Paid deposit, but still waiting for car...
Discussion
Feel like an idiot! I saw a car on line with a trader. It looked perfect and the price was what I would expect. They offered free delivery and 3 months warranty plus a new MOT.
I paid a deposit over the phone and they told me car would be ready in around two weeks. Here we are five weeks later... When I ring they say still cannot get an MOT appt and promise it will be ready following week and they will ring, but they don't and I end uo chasing them.
I would feel better if they kept me in the loop, but starting to worry as understand I cannot get my deposit back if I change my mind as it is a binding contract. I really need the car to get to work, as just started a new job. I thought I would have it by now and that they would be keen to finalise the sale. Am i just being inpatient? Any advice?
I paid a deposit over the phone and they told me car would be ready in around two weeks. Here we are five weeks later... When I ring they say still cannot get an MOT appt and promise it will be ready following week and they will ring, but they don't and I end uo chasing them.
I would feel better if they kept me in the loop, but starting to worry as understand I cannot get my deposit back if I change my mind as it is a binding contract. I really need the car to get to work, as just started a new job. I thought I would have it by now and that they would be keen to finalise the sale. Am i just being inpatient? Any advice?
They haven't delivered the car within the time they specified therefore they are in breach of contract.
Tell them you want the car delivered within 7 days (assuming you still want it) or you want a refund of the deposit.
I don't think anyone would think it was reasonable to accept such a wait if it's only waiting for an MoT appointment especially for a trader to have to wait so long.
If they fail to produce the car then contact the card issuer and request a charge back
Tell them you want the car delivered within 7 days (assuming you still want it) or you want a refund of the deposit.
I don't think anyone would think it was reasonable to accept such a wait if it's only waiting for an MoT appointment especially for a trader to have to wait so long.
If they fail to produce the car then contact the card issuer and request a charge back
Alex Z said:
When you say “a trader” is this a legitimate garage with premises that you can see plenty of evidence of online, or a one man band advertising on Facebook marketplace or eBay?
In a nutshell this. Did you pay a proper garage and if so did you use a debit or credit card. If it was Facebook and you made a bank transfer then the outlook isn't good. Facebook is awash at the moment with adverts for people selling £20k cars for a third of the price. If you look at the profiles there are lots of warning signs:- hacked/sold/fakefFemales and granny profile selling cars - whilst some traders use their partners profiles it's not common and if they do so they only sell about a dozen cars.
- profile will list 500+ cars for sale - that's bigger than most main dealers!
- too much information - they list everything the car has as an option - most dealers don't do that.
- Americanisms - clean title, free of lien etc
- hashtags - #car #cheap car #for sale etc
It's sometimes possible to do a pimeye/reverse image search to find out where they have stolen the pics and descriptions from - normally a secondhand car dealer somewhere.
Hi, thanks everyone who responded. I contacted Trading Standards today. They advised that I send a recorded letter to trader stating breach of contract re failure to deliver car within stated timeframe and requesting refund of deposit. To state they have 14 days to respond in writing. TS said If I don't hear from trader they will look in to them. I don't really expect a refund, buy at least I have tried my best. I am always do careful and feel stupid for falling for this. Thanks again.
Unfortunately was stupid enough to do bank transfer. Long story, but was just so exited to have my own car again I just agreed to it. I am usually very careful and use a credit card and pay it off immediately as I know it offers protection. As I said I dontvreally expect to get a refund and have to put it down to being an idiot, but will St least try and if TS take it further it may prevent someone else doing the same.
So so sorry to hear this Carole, I really hope that it is just a hiccup and not a scam
Have you tried searching for the make/model/spec on here and autotrader etc just to check it isn’t advertised elsewhere
If if is then I think the police would be the next stop
Have you searched the dealer on companies house/internet and the phone number likewise
Have you tried searching for the make/model/spec on here and autotrader etc just to check it isn’t advertised elsewhere
If if is then I think the police would be the next stop
Have you searched the dealer on companies house/internet and the phone number likewise
Yes today I found that on the ad I replied to they are *** trade centre limited, but I found they have a website today and they are just **** trade centre (not ltd). I mentioned this to TS and they are going to pass the info on to be investigated. Will look at company house too. Thanks.
So I’m a dealer myself and can say with confidence that delaying the car a further 3 weeks due to not getting an MOT appointment is absolute BS!
Every trader will have a main garage that they use for MOTs and wouldn’t even entertain using one that could take 3 weeks to get a car MOT’d, my garage will always be able to do an MOT within 2 days at the most.
Sometimes things happen and delays occur (waiting on a part, bodyshop delay, wheel powder coaters having a back log), but none will push back collection more than a few days.
If you want my advice/opinion, walk away now, they are obviously lying to you, even if it was a case that a car was going to fail so work needed to be done(bush, balljoint, emissions, etc), then any reputable dealer will pass this on.
I feel that there are only 3 possible reasons that the dealer would be lying here:
- It’s a scam
- The work needed is severe and they don’t want to tell you (like rotten sills)
- There are MOT failure issues they don’t want to fix and looking for an unscrupulous tester to pass them.
Every trader will have a main garage that they use for MOTs and wouldn’t even entertain using one that could take 3 weeks to get a car MOT’d, my garage will always be able to do an MOT within 2 days at the most.
Sometimes things happen and delays occur (waiting on a part, bodyshop delay, wheel powder coaters having a back log), but none will push back collection more than a few days.
If you want my advice/opinion, walk away now, they are obviously lying to you, even if it was a case that a car was going to fail so work needed to be done(bush, balljoint, emissions, etc), then any reputable dealer will pass this on.
I feel that there are only 3 possible reasons that the dealer would be lying here:
- It’s a scam
- The work needed is severe and they don’t want to tell you (like rotten sills)
- There are MOT failure issues they don’t want to fix and looking for an unscrupulous tester to pass them.
Earthdweller said:
So so sorry to hear this Carole, I really hope that it is just a hiccup and not a scam
Have you tried searching for the make/model/spec on here and autotrader etc just to check it isn’t advertised elsewhere
If if is then I think the police would be the next stop
Have you searched the dealer on companies house/internet and the phone number likewise
HiHave you tried searching for the make/model/spec on here and autotrader etc just to check it isn’t advertised elsewhere
If if is then I think the police would be the next stop
Have you searched the dealer on companies house/internet and the phone number likewise
Searched last night by goggling the reg. The car is no longer shown on trader website, whereas it was shown as sold when I put the deposit down. It has also disappeared from my saved folder on Market Place. However I did find the exact car and photo on retail assets.co.uk, although I can not open the website.I think I will phone police for advice next. Thanks.
M4cruiser said:
If I understood the original post correctly it says you haven't seen the car "in the flesh" with your own eyes?
If so, it's not a good start. Was it a large deposit?
Always "see" the car for real before you hand over any money. And take someone with you. Those are 2 golden rules.
HiIf so, it's not a good start. Was it a large deposit?
Always "see" the car for real before you hand over any money. And take someone with you. Those are 2 golden rules.
I would normally do this, but have had major surgery and not able to drive for 12 weeks. I started browsing for a car as a treat for when I recovered. The trader offered new MOT, 3 months warranty plus breakdown. The photos and description looked. Trader also offered free delivery, but I said I would come over to collect as would check car then before parting with any more money. I have now followed TS advice so will see what response it provokes. Thanks.
The Police??? That’s a bit hasty. The trader is still taking your call as it appears from what you said in your OP so just call and tell them you have changed your mind and please refund your deposit.
If no response or money after a week then visit your bank and have them tell you what you can do.
If no response or money after a week then visit your bank and have them tell you what you can do.
Alex Z said:
When you say “a trader” is this a legitimate garage with premises that you can see plenty of evidence of online, or a one man band advertising on Facebook marketplace or eBay?
Hi, On Market Place but as a *** trading centre Ltd. Looked legit. Very helpful when I rang, but not since.. Carole-svt87 said:
Hi
I would normally do this, but have had major surgery and not able to drive for 12 weeks. I started browsing for a car as a treat for when I recovered. The trader offered new MOT, 3 months warranty plus breakdown. The photos and description looked. Trader also offered free delivery, but I said I would come over to collect as would check car then before parting with any more money. I have now followed TS advice so will see what response it provokes. Thanks.
Yes, have checked, they have a unit and I found they have a lock up. Hoping to go and check them out to see if I can spot the car, but I now don't think they actually have it! I don't want it now and have written to them by recorded delivery as advised by TS and given the. 14 days to respond. TS said if I don't hear during thar time they will investigate. Have now found the photo of the car on another website so will contact police for advice. Thanks.I would normally do this, but have had major surgery and not able to drive for 12 weeks. I started browsing for a car as a treat for when I recovered. The trader offered new MOT, 3 months warranty plus breakdown. The photos and description looked. Trader also offered free delivery, but I said I would come over to collect as would check car then before parting with any more money. I have now followed TS advice so will see what response it provokes. Thanks.
Put the internet down for a couple of minutes.
Telephone the place and ask for a refund, or
If its not too far away , visit them and a have a conversation in person.
Bank transfers can in some circumstances be reversed and funds recovered : https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/wha...
At the moment you are just white noise they can ignore whilst hanging onto your money. Thats what you need to change
Telephone the place and ask for a refund, or
If its not too far away , visit them and a have a conversation in person.
Bank transfers can in some circumstances be reversed and funds recovered : https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/wha...
At the moment you are just white noise they can ignore whilst hanging onto your money. Thats what you need to change
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