Dealer won’t return deposit ?

[tight fart]

Daughter was after a car asap. (Used £30k)
The dealer had said that he had sold 6 of the type she wanted the week before and wanted a £1000
deposit at no risk to her as a sign of good will and he get one from another branch.
Then the salesman was unreachable days off & sick etc.
Circumstances changed, she rang to say she wouldn’t proceed, now refuse’s to return deposit.
(She’s had it in writing they flatly refuse to return it)
How to proceed?

[JulianPH]

Small Claims Court is probably a good start.

[DocJock]

Sounds like the dealer was confused about a purchase deposit versus a holding deposit.

[irish boy]

Did she view the car/visit the dealership or was it by phone? If she didn’t set foot on the premises then they’ve no leg to stand on at all.

[tight fart]

No, all over the phone, a big dealer as well, £165 million turnover.

[JulianPH]

A word with the dealer principle might just do the trick then.

[Monkeylegend]

Did she get any confirmation paperwork re the deposit and refund policy or was it all word of mouth?

[irish boy]

tight fart said:

No, all over the phone, a big dealer as well, £165 million turnover.

Distance selling laws then apply. They must return it in full.


https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation...

[tight fart]

Thanks for the above link, she’s quoted a few bits from that link and they have agreed to refund it.

[JulianPH]

tight fart said:

Thanks for the above link, she’s quoted a few bits from that link and they have agreed to refund it.

[irish boy]

Good work!!