My inclination would be to look whether there is a younger non-hybrid petrol Yaris for around the same price as the Yaris he has put the deposit on at the dealer. For example in my area, Toyota dealers have a choice of 14/64 plate Yaris 1.33's for around £12,500-13,500. These come with over 4 years of the new car warranty remaining, and some have less than 1,000 miles on the clock.

Have a look at Toyota's used car locator to get an idea of what is available - usedcars.toyota.co.uk/?id=used_cars

Do bear in mind that a contract, to be enforcable in law, must be reasonable in it's terms and conditions. They could put in a contract that if you cancel, tough, you signed, you buy it, or they have your first-born in servitude for a year. However, if the contract would be viewed as 'unfair', then it doesn't matter.

On that basis, I'd suggest you go in there (with him), and attempt to work down the level of penalty. Possibly after seeing CAB. However, only go in on a weekday, not the weekend when they will be a lot busier

In addition, you might want to point out the existence of this thread to them. Also point out that AT PRESENT the dealership is not named, but that could happen in the future if you don't get a resolution that you are satisfied with.

I'd push for them to retain £500 of the original deposit, returning the other £500. Which means you start negotiating for full return, and work your way to there.

Thanks for the replies, gents, they have been very helpful as usual so thanks.

I have no grievances over the dealer and even if I did, i certainly would not name them on here as it is not big nor clever. The family have bought cars from the dealership for over 10 years. I did speak to CAB and they say that if the terms state this, which is the case, then thats how it is. Reasonable.

I just think the old man went in there blind, not for the first time, found a car that he liked then suddenly thinking that it isnt for him and I cant eke out a reason why other than "It is too small" which I don't buy as it wasnt small at the time of the test drive. Unfortunately he is part of a crowd where any form of economising is seen as a sign of weakness which is really sad.

He must have been aware of the T+C when he signed it. Had he have arranged payment over the phone without signing anything then he would have had grounds for a refund. Its the fact he went in, booked an appointment, test drove a car and thrashed a decent deal meant that the 10% would apply if he wanted to back out unless of course he bought another car from the dealership.

Personally I think a Yaris is the perfect car for him as it has all the features his 2007-12 shape Auris has but in a smaller package. For a 75 year old this would be most ideal. Oh theres another thing - it must be hybrid which unfortunately counts out the very valid suggestions of a 1.33 Yaris. The reason is, yes you've guessed it, the zero VED. Why pay thousands more just to pay zero VED? Madness I know but there are millions out there that do the same.

I am going to try to persuade him to either take the Yaris or pay up most if not part of the penalty which to recap is £1350, 1000 of which he paid as a deposit.

Personally the current shape Auris would not be good for him as its a bigger car to break for almost double the intended outlay. The only gripe i have over the dealer is their insistence in promoting Auris Excel (top of the range to the layman) trims to him which are more abundant but pricier than the poverty spec trim

Edited by pork_pie on 07/03/2015 at 06:35

Pork Pie, i'm quite amazed that a Toyota dealer would try this on after 10 years of custom, i'd be very inclined to send a letter or email to Toyota GB to bring to their attention how their dealer is doing business with regular customers in the autumn of their lives (provide them with a link to this thread)...if i were in Toyota GB's head office when that email arrives there'd be some snotty communications following.

If you get no joy, and your father decides not to buy the Yaris, nor anything else there (would go against the grain giving them another penny) and the company insist on charging him this extrotionate rate (in effect the following day) you should ensure your family never darken their doorstep again...maybe the local paper might like to hear about this, or your MP if he/she isn't too busy electioneering.

This leaves a nasty taste.