So the Car dealer won't give me back the Deposit...

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Bullhonkie

Golden Member
Sep 28, 2001
1,899
0
76
When I placed a deposit ($500) for my car, it was only to reserve your spot in line. If you didn't want the particular model(s) they had when it came in, you could either get your $500 back and let the next person in line have a shot at buying it, or move to the end of the line and wait for one that was exactly what you wanted.
 

Doggiedog

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
12,780
5
81
Was it a Honda dealership?

I had a scummy Honda dealership ransom my $1000 deposit on a Prelude SH way back when.

First they tried to sell me a car that was completely different from the one I ordered then took way to long to find it for me. I went somewhere else and got it there the same day. When I went to get my deposit back they told me I couldn't have it back.

I called up Honda HQ and had a lawyer friend draft a nasty letter to them. I then went over the salesperson's head to the pit boss and got him to return my money along with an apology.
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
16,928
8
81
Call the place with the better dela and tell them that the other dealership has your deposit and won't give it back so you might have to buy from the other place unless they can come down in price equal to your deposit. That wya you aren't out more money. And of course that other car dealership might have info for you to get the money back since they will want your sale...
 

funboy6942

Lifer
Nov 13, 2001
15,362
416
126
LOL the reason for a deposit is because you had asked the dealership not to sell the car to anyone else because you wanted it and you gave them a non refundable depsit not to sell it. Now you changed your mind after they took the car off the market and your askign for your deposit back.. really by law if you signed paperwork and anywhere on it says deposits are non refundable ther eis nothing you can do. Tell them about the other price you have gotten and ask for them to match it. If not buy the car or loose the deposit.

I bet if the dealership sold the car you wanted after you left a deposit on it you would throw a huge fit because you gave them a deposit but people seem to think that if they leave a non refundable depoit on a car so THEY WONT SELL IT and you change your mind they then need to give your money back.

You should never leave a deposit on a car ever. If they have the car you want buy it right then and there. Dont ever leave a deposit and continue shoping looking for abetter deal. If you find it 99% of the time your never going to get your deposit back unless it has been a few hours. Days forget it because they did what you asked of them and that was to take it off the market and hold it for you.

If you must leave a deposit they may ask for $200-300 down to hold it but by law if you give them just $20 they still have to hold it for you and if you change your mind your only out $20.
 

jreed012

Junior Member
Aug 9, 2004
22
0
0
Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Call the place with the better dela and tell them that the other dealership has your deposit and won't give it back so you might have to buy from the other place unless they can come down in price equal to your deposit. That wya you aren't out more money. And of course that other car dealership might have info for you to get the money back since they will want your sale...

The smartest post yet. Hell, if they want your business bad enough, they will come off that price. Dealers are scumbags...you need to be one also.
 

freebee

Diamond Member
Dec 30, 2000
4,043
0
0
I've always put the highest amount offered for a deposit, for a number of reasons. First, CC charges are easily disputed. Dealers get charged a fee, and you don't lose anything if you don't want the car. Second, credit card charges earn rewards. 5-10% back on a multi-thousand $ deposit can really add up. Or you can put it in a 0% bt card for more savings (by using their provided cc checks.)

Originally when I was going to purchase a DB9 for resale, I had asked about CC deposits, and large amounts are allowed by some dealerships. Unfortunately, the effort was wasted as the ford gt and all astons are not qualified under A-plan.
 

dethman

Lifer
Oct 12, 1999
10,263
3
76
Originally posted by: freebee
I've always put the highest amount offered for a deposit, for a number of reasons. First, CC charges are easily disputed. Dealers get charged a fee, and you don't lose anything if you don't want the car. Second, credit card charges earn rewards. 5-10% back on a multi-thousand $ deposit can really add up. Or you can put it in a 0% bt card for more savings (by using their provided cc checks.)

Originally when I was going to purchase a DB9 for resale, I had asked about CC deposits, and large amounts are allowed by some dealerships. Unfortunately, the effort was wasted as the ford gt and all astons are not qualified under A-plan.

yes, CCs get rewards, but no way you get 5-10% cash back at a car dealer. maybe gas and groceries, but you're still kind of stretching there.