Should I pay back a deposit left for my car?

far2812 · 9 November 2009 at 4:28PM

H All

I sold my car to a guy (a policeman of all people!) 10 days ago.

He left me a deposit for £200 and said that he was waiting for a cheque to clear.

He called me this morning basically using every excuse in the book. He said that he wanted to do the transaction with my partner (even though my partner works away). I told him this - he has spoken to my partner a couple of times etc.

Anyway, I am just babbling now - basically do I have to pay him the deposit back? I have had 5 calls since and told the people that the car is sold and deleted it off autotrader.

I am just annoyed as I waited 10 days and then on the morning he was to collect the car, he cancelled.

Many thanks

hartcjhart · 9 November 2009 at 4:33PM

basically no you do not have to repay the deposit,BUT, him being old bill could make life awkward,ie continous vehicle stops etc,

I would offer half back and say that you will keep the other half for the inconvenience caused,re-listing etc

bryanb · 9 November 2009 at 4:38PM

If it's your car why would he want to deal with your partner?

far2812 · 9 November 2009 at 4:44PM

The log book is in my partner's name..........but like I said - he has spoken to him 3 times about the car and was more than happy!

terryya · 9 November 2009 at 4:46PM

I think you'd be well within your rights to keep it but personally I'd refund minus the cost of readvertising.

bryanb · 9 November 2009 at 4:48PM

You don't say whether he is asking for deposit back? Is he the type to discuss sensibly? If so explain your extra costs etc.

Chippy_Minton_2 · 9 November 2009 at 4:52PM

If you decide to keep any/all of the deposit. Get it straight in your head why you are doing so and what exectly the law says about it. He may well threaten you with being locked up for theft etc. If so firmly remind him of your legal rights to with hold his deposit and that he ought to see legal advice or you will contact his professional standards department.

BenL · 9 November 2009 at 4:53PM

The guys HPI guarantee will not be valid unless he deals with the registered keeper (your partner)

They should not expect all the deposit back, depending on how you feel you may want to return some of it though.

Quentin · 9 November 2009 at 5:06PM

Don't fall out with a policeman (and pay your dentist's bill on time).

They both have ways to get their revenge!

Premier_2 · 9 November 2009 at 5:07PM

How long is your partner away for?

Why can't the deal be finalised on your partner's return?

How is the car supposed to be paid for?
By cheque? If so, just have the cheque made payable to your partner,
By Bank transfer? If so, get the buyer to transfer funds to your partners account.

If the buyer has spoken to your partner, what exactly is the issue? Is this something that wasn't evident to the buyer when they originally left the deposit?

maninthestreet · 9 November 2009 at 5:12PM

The registered keeper is not necessarily the same the as the legal owner. If he wants to buy the car, he has to pay the legal owner, not the RK.

Should I pay back a deposit left for my car?

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