Possible to cancel order for a new car?

don9999

In January, I ordered a brand new car from a main dealer (no comments about buying a 'new' car - I got a 'massive' discount, and is very worthwhile - I have discussed this in other threads).

Estimated delivery was for end of March.

However, there has been no news, the last I heard, about three weeks ago, the car had not yet even been built.

I've reviewed the T&Cs, and one point is that if the car is not delivered within 21 days of the delivery date, then I am allowed to give written notice of 7-days for them to provide the car. After that, either party has the option to cancel the order.

Now, I'm not sure I would carry that out, as I want the car! Though I will re-check the prices, and if they are cheaper now, I may consider cancelling and re-ordering (though I would have to wait 'another' 8+ weeks.....).

Has anyone ever carried out such an action to cancel a new car order?

Also, the delay 'may' be caused partly/wholly due to the Japan crisis - could this give the dealer some leeway to get out of the condition?

smitchy73

I'd say first of all open up communication with the dealership. Speak to the salesperson who you dealt with and see what their explanation is, if you're not happy speak to the Sales Manager or General Manager in the dealership, find out what the delay is and what they are willing to do to help you.
Do you have another car to use? Is the MOT or tax due up soon? Maybe they can help out if they are. Some dealers/manufacturers are giving courtesy cars whilst their delay is sorted.
Is you're new car made by a Japanese company, I see Honda, Toyota are two big ones to cut production not just in the UK but in the USA as well, with full production not set to return to normal until about the end of May.

Give the dealer a chance to explain or fix, worst case scenario if you cancel and get your deposit back you may go somewhere else and have the same problem if you place a new order, better to wait another few weeks than having to wait another twelve weeks or whatever you've waited so far.

More and more manufacturers are doing this, I read recently Ford will be doing this where you are pretty much ordering from factory just as VW have been doing for a couple of years now. I waited 11 weeks for my Golf, once the car was built it all went very quickly it's just getting it built that causes delay and this can be down to the next run of that paint, or a shortage of engines, sunroofs, multi function steering wheels etc etc.

Hope this helps.

don9999

Am going to send the formal letter in a few days time. It gives me the 'option' to cancel after 7 days. I don't 'have' to.

As you say, I don't want to have to wait 'another' 10 weeks or so if I DO cancel and place another order.

Though 'may' be worthwhile if the car is much cheaper.

I still have my old car - was told I would be given at least 2 weeks notice of car delivery, so enough time for me to sell the old car. Of course, without that notice, I still have the old car. However 'that' car will continue to go down in value, so making the 'new' car more expensive.....

atrixblue.-MFR-.

don9999 wrote: »

Am going to send the formal letter in a few days time. It gives me the 'option' to cancel after 7 days. I don't 'have' to.

As you say, I don't want to have to wait 'another' 10 weeks or so if I DO cancel and place another order.

Though 'may' be worthwhile if the car is much cheaper.

I still have my old car - was told I would be given at least 2 weeks notice of car delivery, so enough time for me to sell the old car. Of course, without that notice, I still have the old car. However 'that' car will continue to go down in value, so making the 'new' car more expensive.....

your better going into the dealership as to where you purchased it.

writing a letter just delays you (3 days to arrive and they have 14 day in wich to respond and a further 3 days post back)

the sooner you communicate in person the quicker they can help you out and give you answers.

johnfarquhar74

I posted a similar thread here a couple of weeks back. I ordered a Skoda with a 13-16 week delivery date. The build date got pushed back to 6 months from purchase, that doesn't include the average 4 weeks to get the car from factory to UK shores and PDI'd.
I contacted dealer and raised my frustrations/concerns, he agreed to cancel the sale and a full refund of my deposit. I haven't as yet cancelled as I'm hedging my bets that the build date may change in my favour or a better deal may come along.