Refund Of Deposit Paid Against Car Purchase

[shortpaul]

In 2017 I paid a regional car showroom a deposit of £500 against a potential purchase pending the outcome of a finance application, the clear understanding being that if the finance application was rejected, the deposit was refundable. The application was rejected and by the salesman's own admission the deposit refund should have been automatic. Although the situation was somewhat "diverted" afterward by the salesman immediately coming at me with alternative vehicles and finance arrangements, I only ever agreed to this one deposit being put forward on the initial application. To date ,thru email only, I haven't been able to get my refund. What's the best way forward please?

[woofgang]

what have you got in writing?

[Kathyan]

How did you pay the deposit?

[Peter Pedant]

as woofie says
it depends on the contract
- does he agree that the deposit was refundable
but now he doesnt?

[Buenchico]

Send a formal written demand for your refund to the dealer. Your letter should:
(a) show your name and address ;
(b) show the name and address of the company. (I suggest sending it to the registered address of the company, rather than to the local dealership. You can find that here: https://www.gov.uk/get-information-about-a-company ) ;
(c) be dated ;
(d) state the amount you're demanding ;
(e) state the reason for your demand ;
(f) state that if you don't receive payment within a specified period (I suggest 14 days) you will commence court action against the company, using the small claims procedure ;
(g) be sent by Royal Mail's 'Signed For' service.

If you don't get your money commence your court action against the firm by using the online service here:
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome