Meh :( Deposit woes

shephga

shephga

shephga

Associate
Joined
27 Feb 2003
Posts
1,160
Hi,

Long story shortened, yesterday I put a £500 deposit down on a car and have changed my mind. When we spoke to the sales guy we explained we'd already seen a nice car but we didn't progress as the service was carried out 3 months after the required service interval. The sales guy couldn't believe it and then offered us a car at a similar price and assured us it had been serviced and had 20months warranty remaining. Couple of things to be sorted but was happy enough to pay the deposit. When checking the paperwork I found he hadn't included the service history dates, I emailed him today and he responded with the date... which was 3 months after the required 12 month service interval, which means the manufacturers warranty on this car is also most likely void.

I signed a vehicle order form, on which 2 of the 3 niggles are listed and the words subject to a second test drive are also printed.

The sales guy verbally told me that the deposit could be refunded if I was unhappy.

I popped in this evening and spoke to one of his colleagues who understood my concern, he said they'd sort it by either clarifying with Citroen and the dealers service department or the deposit could be shifted to another car.

Where do you folks think I stand ?

Some additional information -

The car is still listed for sale on their website.

Thanks
 
3 Months will probably keep it within tolerance anyway, there is normally a 2-3 month flex on the dates.

If not then I can't see you having trouble getting the money back if it's a reasonably big outfit
 
I'd demand a refund, 2 cars both having questionable service history is enough to make me look elsewhere.

Of course this could have been looked over before you put any money down but hindsight is a wonderful thing.
 
bainbridge said:
I'd demand a refund, 2 cars both having questionable service history is enough to make me look elsewhere.

Of course this could have been looked over before you put any money down but hindsight is a wonderful thing.
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The first car was at another dealership. Why franchised dealerships are selling cars with late service histories I don't know.

Yeah, he assured us all was ok, which is probably why i'm nervous.
 
Most things I read up about, re. getting a deposit back, suggests you can't; I forget exactly why but it's something like the fact they have taken it off sale for you...

I had such and issue earlier this year, was being messed about by the dealer, who kept changing when my car would be ready - I took it upon myself to go buy another, then tried to get a deposit of £750 back.

The dealer refused, telling me that me changing my mind wasn't their issue (fair enough), so I told them the real reason; only for them to then tell me that they had carried out works on the car at my request and also taken it off of the forecourt.

The dealer who I did buy from said they'd not give back a deposit, if they were asked to complete work buy a buyer; as the person who would ultimately buy it, may not have asked for those things to be sorted - basically if you have asked for work to be done, I guess they'll argue to keep it based on that.

Your story though, sounds more like they have misrepresented the cars, and that will likely change things in your favor, I'd imagine...

Good luck OP :)
 
I've had a deposit refunded but it was for a car I hadn't viewed as it had to be relocated to a local dealer.

However I ensured I had it in writing that I could refund and I did because I discovered the car had a tow bar with double electrics (not visible in photos due to cropping) which raised the issue of the car towing a caravan rather than small trailer.

I wouldn't be worried about a few months out on servicing though - just get it in writing that the warranty is valid.
 
Scort said:
Most things I read up about, re. getting a deposit back, suggests you can't; I forget exactly why but it's something like the fact they have taken it off sale for you...

I had such and issue earlier this year, was being messed about by the dealer, who kept changing when my car would be ready - I took it upon myself to go buy another, then tried to get a deposit of £750 back.

The dealer refused, telling me that me changing my mind wasn't their issue (fair enough), so I told them the real reason; only for them to then tell me that they had carried out works on the car at my request and also taken it off of the forecourt.

The dealer who I did buy from said they'd not give back a deposit, if they were asked to complete work buy a buyer; as the person who would ultimately buy it, may not have asked for those things to be sorted - basically if you have asked for work to be done, I guess they'll argue to keep it based on that.

Your story though, sounds more like they have misrepresented the cars, and that will likely change things in your favor, I'd imagine...

Good luck OP :)
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Bit of a difference there though - delays happen and they'd normally be allowed a "reasonable" amount of delay if it went to court or whatever so unless it was massively massively delayed they'd be within their rights to keep the deposit.

If the dealer can't fulfil the terms of the contract then its another matter - though you'd still be expected to give them a chance to make it right - but if the problem is on the dealer's end then they are in a far less secure position in terms of keeping the deposit.

@OP - technically you'd be expected to give them a chance to resolve the issue if they can't provide a car with the same terms as the deposit was put down against but if they don't have another car you are happy with and can't provide something to the same spec as the original then they are on dubious grounds as to having a right to keep the deposit.
 
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I wouldn't settle for anything but a refund, personally neither would I trust a word the dealer tells you.

Get your money back and go elsewhere.
 
craig_t said:
I wouldn't settle for anything but a refund, personally neither would I trust a word the dealer tells you.

Get your money back and go elsewhere.
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I seem to be unique in thinking this simply isn't a big deal and is either within tolerance and therefore fine or isn't and therefore requires a refund.

It's your own responsibility to check, salesmen/whoever actually lists the car will just look.for stamps and if you're lucky rough dates
 
Hi,

Update, refunded with no issues or hassles at all.

They checked another 3 of the same car they bought direct from used manufacturers fleet and instead of being under mileage but late service they all have early service but 3000+ miles over the required mileage service interval.

If you have a late service outside of the leeway period then the warranty will still cover you for non serviceable issues. Issues impacting components that are serviced (engine etc via oil change) will not be covered although a goodwill offer might still be made, depending on various factors.

Thanks for advice, my car search continues
 
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