Deposit paid, but has it been sold to someone else?
Discussion
Hello one and all,
I put a deposit down on a used car, I got the finance in place and also sold my car (I am now without a car for a few days). I am due to collect it on April 1st because I said there’s no point picking it up towards the end of the month because most of the March road tax will be redundant; who wants to waste money on an empty month’s worth of tax? It’s better in our pockets than DVLA’s.
So, I spoke to the salesperson three days ago because I wanted to check up on whether they had fixed an advisory they promised to take care of, but I was told that when they took it in the engine light now comes on so they’re going to see what that issue is, too.
Last week, the DVLA website showed the vehicle as not being taxed, but today it is. They are a dealer so don’t need to tax it; they have trade plates.
Obviously, I am a little concerned that the dealer and salesperson both want money in their bank accounts and may have sold it to someone else; they did say another person wanted to test drive it. Maybe they didn’t want to spend money fixing the advisory so came up with the new engine light excuse to attempt to put me off?
Today, I contacted my insurance company to ask if they could let me know, by looking on a national database, whether it has been insured by someone else, but they couldn’t / wouldn’t help me.
Ultimately, the dealer could give me back my deposit if they did sell it to someone else. But, is selling it to someone else illegal once I have paid a deposit? Is that not in some way legally binding? Would there be a way to eventually get the car from the other person? Could I take legal action against the dealer? Etc. Etc.
I also bought cheaper insurance on the car because I was an existing customer, but if I have to cancel the new insurance it will take me a few days to find another car and thus I won’t get the existing customer discount.
I text the salesperson today, but I was told she wasn’t working yesterday (on a Saturday!) and on Sundays (today) they are closed so will contact me tomorrow.
...There are so many things spinning around in my head right now.
Does anybody have any experience, advice or insight on what could possibly be happening and what I could do?
Many thanks in advance for everyone’s help, jokes, banter and alike!
I put a deposit down on a used car, I got the finance in place and also sold my car (I am now without a car for a few days). I am due to collect it on April 1st because I said there’s no point picking it up towards the end of the month because most of the March road tax will be redundant; who wants to waste money on an empty month’s worth of tax? It’s better in our pockets than DVLA’s.
So, I spoke to the salesperson three days ago because I wanted to check up on whether they had fixed an advisory they promised to take care of, but I was told that when they took it in the engine light now comes on so they’re going to see what that issue is, too.
Last week, the DVLA website showed the vehicle as not being taxed, but today it is. They are a dealer so don’t need to tax it; they have trade plates.
Obviously, I am a little concerned that the dealer and salesperson both want money in their bank accounts and may have sold it to someone else; they did say another person wanted to test drive it. Maybe they didn’t want to spend money fixing the advisory so came up with the new engine light excuse to attempt to put me off?
Today, I contacted my insurance company to ask if they could let me know, by looking on a national database, whether it has been insured by someone else, but they couldn’t / wouldn’t help me.
Ultimately, the dealer could give me back my deposit if they did sell it to someone else. But, is selling it to someone else illegal once I have paid a deposit? Is that not in some way legally binding? Would there be a way to eventually get the car from the other person? Could I take legal action against the dealer? Etc. Etc.
I also bought cheaper insurance on the car because I was an existing customer, but if I have to cancel the new insurance it will take me a few days to find another car and thus I won’t get the existing customer discount.
I text the salesperson today, but I was told she wasn’t working yesterday (on a Saturday!) and on Sundays (today) they are closed so will contact me tomorrow.
...There are so many things spinning around in my head right now.
Does anybody have any experience, advice or insight on what could possibly be happening and what I could do?
Many thanks in advance for everyone’s help, jokes, banter and alike!
You are likely worrying about nothing.
Deposit normally means a contract has been made.
Unless you’ve been coming across like you don’t want the car anymore they will have been very unlikely to sell it someone else. If they had they would just make some other excuse and return your deposit.
Deposit normally means a contract has been made.
Unless you’ve been coming across like you don’t want the car anymore they will have been very unlikely to sell it someone else. If they had they would just make some other excuse and return your deposit.
Rigsbyg said:
Ultimately, the dealer could give me back my deposit if they did sell it to someone else. But, is selling it to someone else illegal once I have paid a deposit? Is that not in some way legally binding? Would there be a way to eventually get the car from the other person? Could I take legal action against the dealer? Etc. Etc.
It's not illegal but it's a breach of contract. Dealers seem to be able to do this with impunity but get all upset when customers cancel.Did you sign an order or did they produce an invoice for the car? At this point it is a contract but I have never known anyone try to claim for loss on a similar situation.
It is bad form but don’t worry and move on as any company that acts like this now will be hard work if you have any fiture warranty issues but from the side of the dealer sometimes there are customers you don’t really want to get involved with.
Other option is they have taxed it for you in error.
It is bad form but don’t worry and move on as any company that acts like this now will be hard work if you have any fiture warranty issues but from the side of the dealer sometimes there are customers you don’t really want to get involved with.
Other option is they have taxed it for you in error.
trickywoo said:
You are likely worrying about nothing.
Deposit normally means a contract has been made.
Unless you’ve been coming across like you don’t want the car anymore they will have been very unlikely to sell it someone else. If they had they would just make some other excuse and return your deposit.
Let’s hope you’re right, but it is strange how it’s suddenly taxed a week or so before month’s end. No, I’ve only showed positive buying signals, especially after also paying a deposit. Let’s hope it all comes out in the wash. CheersDeposit normally means a contract has been made.
Unless you’ve been coming across like you don’t want the car anymore they will have been very unlikely to sell it someone else. If they had they would just make some other excuse and return your deposit.
Swampy1982 said:
Why not just head down to the dealers to talk to someone, doesn't need unto be the specific sales person you've been dealing with...
I wish I could, but now that I’m without a vehicle it’s a little difficult as they’re 20 minutes drive away. I suppose I could get on my bike 🚲 💨 anonymous said:
[redacted]
I absolutely agree with you, but the actual model /style isn’t available too often. I have been following the various types online when they come up for sale, and so jumped at the opportunity when it arose. I do have other cars in mind, but this is my ‘baby’ ...or perhaps not so, if the case may be 😂Auto810graphy said:
Did you sign an order or did they produce an invoice for the car? At this point it is a contract but I have never known anyone try to claim for loss on a similar situation.
It is bad form but don’t worry and move on as any company that acts like this now will be hard work if you have any fiture warranty issues but from the side of the dealer sometimes there are customers you don’t really want to get involved with.
Other option is they have taxed it for you in error.
Yes, I did think of that earlier. Perhaps the last owner had the tax set up with DVLA on auto-renew. The dealer ‘seems’ like they’re okay even though they’re very small. They offered a limited 6 month warranty, but I was going for a 12 month option with more bells and whistles. Thanks It is bad form but don’t worry and move on as any company that acts like this now will be hard work if you have any fiture warranty issues but from the side of the dealer sometimes there are customers you don’t really want to get involved with.
Other option is they have taxed it for you in error.
Wait till tomorrow, call them and chill. Their worst that could happen is that you get your deposit back and have to use the bus for a week until you find another car.
Incidentally, I bought a car from Jennings in South Shields, paid a deposit but couldn't collect it for 3 weeks. Then I had to delay because of snow. No sweat, just let them know there would be a delay. It was there ready to go when I got there 4 weeks after paying the deposit.
Incidentally, I bought a car from Jennings in South Shields, paid a deposit but couldn't collect it for 3 weeks. Then I had to delay because of snow. No sweat, just let them know there would be a delay. It was there ready to go when I got there 4 weeks after paying the deposit.
LarsG said:
Wait till tomorrow, call them and chill. Their worst that could happen is that you get your deposit back and have to use the bus for a week until you find another car.
Incidentally, I bought a car from Jennings in South Shields, paid a deposit but couldn't collect it for 3 weeks. Then I had to delay because of snow. No sweat, just let them know there would be a delay. It was there ready to go when I got there 4 weeks after paying the deposit.
A bus! teehee Incidentally, I bought a car from Jennings in South Shields, paid a deposit but couldn't collect it for 3 weeks. Then I had to delay because of snow. No sweat, just let them know there would be a delay. It was there ready to go when I got there 4 weeks after paying the deposit.
I live in the sticks. Luckily, I work from home. Yes, I shall chill; after all, it’s only a car even though it’s a beauty. Think Cindy Crawford in her prime 😜 I’m glad that you eventually got your car, too!
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