Sulei didn’t say that they had paid a £4K deposit, just that the AP was £4K.
The issue of deposits comes up regularly. There is nothing suspicious at all about dealers asking for deposits. Motability state that it us up to dealers as to whether or not they ask for one. In the case of cars with relatively low AP’s and no optional extras, I should think that few dealers will ask for a deposit. We usually order cars at the upper end of the AP scale and add extras on top and have usually been asked for one. Often it’s the cost of the optional extras.
I have no problem paying a deposit as it shows commitment and encourages the dealer to get on and order the car. With a ‘bespoke’ factory order, a dealer is ‘at risk’ once the order is placed. In return for the deposit I insist on confirmation of the manufacturers order / tracking number within days of placing the order with them. This avoids the trap that many fall into, thinking that they have placed an order when the dealer just sits on it for a month or two until they get more build allocation slots.
Sulei – if the dealership is ignoring you, on the basis that Motability assisted you with the cancellation I would speak to them again and ask them to chase the dealer for the refund. I can’t imagine that a main franchised dealer is going to refuse to pay it and I suspect that they are running on skeleton staff and the person who needs to deal with it hasn’t been in. I’m sure that it’s nothing sinister and you will get your money back soon. Good luck.