Tips on Buying Cars: Deposit Question, dollar deposit, intitled

Question
I put a $1500.00 dollar deposit on a $10,000.00 car from a used car dealer. My car was stolen and I wasn't expecting to see it again so I went looking for a car. I placed the deposit on a Friday and my car was recovered on Saturday. I called the dealer on Monday to tell him I would prefer not to buy the car and to see if we could divide up the deposit in some way or work something out. The dealer decided to keep the entire $1500.00 deposit even though I called him the next business day. Anything I can do. I live in Maine. Thanks

Answer
Hi Peter

If you signed a binding contract you could stand to loose your full deposit, some dealers like to play hardball while others will return a deposit to retain customer satisfaction.
If you were financing and contract has to be changed in any way your intitled to a full refund.

In some States/Provinces a dealer is only allowed to retain a set amount for liquidated damage, Here is a contact for dealer complaints for your area 207 624 9000 ext 52143

  Ray