G70 2.0 vs. 3.3T

[securityguy]

All deposits are fully refundable...it's the law...they cannot keep your money even if you factory order and change your mind after it arrives.

 

[SeekingGen]

All deposits are fully refundable...it's the law...they cannot keep your money even if you factory order and change your mind after it arrives.

I don't think this is accurate.

 

[securityguy]

Look into it. No one can keep your money!

 

[SeekingGen]

Look into it. No one can keep your money!

"They" can definitely keep your money--they have it. To get it back, you must make an argument that you are entitled to its return. What state or country are you in? What are the local, state, or country laws? Do you want to have to sue in small claims court to argue you are entitled to a return of your deposit.

Generally, best course (I think) is to get the agreement in writing.

Their argument -- the deposit was made to cover the in-house costs borne to procure the vehicle and/or to forego selling the vehicle to someone else, and the deposit is forfeited if you change your mind. For example, if they order it from port, they have to specify that vehicle and they forego obtaining another vehicle that they might sell to someone else. Similarly, if they take it off the market based on the deposit, they have incurred costs & potentially given up sales. In any event, they have incurred costs and foregone opportunities because of the order placed--with the agreed to deposit intended to cover those costs. Therefore, if you change your mind, you lose the deposit. (Why else have a deposit if you get to change your mind and get it returned to you no matter what?)

State laws vary; laws in various countries vary. I think a blanket statement on "no one can keep your money" is grossly inaccurate.

 

[securityguy]

Not going to get into an argument with you but I have never heard of a dealer in any state keeping someones money. There was a federal law in place that doesn't allow it and I do not believe that law no longer exists. It can't hurt to have it in writing but some dealers like to use this as a scare tactic to make you "think" you cannot get your money back when they know they have to give it back regardless of circumstance. All they'll do is put it back on their lot and sell it to someone else so no skin off their back.

 

[NLJ]

They can keep your money in Ontario if it is a new car. There is no cool-off period for new cars here. Only when buying used.

 

[securityguy]

I am specifically speaking about US new car purchases and not Canada. Maybe the law was changed but no reputable dealer is going to keep your money regardless. There is no "cool down" in the US but we are talking about deposits and not after you drive the car off the lot.

 

[SeekingGen]

Not going to get into an argument with you but I have never heard of a dealer in any state keeping someones money. There was a federal law in place that doesn't allow it and I do not believe that law no longer exists. It can't hurt to have it in writing but some dealers like to use this as a scare tactic to make you "think" you cannot get your money back when they know they have to give it back regardless of circumstance. All they'll do is put it back on their lot and sell it to someone else so no skin off their back.

Do not want to "argue"--but a blanket statement based on your personal experience and an unreferenced federal law is insufficient. I know people who were denied a return of their deposit. Your reference to federal would suggest U.S. -- and there are posters from multiple countries here.
Even a quick internet search indicates refunds not automatically returned in U.S.
Are Car Dealership Deposits Refundable? - MargarianLaw
Viewer denied refund on vehicle deposit
Be Careful When Leaving A Vehicle Deposit | There Is No Automatic Right To A Refund - Consumer Reports News
Is my deposit refundable? | Car buying advice | The Car Expert (U.K.)

 

[SeekingGen]

Also, some references (below) that it is a common prevailing MYTH that a refund is automatically returned. Again, not an argument (although you are wrong)--do not want posters to act without exercising appropriate caution. Laws vary and never hurts to look into it a bit before acting.
Can I Get My Deposit Back on a New or Used Car?
Be Careful When Leaving A Vehicle Deposit | There Is No Automatic Right To A Refund - Consumer Reports News

 

[NLJ]

I am specifically speaking about US new car purchases and not Canada. Maybe the law was changed but no reputable dealer is going to keep your money regardless. There is no "cool down" in the US but we are talking about deposits and not after you drive the car off the lot.

Not talking about driving off. Paying the deposit and waiting for the car to arrive can also be legally binding in some states.
Especially since they register the VIN to the ownership. In the end of the day it is up to the dealership on how they want to proceed!

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[KusaKusa]

The problem is the assumption that dealers are reputable. They will do whatever they want if you give them the chance, laws or not, because the law is only as effective as how you enforce it. Worse case for them is that they just give the deposit back and at worst get a warning. If you have an attorney on retainer, go ahead and give a deposit.

 

[SeekingGen]

^
Better yet, if you have an attorney on retainer talk to the attorney before making a deposit.

 

[Mcc]

I am specifically speaking about US new car purchases and not Canada. Maybe the law was changed but no reputable dealer is going to keep your money regardless

Quite a bit of backtracking and qualifying now. The smart thing would be to disregard the blanket assertion of what the dealer can’t do and proceed cautiously with written and signed conditions, even if you have to write them out yourself.

 

[OMG70]

I say blindly make the deposit and just buy the car. But walk away on the first day and three times over the phone the next day before you buy it. So they know you're serious about your price. Worked for me

 

[Toddasaurus]

Well... I had no idea. I always assumed that all deposits were fully refundable.

Learned yet another new thing today!

 

[Cgo]

Depends. If you sign a contract or agreement, those can clearly state, non refundable deposit.

 

[tarhoosier]

Sales manager at my dealer said he would not special order cars because he did that and then customers declined said car leaving dealer with a car less sellable than others, too specific or something. This may have been bs but if true it indicates that in his case orders were not binding, at least when the policy allowed them. This appears to be an area with broad variation in practice, not to mention legality.

 

[jaymatt]

I've been driving in Sport ONLY for this tank of fuel... I'll let you know my results vs. Eco

Update on Sport only vs Eco?

 

[SeekingGen]

Well... I had no idea. I always assumed that all deposits were fully refundable.

Learned yet another new thing today!

I think a deposit is intended to cover what the dealership goes thru and the risk they undertake. It really makes no sense to put a deposit down if you can get it back at anytime--why put it down at all if it is "always" refundable no matter the circumstances? A dealer may return an otherwise nonrefundable deposit because they do not want to anger a potential customer (and risk losing the customer). But, generally absent the dealer selling the car or not receiving the car, the deposit is not refundable.
I would never put a deposit down without a written agreement on when it is refundable. And, would then only do it by credit card.

 

[OMG70]

I think a deposit is intended to cover what the dealership goes thru and the risk they undertake. It really makes no sense to put a deposit down if you can get it back at anytime--why put it down at all if it is "always" refundable no matter the circumstances? A dealer may return an otherwise nonrefundable deposit because they do not want to anger a potential customer (and risk losing the customer). But, generally absent the dealer selling the car or not receiving the car, the deposit is not refundable.
I would never put a deposit down without a written agreement on when it is refundable. And, would then only do it by credit card.

I think this is more applicable to a special ordered car. In terms of a car in-transit/high demand I think it is safer to assume and/or take their word that the deposit is refundable. Obviously still best to get something in writing or at least a receipt, but I think it would be significantly lower risk.

That said, there are still some cars that just plain don't sell well despite being a standard spec. Tons of white S4's with red interiors left on the lot when I was shopping around in February!