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.

Can I sell my car to Carsa if I have outstanding finance

If your car has outstanding finance, you can only sell your car to Carsa if you are part exchanging. This means you must also buy a car from Carsa.

Do you charge any fees when selling my car to Carsa?

No, our valuation and vehicle purchase service is completely free with no hidden fees.

What condition does my car need to be in for you to purchase it?

We purchase vehicles in various conditions however the condition will affect the valuation. We look for vehicles that are roadworthy safe and legally drivable with no significant accident damage or modifications.

Do you purchase commercial vehicles or only private cars?

We do not purchase commercial vehicles from customers.

What happens if there is an error on my V5 document?

If you notice an error on your V5 you will need to apply for a corrected version through the DVLA before we can complete the purchase. You can do this online at https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book

My car has no service history as it is relatively new and is not yet due its first service - what shall I do?

Please use the Not Yet Due option within our valuation process.

Do you buy cars with mechanical faults or accident damage?

We assess each vehicle individually. Minor mechanical issues or cosmetic damage may be acceptable though this will be reflected in the valuation. We will not be able to purchase your vehicle if there are significant mechanical faults, accident damage or structural damage.

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.

How does car finance with a guarantor work?

A guarantor is someone who agrees to be responsible for your car finance payments if you can't make them — essentially a safety net for the lender. They're typically a close friend or family member with a good credit history, usually over 21, and often a homeowner. Guarantor finance can help if you have a limited or poor credit history, as lenders feel more confident approving the loan with that extra security. However, guarantor car finance isn't that common these days — most finance providers don't offer it. If you're concerned about eligibility, we'd recommend trying our free soft credit check first (it won't affect your credit score), or considering a larger deposit to improve your chances.