Trader non-refundable deposit query?

swissrebel

So I found this car - it was a great example of the vehicle, with a seemingly decent history (HPI check etc) and generally all seemed kosher.

So I placed a deposit, signed a little slip of paper saying the deposit was non-refundable and went the day after to buy the car with a friend.

As we were going to lay down the money for it, he noticed something a little odd about the bodywork and after doing some digging around we found some damage underneath that had been hidden away from what appears to be a decent shunt.

The guy's a trader - buying and selling cars out of his home - i'm aware these guys can be a flakey bunch, but i've also never had issues before.

He's now saying i'm not entitled to a refund on the deposit. It's entirely possible he was unaware of the damage when he bought it and it's obviously my own fault here for not having been more thorough with the check - but have I got a legal leg to stand on here just to get £250 back? Should I look over the documentation again to see if there's anything about the car I can use legally?

Thanks guys, I appreciate my problem's not unique and i've done some searches on the forum but opinion seems to vary between "No you signed a contract you wally" and "Those contracts are illegal".

marlot

In theory the trader is supposed to refund a deposit, less any costs which he has incurred as a result of taking the car off the market for you. But you'll face a terrible job trying to get it back.

You should have made the deposit subject to inspection by your friend.

s_b

You have the high ground
but trader has your money
you would need to take him to court to get him to return a reasonable amount if he is refusing
i think £50 is reasonable to hold a car and be non refundable for 2 days
maybe take this advice on board next time OP
remember £250 buys a nice weekend in barkyloner

harveybobbles

The whole idea of a deposit is it is your way of saying "yes i'm happy with the car, I have inspected it and I would like you to take it off sale.."

If you were taking a friend along - why not take them the 1st time? Or just say to the dealer that you want the car, but would like to come back tomorrow with a friend to check it over.

£250 is a bit on the high side tbh. We only ever ask for £100 as this isnt deemed to be too much.

waynedance

You wanted the car you paid your deposit which said non refundable so what is the problem?

Do not understand what you are expecting from this, live and learn.