine. The traditional setup: a petrol or diesel engine, no electric motor, no plug. This is what most cars on the road still are. You fill up at the pump and go.

EV — Electric Vehicle (sometimes called fully electric or battery electric). Runs purely on a battery and electric motor — no petrol or diesel involved at all. You charge it by plugging it in, either at home or at a public charger. Cheaper to run per mile and nothing coming out of the exhaust, but you'll want to think about where you'll charge it.

Hybrid — A mix of both worlds: a petrol or diesel engine and an electric motor with a battery. The car decides when to use each to save fuel. Hybrids break down into two types, and the difference comes down to whether you plug them in.

Self-charging / mild hybrid — You never plug these in; they charge their own battery as you drive (partly through braking). Some are tuned for fuel efficiency, others for a bit of extra poke and smoother stop-start running — many BMWs, for example, use a mild hybrid setup for exactly that. Think of it as a petrol or diesel car that's given a helping hand by a small electric system.

Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) — As the name suggests, you plug these in to charge a bigger battery. That lets you drive a decent distance on electric alone (usually somewhere in the region of 20–40 miles, depending on the car) before the engine takes over for longer journeys. Great if you've got a short daily commute you can do on electric but still want the engine there for longer trips and no range worries.

The quick way to remember it: ICE never plugs in and has no electric help. Self-charging and mild hybrids never plug in but charge themselves. Plug-in hybrids plug in but keep the engine as backup. EVs only plug in, with no engine at all.

Does the car still have any manufacturer's warranty left?

Your car may still have some manufacturer's warranty remaining, but we can't verify it — we don't have access to the manufacturers' systems, and things like servicing or previous repairs can affect it. It's worth checking with the manufacturer directly if you have any questions. If you'd like, we can also provide additional warranty to cover the car.

Do I need to cancel my direct debits for road tax or insurance?

Yes. Once the sale is complete contact your insurance company to cancel your policy. The DVLA will automatically cancel your road tax and refund any full months remaining. Cancel any direct debits to avoid being charged again though you should wait until you have received your tax refund first.

How long is my guaranteed valuation valid for?

Your guaranteed valuation is valid for 7 days from the date it is issued provided the vehicles condition and details remain as described.

What happens after I accept your offer?

Once you accept our guaranteed valuation you will be able to select your preferred handover appointment time. You will receive a confirmation email with details of what to bring and what to expect on the day.