PCP - Getting deposit back

[chuci]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help. At the end of Feb my dad was in contact with a VW Carwow branch and decided to go ahead with a PCP on a factory ordered Tiguan. A couple of weeks later, this covid stuff really kicked off here in the UK and he got cold feet and emailed the dealer saying he wanted to postpone for the time being. He paid the deposit already and did the credit check, but that's all he's done so far. No contract or anything has been signed. Since emailing the dealer he hasn't heard a thing back. I doubt they would have even reserved a build slot at the factory yet. They say they are still operating, and I created a new carwow account and obtained a quote from the same dealer so they are still functioning. It even says they are remotely working.

I think they're basically ignoring us. Do we have any scope for getting that deposit back, or is it lost now? And if they refuse to give it back, can I say "well ok, lets go ahead then with the pcp if you won't return it" ?

Thanks in advance!

[Xcore]

Isn’t that the point of a deposit?

[chuci]

I guess so, but in that case could he say ok well where's my car then?

Forgot to mention, it's the holding deposit part, not the full deposit you specify when obtaining the quote.

Edited by chuci on Saturday 25th April 14:10

[tickedon]

Most main franchise dealers will return deposits, especially in circumstances like these, in the hope of winning your business in the future.

I would send them a clear email stating due to Coronavirus you want to cancel and for the return of your deposit. If you’ve already asked, reference when & how you did.

If no luck, you can usually find details of the dealer principal to contact on their websites.