Tips on Buying Cars: New car deposit, chevy equinox, toronto dealer

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ray,
Here is the situation.  I was looking into purchasing a Chevy Equinox.  Seeing as none were to be found anywhere in the Montreal area or even in the entire province of Quebec or Ontario, I started looking at the uplander SWB.  The ONLY one I found was at a dealership in Toronto.  I contacted them (July 28th) and it sounded like a good deal, and I didn't mind going to pick it up in Toronto (I was planning a trip there anyways).  I gave them my CC # for them to take a 500$ deposit for the vehicle.  I got a call from a Montreal dealership on August 5th to let me know a customer had brought back a 2009 Equinox with 5000 KM's.  Seeing as this is the vehicle I was really interested in, I jumped on the deal and on Augusst 6th, I contacted the Toronto dealer to say I wasn't interested in the Uplander anymore.  Up until this point, no deposit was taken on my CC which I had previously provided.  Half an hour after I advised them I wasn't interested in the vehicle anymore, they charged my credit card and are refusing to reimburse it stating that deposits are non refundable.  I have even spoken to the GM of the dealership and he told me it was a reasonable amount to forfeit due to the fact they did some leg work for me (Financing paperwork...)  I even told them I would contact OMVIC and send a letter to the GM head office in Oshawa which didn't even seem to shake him.  Do I have a leg to stand on to get my $500 back?

Thanks for your help,
Jeffrey

ANSWER: Hi Jeffrey

In all fairness you made a commitment and I can't blame the dealer for being a little ticked as I seen this happen many times over the years, however I assume there is no Bill of Sale ? or contract signed if financing ? " unless faxed or emailed for signature ?  "

For starters phone your CC and get some answers how to cancel a transaction over the phone that you feel you have been taken advantage off.

You gave authorization July 28 with CC deposit, what transpired between that date and the 6th of August as for vehicle being ready for pick up ?

Before I comment further, I would like to know about your conversation with your credit card provider, if it's negative there are other avenue's how I may be of help, let me know.

Ray
http://www.usedcartips.org/

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ray,
Thanks for the advice.  I had the chat with the CC company and they said they cannot help.  I explained to them the situation and they pointed me to consumer protection agency.  Any other tips for me?

Thanks,
-J

Answer
Many dealers today refund deposits to retain customer satisfaction, while others whom don't, are at the risk getting blemished reviews on the Internet.

I can't get you a refund, but I can help you to post a bad experience to warn others how this dealership deals with consumers. e-mail your phone number to this link if interested raypaulsen99@yahoo.com along with best times to make contact.