Main dealership insisting on bank transfer

helpjack

I have recently put a deposit down on a used car. Im buying it outright, no finance, and the dealership are insisting I pay by bank transfer two days before I pick it up.

They have told me they won't accept debit card when I go to collect it.

The additional complication is that we didn't get to test drive when we went to look at it as the battery was flat. I know the type of car just not that particular car.

It's a big national dealership but that wouldn't stop them going bust during the two.

I've always paid for cards by card so this is all new to me.

It makes me feel hugely nervous and vulnerable until I take that car away and it's ok.

Is this common practice?

Dean000000

No. This is very unusual.

Are you sure it’s a main dealer?

Mercdriver

DOn't buy without a test drive and don't take flat battery as an excuse. They have the facility to do a fast charge. Test drive it first. They don't like cards because of the service fee that is charged.

Nearly_Old

Dean000000 wrote: »

No. This is very unusual.

Are you sure it’s a main dealer?

I think that this becoming more common as the last main dealer we bought from last September now uses bank transfer only for outright purchases. Previously we had used a debit card on the day we collected the car but this main dealer now only accepts the deposit by card. We did have an extended test drive before we paid anything.

helpjack

It's a large national Nissan dealership. They have sent me a written invoice with their bank details and written it on the invoice to be paid by bank transfer 2 days before collection.

They didn't tell me this until several days after I'd put the deposit down.

When I put the deposit down I assumed I'd go back see it running and pay the balance by card.

I called up today and asked if I could pay by card when I collect and it was a flat no.

If I back out now I guess I lose the deposit.

Dean000000

How much is the car? And how much was the deposit?

helpjack

The deposit was £200 and the car is well over £10k.

Dean000000

I’d rather lose 200 that buy a 10k duff.

Tho - I’d rather neither....so argue the toss over your £200 if it ain’t up to standard when you see it in the flesh

helpjack

That's the point though. They're insisting I pay the whole balance 2 days before I go to collect it by bank transfer.

So Ill be arguing over the whole lot.

Nearly_Old

helpjack wrote: »

The deposit was £200 and the car is well over £10k.

Couldn't you go to the dealer on the day, have a good test drive and if everything is ok do an immediate BACS transfer (our dealer had free wifi) then go and have a coffee whilst the payment clears?

Dean000000

Doh. Yes sorry you did say. Tell them they are being unreasonable.

Isn’t your deposit meant to act as a ‘hold’ on the veihicle?

They are therefore holding your money till you complete the sale, which you will do after having the opportunity to inspect.....

Is what I’d say