Why was my deposit not returned after I decided not to buy a car?

I recently viewed a vehicle at a Renault Dealership in North Manchester. As there seemed to be some demand for the vehicle I put £100 refundable deposit down on the car to make sure that they would keep it until I could go and view it, which was a couple of days later. I went to view the car and took a test drive. I was advised that I could have a think about it and let them know the following day and if I didn't want to go ahead that they would refund the money. I called the following day and let them know that I had decided not to go ahead and would like to give this some more thought. They told me that this would be fine, to send an email and a refund would be made but may take a few days to show up.

I have today discovered that the money has not been refunded. When I called and spoke to the sales person they advised me that the refund wouldn't be made because the agreement was that they would only refund if there was something wrong with the car. What would you advise?

Asked on 11 May 2013 by LD, via email

Answered by Honest John
That's normal. But they should have told you the terms of the deposit refund before you made the deposit. I have previously warned readers that if they wanted a deposit returned they had to find some fault with the car.
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