Elderly Parents, with a Non Refundable Deposit, Help Please

mwilliam

Hi
Please can anyone advise me?

My elderly parents went to purchase a car from a Main Stream Dealer. They gave a deposit of £250. This is 2 weeks worth of their Pension. They decided with-in 24 hours that they did not want the car so went back to the garage and asked for their refund. They were told “NO” and it was a non refundable deposit.
As you can imagine they were very distressed at this, so my Husband went down, spoke to the manager who advised that they had signed a contract. My Parents told me that it was never explained to them that is was non refundable, otherwise they would not part with that sort of money.

I have written to the Dealership explaining the situation of 80 year old parents and would appreciate any feedback anyone can give in helping me claim their money back. Thank You

dzug1

Legally the dealership is entirely within their rights.

All you can do is appeal to their better nature - maybe to their Head Office

But don't hold your breath

McKneff

I agree with Dzug, and I really cant see what their ages have to do with anything.

They decided to buy a car and to be honest at 80 plus they should have known and probably did the meaning of a deposit

Why did they decide that they didnt want it any more.

Valli

Presumably they have a receipt (Or other paperwork) for their deposit?
What does THAT say?

arcon5

Read this op, very useful information:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/42873192#Comment_42873192

mwilliam

McKneff wrote: »

I agree with Dzug, and I really cant see what their ages have to do with anything.

They decided to buy a car and to be honest at 80 plus they should have known and probably did the meaning of a deposit

Why did they decide that they didnt want it any more.

Ages quoted because, they are elderly are going a little senile..Yes they did know what a deposit was and is, but did not know it was a Non Refundable Deposit...

ccotaxc

They are going senile and want to buy a car???

bod1467

arcon5 wrote: »

Read this op, very useful information:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/42873192#Comment_42873192

Excellent post. The link even uses second hand car sales as an example, and exactly as per the OP's parents situation.

Edit: OP doesn't say if it was a new or second hand car. Sorry.

mwilliam

bod1467 wrote: »

Excellent post. The link even uses second hand car sales as an example, and exactly as per the OP's parents situation.

Edit: OP doesn't say if it was a new or second hand car. Sorry.

Second hand car from a Main dealer of the brand... Agree this was a really useful link.. Thanks

mwilliam

ccotaxc wrote: »

They are going senile and want to buy a car???

Yes... Senile as in old age.. Happens to us all, I am afraid! They want to potter around and have some independance, in their final years...

soolin

mwilliam wrote: »

Yes... Senile as in old age.. Happens to us all, I am afraid! They want to potter around and have some independance, in their final years...

I think the point being made was :eek: as their child do you believe they are safe enough to be on the road, when they are senile enough to be misunderstanding what a deposit is?

My dad (bless him) decided to give up his car when he got to the stage where he was getting confused with traffic signs and directions and felt that he was likely to be a danger to other road users with his dithering. On the other hand my neighbours who are wonderful areboth 80 and he is still driving and is as sharp as a knife and is probably a better driver than many younger people on the roads. It was you yourself though that raised the issue of your parents beign 'senile' so maybe you need to be brave and tackle them about maybe giving up the car?