Used car deposit, at distance

jjpmaia

Good evening
I have read some post here but couldn't find the answer I want.

I'm want to buy a used car in the next month's, and if I see something I like and it is far away, I would want to make a deposit to secure it. My question is if it is refundable since I haven't seen the car? I will only put a deposit on a car I really want to buy, and will only do it after I have checked everything I can online, therefore the last thing to do is to see it live.

My question with the deposit being refundable is if I get there and the car is not has described, for example the sellers says there are no issues with the engine and when I see it it has engine knock, or there is some damage that was not visible in the photos.

My question is not in the case of giving up on the car because I found a better deal or for any other reason before I see it. I want to know if it is refundable in the case of the car is different or has problems not stated on the description/photos.

Thank you for your help.

Billy_Bullocks

If the car is not as described you'd be entitled to your deposit back. Whether you get it is another thing. Unless you're after something rare, why not buy local and see it first?

jjpmaia

Thank you for your reply.
Altough I'm not looking for anything rare, I want a certain model, with the engine and trim level I want, and unfortunately there aren't any nearby.

I somewhat knew I could have it back, but how difficult is it to get it back?

Thank you

david_a

I would suggest speaking to the dealer ask for t&cs and proceed accordingly

jblessing

If the dealer is a mainstream one with multiple locations they could probably get the car brought to a local branch, and you might have more chance of getting your deposit back if you didn't like it. With a one-man band, I very much doubt it.

I would strongly advise against your current plan of action

jjpmaia

Thank you for the advise

Billy_Bullocks

jjpmaia wrote: »

Thank you for your reply.
Altough I'm not looking for anything rare, I want a certain model, with the engine and trim level I want, and unfortunately there aren't any nearby.

I somewhat knew I could have it back, but how difficult is it to get it back?

Thank you

Who knows, we don't know which dealer you're possibly going to buy from.

It could go from a straight refund no issues to them claiming you owe them money on top of the deposit for pulling out. Or anywhere in between.

jjpmaia

My question is not exactly to a certain dealer, obviously a know dealer will be easier, my question is if there is some legal right for me to get my deposit back if when I see the car it is not as stated in the advert.

Thank you

Billy_Bullocks

jjpmaia wrote: »

My question is not exactly to a certain dealer, obviously a know dealer will be easier, my question is if there is some legal right for me to get my deposit back if when I see the car it is not as stated in the advert.

Thank you

Yes, but it's enforcing your rights that's the issue.

jjpmaia

How difficult is it? Sorry about my ignorance, but I've only been in the UK for less than 2 years

Billy_Bullocks

jjpmaia wrote: »

How difficult is it? Sorry about my ignorance, but I've only been in the UK for less than 2 years

Worst case scenario the dealer says no.

You take him to court and win.

He's still doesn't pay.

You have to pay to take enforcement action to recover the money.

The bailiff goes to his premises and he's dissolved his company and started up another.

You get nothing.

What car are you after?