Hi all, we ordered a Volvo XC40 in December – the dealer told us it will be delivered next month. We added a 360 camera to the spec and the dealer insisted on a £250 deposit which we paid. We have now changed our mind on the car. I saw the message from @Glos Guy saying we need to cancel with the dealer which we will do so on Monday. Just wondering if we should expect any issues with the deposit being returned? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.
The dealer should refund you in full. We do not enter into legally binding contracts with dealerships, so whilst they are entitled to ask for a deposit or for options to be paid up front, they should refund you.
One or two forum members have had issues over the years but managed to get their money back when this was pointed out to them. If a dealership really wanted to put up a fight they would have to prove a material loss. This becomes difficult for several reasons. Firstly, if the car hasn’t been built yet they can remove the option, so will have incurred no loss. Secondly, they don’t pay the full retail price of the option, so even if the car has been built and you don’t take delivery their loss is significantly less. Finally, if the car has been built they will sell it to someone else and they will most likely charge them for that option so, again, there is no material loss. They would need to prove the loss if challenged, which is difficult for them especially when there is no legally binding contract, hence why they sometimes try it on but cave when challenged robustly.
Let us know how you get on. Good luck.
