Dealer registering a car on my behalf

[EC225Eng]

Afternoon all, quick question and forgive my ignorance in this matter but I've never bought a brand new car before! I had looked at a new small car for the wife and we had settled upon a Panda and I signed a contract subject to test drive but found another car she liked from the same chain and she wanted that instead. I asked Salesman B to deal with Salesman A to transfer the deposit and we'll order the other car subject to test drive. I was at work in Aberdeen so couldn't deal with paperwork until I came home this morning. On Friday Salesman A called to tell me the Panda was ready and registered in my name ready for collection as it transpires Salesman B hadn't dealt with the transfer. My question is can Salesman A register the car without my day so or signature? Once again I'm rather ignorant in this field and now to the knowledge of the collective.

[andburg]

So the dealer has registered a car you don't want in your name?
Don't see the issue as long as they aren't trying to push through the sale, I imagine they will sell the car to a trader and sell it on as prereg.

[PurpleMoonlight]

EC225Eng said:

..... I signed a contract subject to test drive

I don't get this?

You agreed to buy a brand new car but subject to a test drive of it?

[EC225Eng]

The car with the spec she wanted wasn't in but we said that we would take it if we were happy when it was delivered to the dealer. We also didn't have time to test drive a lower spec one due to picking up our son from school so the dealer suggested ordering it subject to test drive. The car must have been in stock somewhere on their system but not registered yet.

[Corpulent Tosser]

Yes it is normal for a dealer to register the car on your behalf.

If you signed a contract agreeing to the purchase of the car I think you are probably stuck with it, but IANAL.

[Davel]

Suspect he's right.

You signed a contract and paid a deposit so suspect that it's now yours.

[solo2]

You should at the very least been asked to sign a certificate of registration details which is the dealers confirmation that they are registering it to the correctly spelt name and address.

Not sure if this is a legal avenue you can persue as you presumably didn't sign one, but for audit purposes with the DVLA it is a requirement that all cars have this signed by the person/company to whom the car will be registered to. Without it they are breaking AFRL regulations and it might be an angle you could use to your advantage.

[Vaud]

Just for clarity - it was subject to test drive? And you have not yet test driven it?

Your remedy would be simple. "I have driven it and don't like it"? Would place you in the "driving seat" in the negotiations/next steps.

Also, juts to be 100% clear - have they ordered and registered the right one, or registered the first one?

[EC225Eng]

Sorted it out with the sales manager and have got a free upgrade into the bargain, I know it's probably one that has been a cancelled order from someone else but the wife loves it so it leads to a quiet life for me! Thanks to everyone for their advice!

[Davel]

Great result - good for you both!