Car quotation withdrawn when about to place the order.

tempsc

Hi.

I'm looking for some advice please?

I have obtained a written quotation for a new car, with 0% terms over three years which we found acceptable and could afford.

When I was about to place a deposit on the car, the sales manager paused and said that a mistake had been made and they couldn't 'afford to the deal at this price'. Of course, I queried that and he responded by saying that he'd look into it and get back to me. On calling back he said that his colleague had made a mistake and that they were sorry. I said that it was like taking sweets from a child as we were quite excited about the prospect of getting a new car and within 20 minutes, everything had changed.

Now my questions/observations are;

This document is printed and is referred to as a 'Quotation', valid for 14 days. It doesn't refer to it being an illustration, or an estimate. It also doesn't refer to terms and conditions, or errors and ommissions excepted. The only reference is that it is 'subject to changes in manufacturers price or interest rates' (which to my knowledge haven't), that the purchaser must be over 18 years of age (I am) and the finance being subject to status and that a guarantee may be required.

Can anyone advise on our options? Do I have any - given the fact that I have a written quotation? What is the status of a 'quotation' in such circumstances?

Any help, would of course, be very much appreciated.

Tempsc

bod1467

It's an offer to trade, as far as I can tell. As such the seller has the right to withdraw the offer. Sorry.

If I'm wrong I'm sure I'll soon be hung, drawn and quartered.

arcon5

I'm inclined to agree with the above.

You have no contract with them at the moment. It would be no different to a retailer realising there is a pricing error at the till and withdrawing it at the price.

Find out what the actual quote would be then if its still a good deal, meet them in the middle?

bod1467

That's the analogy I was thinking of.

Valli

Unfortunately, OP the salesman is quite within his rights to withdraw the quotation, it was an invitation to treat and the contract is formed when THEY accept your offer to buy at the quoted price.

Same as a quotation for work to be done on a house. They quote a price, you say you'll pay that price, then the agree to accept is - that's the point the contract is formed.

Sorry!

scheming_gypsy

Tell him thank you but you'll go somewhere else; but to give you a call if he decides the quote is ok.

50% chance the quote is wrong
50% chance he's hoping you really want the car and are willing to pay a bit extra.