Carwow quote - price increase as deposit being paid

[Jimboy789]

Hi Folks,

I've received a quote through Carwow from a Mini dealer which was a good price. So good in fact I queried the price in writing through the CarWow messaging platform twice, but was assured that the price on the Mini Financial Services Quotation paperwork they sent me was correct.

The quote also specifies a higher spec car (Copper S, instead of a Cooper Classic) and includes a specific 'Quotation' reference number' from Mini Finance. Its looking like they have manually mixed up the Cooper and Cooper S figures into the same quote, especially as I specifically queried the figures

Today I called to pay the £1,000 deposit but they have just stated that there is an error which will mean receiving the Cooper Classic (not Sport) and cost by about £2,000 over the sticker price which is around £30/mth on the 3 year hire purchase.

I have asked them what they plan to do about the error and they are considering the best way forward.

I'd like to know where I stand legally, in case they reply by saying we will not honour the Mini Financial Services quotation reference number and document.

Secondly, how will CarWow view their member dealers (potentially) not honouring the official quotes they send out?

Their might be a middle ground to aim for but without knowing the legal situation, I dont currently know where that is.

Thanks in advance.

[HTP99]

Legally, I should imagine you stand nowhere, they have made a mistake, mistakes happen and they have informed you of the error prior to you leaving a deposit and progressing with an order.

[eybic]

HTP99 said:

Legally, I should imagine you stand nowhere, they have made a mistake, mistakes happen and they have informed you of the error prior to you leaving a deposit and progressing with an order.

I'd think the same too, you haven't entered into a contract with anyone so you were/are aware of the deal prior to signing, would be different if they changed it after you had signed up though.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

HTP99 said:

Legally, I should imagine you stand nowhere, they have made a mistake, mistakes happen and they have informed you of the error prior to you leaving a deposit and progressing with an order.

This, it is a legitimate mistake. It is annoying but all you have lost is time.

[Jamescrs]

I suspect Carwow won't be interested in taking up any action because they won't want to upset the dealer who pays them a commission.

[HTP99]

Jamescrs said:

I suspect Carwow won't be interested in taking up any action because they won't want to upset the dealer who pays them a commission.

And people make mistakes.

[Roboticarm]

Have you checked a lease ? I saw a good deal at an official mini dealer for pch but leaseloco were doing the same car for £50 a month less with only a slightly larger (£500 more) up front payment

[Mikee19]

I think it's a bit of a ploy to get you in the door, being cheaper than the competition. When I was buying I was told the cash price on car wow was a mistake and should have only applied to finance, they told me they would be generous and honour it anyway, giving me a very low value on my px. The car had already been valued by their other branch down the road. I too had confirmed the price over email, it's all mind games.

I told the same dealer I was visiting another garage later in the day and they did their best to ensure I spent as much time as possible in the garage so I would be less likely to visit the second dealer.

[washingitagain]

I'd agree with others, legally you don't have a leg to stand on. If I remember from some basic legal training I had it's about offer and acceptance and there has to be both to made a contract. It's like when people think if a TV is on display in a shop for 50p instead of £500 then the shop has to honour it. They don't (but sometimes decide to to avoid bad PR etc.).