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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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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Can I get car finance with no deposit?

Yes, many lenders offer no-deposit finance, meaning you can drive away without paying anything upfront. Keep in mind that putting down a deposit can reduce your monthly payments, so it’s worth experimenting with the calculator on our car pages to see the difference.

If you want to understand how much the monthly payments may be on a vehicle, 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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Can I get a new car with existing finance?

It’s often possible. Some lenders may require you to settle your existing finance agreement first, which can be done by part-exchanging your current car or selling it privately. Others may allow you to take out a second agreement if your credit profile and affordability are strong enough. To see what applies in your case, start with our free eligibility tool.

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What documents do I need for a car finance application?

Most lenders will ask for a valid form of ID (such as a driving licence or passport). You may also be asked for recent proof of address and proof of income, such as payslips or bank statements (usually dated within the last 90 days). Some lenders may request additional documents depending on your circumstances.

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Can I get rid of my car on finance?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to settle the outstanding finance balance first. This can be done in a few different ways:

  • Paying the settlement figure directly to your lender – You can request a settlement figure and pay off the balance in full.
  • Selling the car privately – Use the proceeds from the sale to clear your finance.
  • Part-exchanging your car with us – We’ll settle the finance as part of the new deal, and any equity left over can go towards your next car.

You may also have the option of ending your agreement early under what’s called “voluntary termination.” This is where, once you’ve paid (or are willing to pay) around 50% of the total amount payable on your contract, you can hand the car back and walk away. The exact amount will be shown in your agreement, and you may still be liable for charges such as damage or excess mileage.

If you’re within the first 14 days of signing your finance agreement, you also have a cooling-off period, which allows you to withdraw from the contract without penalty.

The rules vary depending on whether your agreement is PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase), so it’s always best to check with your finance provider. They’ll confirm your settlement figure and explain your options.

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Can I get a payment holiday on car finance?

Whether you can take a payment holiday depends entirely on your finance provider. Some lenders may allow it in certain circumstances, while others may not offer this option at all. If you’re already in an agreement, the best step is to contact your lender directly to discuss what support might be available.

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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.

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