We've dropped out of a contract to buy as we're expecting a child - can we get our deposit back?

On 14 August 2011, my partner contacted a mainland dealer regarding a vehicle he had seen on the internet which he wanted to view. As we live in Jersey, we were told that a 10 per cent deposit would take the vehicle from the forecourt until we could arrange flights to come and view it. A payment of £1500 was therefore made over the telephone. The following day we found out that we were expecting a child and decided that, given this added expense, we were no longer in a position to proceed with the purchase, and rang the dealer to explain our situation. To cut a long story short, the dealer is refusing to return the £1500. I have spoken to the manager by phone, and he was to look into my claim and return my call. I am still waiting 4 months later. I have already sought advice from a solicitor friend, Citizens Advice and Trading Standards and have so far proceeded as advised by these intermediaries. What do you think I should do?

Asked on 28 April 2012 by LC, St. Brelade, Jersey

Answered by Honest John
Unfortunately you entered a contract to buy the car and paid part of the price of it as deposit. The garage is legally entitled to keep the £1500 and to force you to buy the car. The only way out I can see is for you to now demand to pay the rest for the car and to have the car. If the garage cannot now supply it (because the car has been sold), then the garage would be in breach of contract and would have to return your deposit. Your solicitor friend should be able to handle this for you.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I saw a car on a dealer's website. I spoke with him and he asked for a deposit to hold it until I inspected it, which I did within a few days. He said that the deposit was non-refundable. His website states,...
I paid £1000 deposit on a car advertised at £6998 and the salesman confirmed zero per cent finance for the balance. The garage then put the car through its MoT and it "blew up", meaning it required a new...
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...