Can i get my £100 deposit back from a used car dealer?

cashbackproblems

HI

Well on Saturday i went to see a car and got back home and placed a deposit over the phone for £100 for a VW Golf 1.8, however iv been thinking about it and the mileage is too much (75k) and even though i knew this at the time, iv since realised that should it need any repairs etc i wont be able to afford it. Im going to see a Polo 2moro at a different dealer which will be alot cheaper to insure and run.

However, legally does the dealer have to give my £100 back, they did say on the phone its non refundable? I dont have the guts to ring so was thinking to email explaining and asking if they can give it back. If not its not the end of the world as the other car would cost more than £100 in insurance alone compared to the Polo,

thanks

neilmcl

Did you agree to purchase the vehicle, hence the deposit?

cashbackproblems

neilmcl wrote: »

Did you agree to purchase the vehicle, hence the deposit?

Yes on the phone i did..nothing signed tho.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

No, you have no right to it back.

plane_boy2000

I think given that you state that the dealer said it was non-refundable gives you your answer!

Whats the point of the dealer taking a deposit if they just give it back when you change your mind. He may have had other people who wanted that car but have been turned away so the dealer is out of pocket - its only fair he keeps your 100 quid to cover his costs

terryya

Might be worth looking into distance selling rules. Don't know if this does count and don't have time to check, but surely worth a look

paulw98

Yes the dealer has made £100 from you, not a hope in hell of getting that back, and TBH why should you get it back?

neilmcl

terryya wrote: »

Might be worth looking into distance selling rules. Don't know if this does count and don't have time to check, but surely worth a look

It doesn't.

paulsad

What if he's lost another potential buyer whilst holding it for you with your £100 deposit?

thescouselander

IIRC if you paid over the phone then distance selling regulations come into play and you have 7 days to change your mind.

There is a similar case here:

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general-consumer-issues/208615-car-deposit-refund.html

neilmcl

thescouselander wrote: »

IIRC if you paid over the phone then distance selling regulations come into play and you have 7 days to change your mind.

There is a similar case here:

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general-consumer-issues/208615-car-deposit-refund.html

Not necessarily, and particurlarly not when the OP's physically viewed the vehicle in question.