FWIW, the manager at Porsche here in Chicago stated, via text, "no merchandise has been exchanged, therefore the deposit is refundable."

 

I don't assume all deposits are legally refundable. I just mean that for me if they are not, then I won't put it down.

 

I'm not entirely clear every one here is referring to a "deposit" and meaning the same thing...

When I placed my build.. I gave them $2K but there wasn't a purchase contract nor was there any document of intent etc.. Merely I gave them $2K and they gave me a receipt for $2K.. Not a lawyer.. so I don't know the exact legal definition of the word "deposit"... but mine bound me to nothing.. because I didn't sign anything binding.... Maybe that isn't a deposit and it is simply earnest money..

But I do get that putting a partial payment toward a car... say to hold it or have the dealer purchase and relocate a vehicle from another dealer, or prepare a vehicle by adding options before you take owners ..etc.. is a different story.. And I can see that since there is expense and/or effort incurred something like that might have refund issues depending on the state laws.

What's the point of a refundable deposit you ask? I suppose it is more of a token that the dealer uses to show you are serious.. Otherwise they would have flakes who walk in and say.. Yeah order me one of them there Turbo's and never see them again.

 

Agreed.. it would be stupid to leave a non-refundable deposit. If they try to get one from you.. walk away...

 

I suspect the term "deposit" is being used interchangeably with drastically different meanings assumed.

 

I put down $2000 on my order and I did not worry about legal issues. I told them I would do the deal. Well I changed my mind and went from base to 4S. Ok $20,000 difference that I was willing to pay for a better car. I kept the same discount on the same basic build. Yes I could have kicked my heals and got more off.

My point is. I gave my wording what I would do x and changed my mind so I kept my word and did what was fair for all (in my opinion). Legal to do different, maybe or probably, to feel I did it correctly yes.

I will also add if I had a financial issue that was unknown hit my I would expect them to understand after other purchases as described. If the won't work with you then I would never go in their door again.

 

I think guys like us, who talk cars in a forum, when we put money down on a car, we buy it.

But, if you have any family in the car business, they will tell you , it happens often, people changing their mind after 2 or 3 weeks. It is the nature of the business.