Anonymous

Be definite before signing

Our old car was written off in a no fault incident and needed to get a car when the insurance was settled. We found one at David Hayton, and explained it could be some weeks before taking delivery and why. The salesman said that was fine and and we could pay £100 deposit. When we did the paperwork he said most people pay £500 which I did, but I missed the little red notice at the top that says the deposit is non-refundable. My wife found another car at a different dealer a couple of weeks later with less than half the mileage, same age and slightly lower spec. I approached Autostore (David Hayton) and explained that we wanted to cancel and why, requesting the deposit or part of it be returned. I was told no because the car had been taken of the forecourt and prepped. I spoke to the group manager who stated they don't do refunds (unless there is a problem with the car), not even a partial one. £500 is a lot to write of in the current financial climate, and it wouldn't impact them as they still have the car to sell. I would be happy for them to keep part of it as they had taken the car of the forecourt. Elsewhere they offer a refundable deposit so if you are thinking of buying a car here make very sure you want it before paying anything in advance.