Can the deposit be refunded if I don't want to buy the car after paying it?
2 Answers
If you paid a deposit for a car but now don't want to buy it, the deposit cannot be refunded. Below are the differences between a deposit and an advance payment: According to the Contract Law, a deposit is one of the forms of bearing liability for breach of contract. When signing a contract, the deposit must be agreed upon in writing, and the amount and delivery period of the deposit should also be specified. If the party paying the deposit fails to fulfill the obligation, they have no right to demand the other party to refund the deposit; if the party receiving the deposit fails to fulfill the obligation, they must refund double the amount of the deposit to the other party. On the other hand, there are no specific legal provisions for an advance payment, meaning it does not have the guarantee nature of a deposit. An advance payment can be regarded as a "prepayment."
This time I paid a deposit to buy a new car, but regretted it after a couple of days and started wondering if I could get the money back. Generally speaking, a deposit is like a commitment fee, meaning you’re serious about buying the car, and getting a refund if you change your mind isn’t easy. Many 4S dealership contracts state that breaching the agreement after paying the deposit results in forfeiture, unless there’s a quality issue with the car or it’s their fault. In my case, I went to talk to the salesperson, acting sincere, and mentioned sudden family financial difficulties. They softened up and negotiated a partial refund. Remember to check the contract terms carefully before buying a car next time—it’s best not to rush into paying before test-driving and to give yourself more time to think, avoiding such situations. Car sales are based on good faith, so I suggest you talk directly to the dealer, present your case with evidence, and you might get some money back.
