Advice needed- car dealer playing silly buggars...
Advice needed- car dealer playing silly buggars...
Author
Discussion

nutcase

Original Poster:

1,145 posts

275 months

Tuesday 3rd August 2004
quotequote all
A girl in my office is in the process of buying an almost new Fiat Stilo (from an official main dealer) with her boyfriend and placed a holding deposit of £250 two/three weeks ago on the understanding that a few things on the particular car were rectifed before delivery.

The garage gave them a date when it would be ready and on the nominated date- her bloke turns up to find they have tried to get a 'Mister Dent' type outfit to sort out a few details here and there and have made a right arse of the paintwork respray (according to the boyfriend, it looked like Mr Blobby had carried out the painting). Garage agree it is not fit for collection and agree to remedy.

They have been messed around on three different occasions now, given new dates for delivery and then on the day the garage say it isn't ready etc. Generally pi$$ poor service.

This girl and her boyfriend decide they really don't want to deal with an outfit like this and would prefer to call it a day. Of course, you've guessed it- the garage won't give their £250 back and to them, this is a fair bit of cash and don't want to lose it. Their hands are tied really and it annoyed me...hence this msg.

What's the view people? Do they (LEGALLY) have a leg to stand on? How many opportunities do the garage have to get it right??!!!

Advice urgently needed.

>>> Edited by nutcase on Tuesday 3rd August 10:53

timsta

2,779 posts

269 months

Tuesday 3rd August 2004
quotequote all
They handed over the deposit and agreed a date, I would take that as a verbal contract.

The dealer hasn't kept to that contract so should be refunding the deposit.

Threaten to call trading standards.

Tim

Davel

8,982 posts

281 months

Tuesday 3rd August 2004
quotequote all
agree - Trading Standards are normally pretty helpful.

If you paid by Credit Card, then contact the credit card company too.

>> Edited by Davel on Tuesday 3rd August 11:02

h2dca

901 posts

263 months

Tuesday 3rd August 2004
quotequote all
Statutory rights of a consumer
Goods unsatisfactory or of poor quality
Check website for details

www.oft.gov.uk/Consumer/Your%2BRights%2BWhen%2BShopping/cars.htm

rsvmilly

11,288 posts

264 months

Tuesday 3rd August 2004
quotequote all
ISTR that if it is made clear a deposit is non-returnable the garage are within their rights.

burwoodman

18,718 posts

269 months

Tuesday 3rd August 2004
quotequote all
The non refundable deposit milarky is only to protect the dealer if the customer walks within the offer period. Legally the deal was breached by the dealer when the agreed deliver date came and passed

It's typical scum car dealer stand over tactics.
My advice, keep your cool, write to dealer principal (fax) asking for the cash back, stating why. Call the car company, Ford uk or whoever.

It's like all disputes. If they want to be idiots about it they can, doesn't make it legal.
What id do and i don't suggest you do it is don't leave the show room without your cash or the car you agreed.