How Can I Get My £200 Deposit Back

[Arabesque]

A salesman offered to bring a blue Totota Aygo with around 2000 miles 63 reg to the dealership in Burton-on-Trent and asked for a £200 deposit which he said was refundable if I did not buy the car. No document was signed. I paid this deposit, but on viewing the car, the mileage was 7000 instead of 2000. I do not wish to buy this car and asked for my £200 to be returned. The Manager refused. I've written requesting my money back and haven't heard from them. What are my rights in getting this £200 back please?

[boxtops]

This sounds odd - he asked you for the £200 deposit before he would bring the car to you for inspection? I've never heard of that before.

Did you get a receipt for the £200, were the T&Cs written on the back?

How did yuo pay? if by credit card over the phone, you may have some redress via the credit card company.

If you make no headway, you could speak to Trading Standards - or write to your local paper, name and shame.

[TWR]

As Boxy has said, but first give them the option, tell them if your money is not returned you will contact T.S.

[Maydup]

Its seems strange for him to ask for a deposit and then be happy to refund it later on. It makes you wonder under what circumstances you anticipated losing the money? Could there be a misunderstnading her?

[Maydup]

Here

[Prudie]

Yes are you sure he didn't say refundable IF you buy the car, that would make far more sense. If you have absolutely no evidence except word of mouth it might be tough to pursue.

[dancecaller]

Whether he said 'refundable if you buy' (yes, that sounds more likely) or refundable if you don't buy the fact remains that the item was not as he described it. So try all the ways suggested above.

How did he contact you, or did you phone the showroom? If you have no document it's your word against theirs

[Iggle Piggle]

Subject to the details being accurate, and if paid by credit card, you may be able to claim using Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, 1974. This forces the credit supplier to share the responsibility with the supplier of the product. As long as the product is between £100 and £30,000, even if the seller has gone under. Worth knowing - but check your facts.

[Iggle Piggle]

I would say you have a case under S75 as the product was 'not as described', whether the mileage discrepancy would be enough is for this is up for argument. Good luck.