Deposit to dealer to hold a car - returnable upon viewing?

[oobster]

Folks,

Haven't been in this situation before so would welcome some advice. I live in Scotland and a fairly rare car has came up for sale in southern england. I aim to travel (fly) to see the car but the first opportunity for me to do this is the middle of next week.

Dealer said they would take a deposit and hold the car for me for a week, but obviously I haven't seen the car "in the flesh" and if I fly down there and do spot something that is a deal-breaker do I have any "rights" to my deposit back?

Ta!

[Soovy]

oobster said:

Folks,

Haven't been in this situation before so would welcome some advice. I live in Scotland and a fairly rare car has came up for sale in southern england. I aim to travel (fly) to see the car but the first opportunity for me to do this is the middle of next week.

Dealer said they would take a deposit and hold the car for me for a week, but obviously I haven't seen the car "in the flesh" and if I fly down there and do spot something that is a deal-breaker do I have any "rights" to my deposit back?

Ta!

Agree the terms with him.

Tell him that it's refundable if (a).... (b)..... (c)........ by email. Get himt email back saying "agreed".

[redgriff500]

As above.

I've held cars for people both on the basis that they get their money back for just turning up or that they get it back if it's not as described.

But also that it's a part payment and not refundable.

It depends what interest I've had, how long the advert has left to run and how long they want me to hold it for.

[Pugland53]

I have done this a few times. As long as you agree terms with the dealer, such as the car is 'as described' then there shouldn't be a problem.

[oobster]

Cheers chaps, have discussed terms with the seller, hopefully travelling to see the car this weekend.

[va1o]

Had an odd experience last time we did this, they didn't actually take the money. Went to view it and agreed to go ahead with the purchase but it turned out they just say "We will take this deposit" and record card details but don't actually charge anything until after the viewing.

[LouD86]

We do it a lot in the trade. Means we wont sell the car, you have made a committment that if it is as described, that you will buy the car.

Happy to refund if you find its nothing as described.

[superlightr]

I would not do this as I I feel it would put you under more pressure to buy the car.

Go to see the car, phone them before you fly - if its there its there if its sold then never mind. Gives you more flexability to sort out a deal.

What sort car is it btw? how special/unique?

[oobster]

There won't be any additional pressure on me to buy the car, if it's not right then I won't buy.

Now not flying down, I am going to drive down in the trade-in and hopefully drive back up in the new car if all goes well.

Car is an 11-plate Focus RS in Ultimate Green with Lux Pack 1, upgraded seats and the bluetooth/usb.

[Krikkit]

The one in the PH classifieds? Looks nice.

Either way, good luck, exicing drive down eh?

[oobster]

Krikkit said:

The one in the PH classifieds? Looks nice.

Either way, good luck, exicing drive down eh?

The one with the white wheels.

Exciting drive back (hopefully) more like!

[superlightr]

Looks good - fingers crossed for you.

[Ballistic]

va1o said:

Had an odd experience last time we did this, they didn't actually take the money. Went to view it and agreed to go ahead with the purchase but it turned out they just say "We will take this deposit" and record card details but don't actually charge anything until after the viewing.

I recently had the same experience.

[va1o]

Ballistic said:

I recently had the same experience.

Large German manufacturer by any chance?