Frequently Asked Questions

Click the relevant heading below for a list of common questions:

About Carsite

How can you sell cars up to 20% cheaper than dealers?
  • We don't spend a fortune on marketing, because our affinity partners do that for us.
  • We don't own the cars- they come direct from the lease company which means the middle-man dealer has been cut out, along with their profit margin.
  • We don't have expensive showrooms or sales people. We just have handover centres, supporting those that have made their own decision online from all the information that is provided.
  • We don't employ engineers to ‘touch up the cars’ – we get the RAC to inspect them, so that you have the transparent results of the 1 hour independent inspection, so you can buy safe to drive safe, and have the benefits of the savings passed on to you.
Who is Carsite?

Initially selling cars from fleet to the trade back in 1998, Carsite has evolved over the past 11 years to bring it’s award winning service direct to the retail car buyer. Carsite removes the usual middle man dealer, so you can cherry pick an ex-company car direct from the fleet at up to 20% off typical dealer prices.

We offer you all the car information you need to make an informed buying decision, including an exclusive independent RAC inspection, HPI history check and full photo gallery.

Thousands of people across the country have already testified to this stress free, positive car buying experience.

Who is UKAutoSite?

UKAutoSite is simply Carsite's eBay trading shop.

Where are your cars from?

Carsite do not own the cars. Fleet cars are bought from the manufacturers by UK businesses at ‘bulk discount’ - so they can be sold for less too. At the end of their company car life, Carsite works on behalf of the company to remove the dealer and offer the cars directly to you. Carsite ensures only cars with full history are offered on Carsite.co.uk.

How am I supported?

Carsite operates a no sales pressure policy, just award winning support when you want it. As eBay Motors Seller of the Year, our friendly customer support team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact an agent directly by:

  • Using the ‘ask a question’ tab within each listing.
  • Email
  • Phone: (01234) 761145
Do you take part exchange?

Carsite does not sell part exchange, as all cars are fully serviced ex-fleet stock. We do however recommend partxsolution.com for a FREE instant quote for your existing vehicle.

About the Cars

Why do Carsite instruct the RAC to inspect all cars?

We want you to feel totally confident when buying a Carsite car online, which is why we instruct the RAC to independently inspect your reserved car exclusively for you. Inspections take around an hour and include a mechanical inspection via ramp AND a road test designed to allow various speed and road conditions. The body is also inspected, and any damage areas highlighted and photographed. You get to view the results for FREE so you can make an informed buying decision.

Why do you provide an HPI history Check?

1 in 3 UK cars have a tainted history. For your peace of mind, we immediately provide you with a FREE HPI check once you’ve reserved your car.

An HPI report examines a vehicle's status under all legal registers and will provide you with the complete history of your vehicle. It helps to safeguard your transaction, and ensures that Carsite won't list cars that have been previously declared stolen, written off or have any finance outstanding.

What does your money back guarantee cover?

Just £75 reserves your cherry picked car and removes it from sale. This is refundable without quibble, if for any reason you do not wish to proceed with the purchase.

How many owners have the cars had?

Your HPI check will provide specific data about previous owners. The number shown will reflect past owners of the vehicle but does not include the present owner in this figure. So a vehicle shown to have 0 previous owners will have had none previous to its current owner.

Do any of the cars have damage?

All Carsite vehicles are well maintained ex-fleet cars. However, your exclusive RAC report will highlight any damage areas to the car and include photos for your reference. Please remember you can walk away from sale if at any time and your £75 fee will be refunded.

Is the car under manufacturer’s warranty?

Most cars listed will still have manufacturer's warranties still in place. Please check the individual car listing for details or contact our customer support team direct.

What is a VAT qualifying car?

The VAT status of the car relates to the VAT content shown on an invoice. This does not affect the cost of the car. Business and trade buyers as well as those exporting the car will need to know if the car is VAT qualifying so that they can claim the VAT back that is built into the price.

Where are the cars located?

All vehicles once ‘reserved’, are stored and collected at our secure handover site in Bedford. Full maps and details are provided for viewings and collections.

I cannot find the car I’m looking for

Carsite uploads new stock all the time. So if you can’t find the car you’re looking for, please use our free ‘Personalised Stock Notification’ service and we’ll keep you up-to-date when a car matching your requirements becomes available.

About Buying

What is an ‘Online Buyers Buddy?’

Your ‘Buyers Buddy’ is your personal online account area, which keeps you fully informed at every stage of the buying process. It’s your central communication and information point for important items such as your maps, your free car insurance, your car details, your viewing dates/ handover/ delivery information, etc. Whilst this forms part of our award winning support, you are also assigned your own personal handover agent so that you have 1 personal contact at all times.

What happens if I reserve a Carsite car?

A ‘Reserve Now’ vehicle is just about to be handed back by its lease driver. Before it's offered to a dealer, you have an exclusive opportunity to reserve it at up to 20% off typical dealer forecourts.

Once reserved, you'll immediately receive your FREE HPI Vehicle History. Carsite will then take delivery of the car and have it independently inspected by the RAC exclusively for you, including a ramped mechanical check, body inspection and test drive. These reports will be included in your Buyer's Buddy, along with extensive photos. If the car fails its RAC inspection, you will be informed immediately and your £75 handling fee fully refunded.

What about your ‘ready to go’ cars?

For those of you who want a car quickly, our ‘Ready to go’ cars have already had their RAC inspection, HPI history check and full photo gallery. You can secure them today for just £75 (refundable if not as described) and drive in as little as 3 working days.

What method of payment can I use?

Payment takes place in two steps:

  1. Your £75.00 handling fee which secures your car can be paid either with a credit/ debit card online or by contacting customer support over the phone (between 9.30 – 4.30).
  2. The purchase price is only payable once you have inspected the vehicle and are satisfied with the 'money back guarantee'. This can be paid via electronic transfer or by a bankers draft. Unfortunately, we cannot accept a building society cheque, credit / debit card or cash for the purchase price.
Can I test drive the car?

You can take as long as you want to look over your car when viewing. When purchasing your car, you can take up to an hour to drive it, and cancel the sale if for any reason you are unhappy.

Most people don’t really know what to look for in a test drive. That’s why, once reserved your independent 1 hour RAC inspection will include a test drive, with a route designed to include various speeds and road conditions. They are your expert eyes and ears so that you can buy safe and drive safe.

Can I view the car?

You can arrange a viewing on a ‘ready to go car’ at any time from within the listing.

On a ‘reserve now’ car, once we have had the car delivered to carsite, and HPI cleared, and RAC inspected and photographed exclusively for you, you will be able to then arrange a time suitable for you for a viewing. Remember, if at any time you do not wish to proceed, your £75 handling fee to reserve the car will be refunded in full.

Do I tax the car?

Yes, you are responsible to ensure the car has valid road tax when it leaves the handover centre. A map to the nearest post office is provided in your final ‘next steps’ email.

Can I send a collection agent?

YES. Carsite allows a buyer to send a collection agent on their behalf. However, the agent would need to be responsible to inspect the vehicle, check that it is in line with the listing description, hand over the full payment, and sign any paperwork. If you’d like to use a collection agent, please contact customer services who can advise you further.

Do you offer Delivery?

YES. Simply visit our delivery page and enter your postcode to generate your delivery quote. This will be invoiced separately by our customer services department before the car is dispatched. If you’d like delivery on your car, please contact an agent on (01234) 761145.

I’m in Ireland, can I buy a car from you?

Yes – please refer to our site specifically for Irish buyers

Can you explain how the seven day free insurance works?

Once you’ve arranged your collection date, you can apply for optional free 7 days instant cover via your Online Buyers Buddy. Norwich Union will then issue your insurance cover note straight to the handover centre where your new car will be held ready. Should you have any queries about insurance, please contact the insurance provider Norwich Union directly on 0800 015 1392