NON-refundable deposit for ordering a bad idea?
 

I've talked to a buddy of mine that works for a dealership, and he is going to check with the "district operations manager" to see if he can order a 370Z for me. (2010 Pearl White Coupe, 6MT, Sport, Touring, Nav, all other options) The only thing is, he mentioned that they would want a $1000-$2000 non-refundable deposit for the order.

Are non-refundable deposits commonplace? I'm afraid that the car will come in and something will be wrong with it when I inspect it or something along those lines.

My girl ordered a camaro with a completely refundable deposit. She could back out for any reason ... and she did, no questions asked.

Bad Idea!

When I ordered my z I put down $500. But you can deposit less. Yes deposits are refundable if you ask before you order.

Haha, well I didn't even get a chance to ask. He told me upfront that it would be NON-refundable and $1-2K.

Don't let go of your $$ OR sign anything until perfectly sure you can back out w./o. losing a penny, man!

response
 

Go somewhere else, your in Dallas TX. so you have at least half a dozen dealerships down there. If you were in a small town you might have to search the internet. The reason for the non-deposit on the camero is the shere popularity of the car and it's:tiphat: somewhat limited availibility. I have owned 5 F-bodies since I was 16 and it was time for a change. The new camero is overpriced at the dealers because of demand, something I won't get caught up into

If its non-refundable don't give him any money and find another dealership

Seriously, don't fall for that kind of bullcrap. I just placed a $1000 deposit to order a 370z, but they only needed a check from me and it's completely refundable if I want to back out. And what's more is they don't even cash that check, they're just holding it as more of a Good Faith deposit. For whatever reason, I can always back out.

I almost fell for another dealership in the Bay Area, CA that asked for a $5000 non-refundable deposit. They are seriously out of their mind.

i only put down a $200 deposit for my 2010 pw nismo. $1000- $2000 is way too much espically if its non-refundable.

all deposits are refundable, but only if theres somethings wrong with the car. once they have the car, you can't just change your mind or say you don't like it and expect a full refund.

If there's something wrong with it you'll get your $ back, but if you back out of the deal when the car arrives then they won't refund you. So think real hard and be sure you want this.

Yes you can, because you never sign a contract.
But on a better note, do not put money down. They should not require money down to order a vehicle and if they do not budge on this go elsewhere.

Refundable and Non-Refundable.
It is basically up to the Owner of the Dealership how he would like to conduct business. By Law I don't believe you can legally hold someone's deposit. With no goods exchanged I don's see it standing in Small Claims Court. I personally like to see deposits to show commitment and interest levels of the Customer, but I will never take money that doesn't belong to me. Hope that helps.

:shakes head: $5,000 is insane!!!

I have yet to find a dealer in the northeast who will place a special order without a non refundable deposit. Is this the norm around here?

haha, yea, that's why i didn't even bother to write back to them. That dealership also has a poor attitude.

most dealerships will require a small deposit to place the order but they cant hold your money anyway even if you do back out.. they are asking for a non refundable deposit just to see how serious you are about the car. Even if you gave them your money and decided not to do it they have to give it back. Its illigal for them to hold your money like that.

Not sure about MA, but when I lived in NYC I was able to order a G35 twice with refundable deposits. I don't think that should have changed in the last few years. The first time I ordered, I even backed out when the car arrived because I realized the financing would be too expensive for me. They did end up refunding me my deposit.

Just need to find a dealership/sales person that's willing to deal.

If you are not happy with any of the dealers around your area, call me..

I just finalized a deal with one of the forum member came from San Jose (Bay Area). Flew down here and we pick him up at the airport. Should be heading out of our dealership in about 15 - 20 minutes.

Thanks for letting me know Danny. I definitely will do if my deal right now with my dealership falls through. They're ordering me a car and it's suppose to come in April. I've flew down to So cal to pick up my Lexus before so I have no problem doing so. Thanks again!

I ordered mine today. Well, it will be ordered Monday. I had the dealer tell me the same thing. If they had to order it, it would be a non refundable deposit. So I just said unacceptable and went to shake the salesman's hand goodbye and he said "wait, let me ask again". So he went behind the wall again, (to count to 100) and then came back and said, ok we'll do it. Then after talking some more with him, he admitted that non refundable deposits are illegal!! So I looked at him like he was a leper and said "so what the hell was that show all about". These guys will try anything. If it makes you uncomfortable, walk out! They will chase you down. If you have been fair with negotiating a price then they should be fair to you. Anything can happen in life from the time you order until the time it arrives. You ALWAYS want to be able to get your deposit back. If you don't take ownership, they still have a car and your out your deposit.

I am in NY. I just placed a special order and my dealership said they don't take deposits.

What part of NY?

What part of NY? Buffalo

That will depend from dealer to dealer.
1K-2K is too much, and for the worst, non refundable. and for the issue with scruffydog,, c'mon, 5K??? thats crazy....

Do research in your area, pick up the phone, negotiate by email, if you got a good deal, print the conversation. Do research. 500 is reasonable if its refundable.

The Dealer I ordered from in Sterling, VA asked for a $1,000 non-refundable.