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.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
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.

Car Purchase
what-makes-carsa-different-from-other-used-car-sellers
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.

Car Purchase
are-there-any-extra-fees-i-should-be-aware-of
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.

Car Purchase
how-does-carsa-ensure-its-used-cars-are-high-quality
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.

Car Purchase
do-carsa-vehicles-come-with-an-mot-and-service-history
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.

Car Purchase
are-carsas-cars-history-checked-auto-trader-provenance-check
Can I extend or upgrade my warranty?

Absolutely. You can purchase an extended Platinum warranty for up to four extra years of cover beyond the free 3‑month warranty.

Car Purchase
can-i-extend-or-upgrade-my-warranty
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.

Car Purchase
how-does-the-reserve-collect-process-work
This is some text inside of a div block.
What’s the difference between PCP & HP finance?

PCP usually offers lower monthly payments and greater flexibility if you like to change cars every few years. However, you’ll need to pay a balloon payment if you want to own the car outright. HP has higher monthly payments, but once the final payment is made, the car is automatically yours.

What is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance?

PCP is a more flexible type of finance where part of the cost is deferred into a final “balloon payment” (known as the Guaranteed Future Value). At the end of the agreement, you can choose to:

  • Pay the balloon payment to own the car.
  • Hand the car back, as long as it’s in good condition and within mileage limits.
  • Trade it in for another car, using any value left over as your deposit.

To see how this looks in practice, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator — you can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage to see how payments change.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for PCP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

What is Hire Purchase (HP) finance?

HP is a simple and straightforward type of finance. You pay a deposit, then fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. Once all payments (and any small option-to-purchase fee) have been made, the car is yours. HP is a good option if you know you want to own the car outright at the end of the agreement.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for HP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

Can I get two cars on finance?

Yes, some customers are able to take finance on more than one vehicle, as long as their credit profile and affordability are strong enough. Lenders may ask for extra documents or a clear reason for needing a second car.

Can I get finance with no UK credit history?

Yes, some specialist lenders will consider customers with no UK credit history, although they may ask for additional documents. These can include proof of your right to remain in the UK, two proofs of address, and an international driving licence. 

If you’re unsure, check your eligibility with our finance tool — it’s a simple way to see whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance

Can I get finance if I have negative equity or an existing car on finance?

It can be possible. Some lenders will work with customers who have existing finance or a small amount of negative equity (where the car is worth less than the outstanding balance). For example, if you part-exchange your car, the existing finance can sometimes be settled as part of the new deal.

To understand how much negative equity you have, you can get a part exchange quote on our website by following this link or by calling us up and speaking to an agent.

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.

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.

Search for your next car today

Explore our extensive selection of quality used cars and find the perfect match for you.

Talk to a real person, anytime.

Our friendly team is just a message or call away.

Email

Reach us anytime at your convenience.

sales@carsa.co.uk

Phone

Call us for quick support and guidance.

0330 040 1031