Can I get my down payment back?

Question

I was pre approved for a Jeep. I put $500.00 down over the phone. After re-considering the next day I told the dealership that I did not want to purchase the jeep. The salesman was very nasty over the phone and said they have the blue one I wanted. I told him that we decided to go with a car with better mpg. I have not signed any contracts. Now they don't want to refund my $500.00. He says I HAVE to take the jeep. Can they keep my money? I live in Ohio.

Answer 1

In short they should refund your money. Of course they want to sell a car, so they will stall.  

You do not have any contract to purchase a car.

Write a short note,

Dear Mr. Smith,

On June XX,  2008 I provided ABC dealership with a $500 refundable deposit. I very clearly asked if this was refundable and you stated, "This is a good faith deposit that can be refunded if you ask"

I will not be purchasing a vehicle from ABC Dealer so I am requesting the $500 be refunded.

Please fax me a confirmation stating the $500 refund has been processed.

cc. USPS mail

***

If it was a Visa or Mastercard transaction you can dispute the transaction. That has to be done in writing. You would send them a letter with a copy of the above letter.

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Answer 2

Is it a "down payment" or a deposit?  If it was a deposit for them to hold the car for you then you can't get that back.  If you have some sort of paper work stating that the $500 was a down payment, then you can fight it, they need to give that $$ back to you if don't take delivery of the car.

Or else you can always call up your credit car company and dispute it.  I've done that before with smaller purchases and they've always been really helpful in getting my money back.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Yes you can get your down payment back and if you signed no contracts you should get your money back. A phone transaction is not a legally binding agreement. If the sales person was nasty get a hold of his supervisor and explain to him or her what the problem was and if the sales person was extremely unprofessional and rude mention that as well.

They can't keep your money if no written agreements were signed. If it came down to it go to the dealership in person and speak to the supervisor in person. Always do your business in person not over the phone because you want the salesperson to see your face. Since the transaction was done on the phone have proof of the number of times you've gotten a hold of the sales person including that person's name as well.

If you don't get any results from the salesperson's supervisor speak to the dealership manager or the owner directly. If that doesnt work consider consulting with an attorney because this could be grounds for a small claims suit and make sure you get all names of people you speak to and track all calls and correspondence and if you have to speak to an attorney have all these items together so that you can build your case with it.

Answer 4

First, never put down more than $50. Next, file a lawsuit in small claims court. It will cost them $500 to hire a lawyer.

Answer 5

call the credit company, tell them what happened and refuse to pay that portion of your bill.  but keep on paying the legit part of your statement.

Answer 6

Simply dispute the charge with your credit card company. Explain that you "received no goods or services" and that the dealership reneged on a verbal contract. The dealership will not receive the money.