2007-04-05 16:11:32 · 6 answers · asked by idaho6118 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
He can. But he shouldn't. When I have a deal with a customer on a car, I ask for a non-refundable $500 deposit or down payment. That deposit represents a commitment for you to buy the car, and for me not to sell it to someone else.
If I were you, i'd stay away from that dealer, he obviously has no scruples.
I run a small used car lot and that's how we do biz.
2007-04-11 13:19:34 · answer #1 · answered by jefx1965 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most cases, a down payment or a deposit you make is just a sign that you are seriously looking into purchasing the vehicle. It does not give you an exclusivity or any type of part ownership. The dealer is only obligated to take it under advisement that you will soon return to finalize your deal.
If you notice, when you make a deposit, your delaer did not make you sign any paper or themselves sign any paper giving you or them any responsibilities. In most cases, they don't even cash the check.
UNLESS, of course, you signed on the purchase order and the payment you made was part of your installment. In which case, he can not sell it to anyone else. (I don't think this is what you are talking about)
For this reason, car dealer is free to sell the vehicle to anyone who comes to the dealership. Of course, if he does that, he will have to refund you the money.
2007-04-05 23:22:58 · answer #2 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a sign of a dishonest dealer.
If he has done that suggest you may sue in small claims court.
There are state laws regarding deposits and how they must be dealt with.
If he does not honor your deposit then hemay well dishonor any purchase contract, statement of the cars condition and any warrenty he gives you.
Tell all your friends about him as well.
Lodge a complaint with the state motor vehicle dealers licensing board
2007-04-05 23:36:13 · answer #3 · answered by mark 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no no no no !!!!!!!! he must hold it for you until the time that your written agreement says. HOWEVER after that time expires and you still haven't finished the purchase then you loose your down payment and THEN he CAN sell it to another WITHOUT returning your deposit.
2007-04-05 23:19:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they can, i own a repair shop and i had a down payment on a blazer,and the next day it was gone,when i went to pick it up,and he said his wife had already sold it and he didn't know about it,we all know b/s when we hear it but that was his excuse for it,but they can do it,good luck i hope this helps.
2007-04-05 23:18:56 · answer #5 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure he can! The question is, can you sue him for it?
2007-04-05 23:17:49 · answer #6 · answered by nitrojunkie78 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋