Buying a car

MalMonroe

CashMoney said:

Hi, I’m looking to purchase a vehicle from a dealer. I initially paid a small deposit via card over the phone to secure the vehicle a few days ago with a date to collect in 10 days time. I received a phone call from the dealer yesterday stating that I had to pay the full amount by bank transfer the day before collecting at the very latest. I was initially taken aback by this as every other time I have purchased from a dealer I paid the full amount via card at the dealership on day of collection. The dealers excuse for not accepting my previous method was that they only accept a maximum of £1500 via card. I feel reluctant to send the full amount before I have even seen the vehicle and not test drive it. Does anyone know if this is legit and safe? Also does it still class as a “long distance sale” and will I have the same rights?

Many thanks

Hi, yes, you do have the same rights, because every item you buy whether in person or online has to be 'fit for purpose'. 

And the motor ombudsman says this -
 
https://www.themotorombudsman.org/knowledge-base/what-are-a-consumers-legal-rights-when-buying-a-car

And because you paid the deposit by credit card you will be covered by Section 75 if all else fails.

If you are going to collect the car yourself you will be able to give it a test drive - and if you know the registration number you can check the MOT history online beforehand - just to ensure that there isn't a recurring fault or something, per this gov website -

https://www.gov.uk/checks-when-buying-a-used-car

Why won't they allow you to pay the balance when you collect?  Do you have to collect it at the weekend or can you collect it in the week instead? 

In my own situation I'm going to have to buy a car online, pay for it to be delivered and then cross fingers that it's okay! Simply because of my personal circumstances and flying in the face of some very judgemental comments on here. I live with someone who remains extremely vulnerable from covid and could either die or end up with long covid if I go out and mix with others, so I'm not able to go and test drive or look at cars myself. Not everyone has that ability or luxury. But I know my consumer rights and if I end up with a dud then that will be addressed at the time. 

In summary, I'd say it's best not to look for problems where there don't seem to be any and also, you are protected by the law if there are.

PS I bought a used Toyota from the official Toyota dealer three years ago and it's been fabulous. 

CashMoney

@penners324 - its a used car. I have owned the same model a few years ago but on an older year.

@poquito - the deposit was to hold the car and take it off sale. It is over 200 miles away, I thought it was worth the risk in blind buying it as I have had the same manufacturer of cars for past 7 years and also owned the same model as this a few years ago. Also it comes with 24 months warranty so thought that was peace of mind.

CashMoney

@MalMonroe - I arranged the weekend with him because I work during the week. He said that their branch policy for the past 2 years is that they only accept bank transfers due to their being issues in the past with card payments and “waste of their time”.

Ebe_Scrooge

CashMoney said:

It is over 200 miles away

So if there's a problem that's covered by warranty, do you have to take it back to the place you bought it, or can you take it to any Mazda dealer?

I have to ask why you're buying from somewhere 200 miles away.  Surely there's a Mazda (or even non-manufacturer-specific) dealer closer to home that has a similar car in stock?

MrFrugalFever

Cashmoney -

1) it will not be a distanced sale if you step foot in the dealership
2) a main Mazda dealer will be heavily governed by its own used car scheme, the franchise operating is unlikely to be a ‘scammer’ and the reason for limits on card transactions in person is mainly for fees and anti money laundering purposes

3) Mazda operate a 30 day exchange policy
4) most franchised dealers will operate a 14 day money back guarantee
5) you will have a minimum of 12 months manufacturer warranty which covers pretty much most things
6) generally administration staff work Monday to friday
7) if it’s a used car, you have to appreciate it will not be perfect, you can’t just expect the dealer to hand you your money back simply because there’s some minor blemishes etc

enjoy your new car

MrFrugalFever

macman said:

CashMoney said:

So what if I don’t like the car or the way it drives, can I ask for a refund? Am I covered under a “long distance sale” because I paid for the car in full before seeing or driving it?

I don't understand why you are purchasing a car you have neither inspected not test-driven?
If you don't like it when you do see it, it's too late, as paying a deposit means that you are committed to purchase it, unless the contract specifically states that your deposit is returnable should you change your mind. A deposit doesn't just reserve the vehicle, it confirms an agreement to purchase it.

No it doesn’t, a full exchange of all monies owing and a signed order form with an accompanied invoice is a legally bind8ng contract. Anyone who has placed a deposit and signed an order form is well within their right to ‘back out’ of the purchase and should, in good faith, be supplied a refund of initial deposit.