Many Thanks for the reply oldhenry. Unfortunately, you're right and I've learned my lesson now with regards to car salesmen. I'm awaiting a letter from the dealership explaining why they have refused to pay back my 'deposit' and pointing to the relevant points in their (non-existent) terms and conditions. I'll see if the letter arrives before taking the next step. The company is well established but I know that's no guarantee of their survival.

Kind Regards

PurplePatch

That seems a case for the small claims court to me. Classic swindle is getting a deposit to 'hold the car'. The fees involved in the small claims are tiny and a fair hearing is given. The only risk is that the company goes bust.

Never part with any money in this way again , even to a main dealer who could go bust overnight losing your cash.

The car market is full of charlatens and rogues in my experience. The only time a salesmen isn't lying is when he is not talking has been my experience, sadly.

About 3 weeks ago, I contacted a dealer about a used BMW X5 that I saw advertised on a popular car ads website. It was Friday and the car was at the wheel refurbishers until Monday. I asked if they were willing to accept my present car in part exchange, which the salesman said they would. He asked for £500 to hold the car until I could visit on Monday. As it was a 400 mile round trip, I agreed - rather than waste the journey if the car was already sold when I got there. On the Monday I travelled down to look at the car. Unfortunately, the car had some cosmetic damage which wasn't mentioned in the ad and I decided that I didn't want it. I asked the salesman to return the £500 to my account and he said he would ask his boss to return it. When the money didn't appear in my account after a few days, I again contacted the dealer and was told that I couldn't have my money back as there was nothing wrong with the car. There are no terms and conditions on the dealer's website and no mention of the holding fee being non-returnable in their ads. I'm also guessing that the car was sold within a few days as the ad was withdrawn from both the company's website and the car ads website. Have you any advice for me please?

Sorry for the long-winded explanation.

Many Thanks in anticipation.