So, after looking at 911's for a long, long time, I decided to pull the trigger and placed an order a couple of months ago. I was very, very excited about my order (although it was pretty boring compared to a lot of the cars pictured on this site!!). Went back to the dealership often just to look at other cars while I waited and was getting lined up for leasing or financing, speed film, tire insurance, etc. I found this site recently and was looking forward to becoming a member and posting pics of my shiny new car. Last week I got the VIN number (yahoo!) and then was told it was on the vessel early this week (yahoo again!).

Unfortunately, yesterday I got bad financial news at work and it appears I will be needing shoulder surgery over the next few months. Bad financial news combined with shoulder surgery that will hinder my driving for quite some time has left me with few options but to cancel my order.

I called the dealer and explained the situation but my story fell on deaf ears. "Follow through on the purchase or we keep the $5000". The dealer is selling these cars like hotcakes and my order was not out of the ordinary (moderately optioned like almost every other car that has been on their lot) so it should be easy to sell. So, I don't understand why they won't refund the deposit. I could easily be a customer again in the future if/when finances get back on track.

I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Any thoughts from members of this enthusiast forum?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

It depends on what you signed. If it was standard, then they can keep your money. Good faith goes a long way, but they are in a business of making money.

Good luck!

(Welcome to 6speed, wish your first post was for pics)

 

Deposits on cars are normally refundable. For $5,000, it's worth your time to ask someone knowledgable about GA law on this.

 

http://consumer.georgia.gov/consumer...r-used-vehicle

Be sure before you sign! Unlike some other purchases, there are few remedies for car-buyer’s remorse (that is, changing your mind). Contrary to a popular rumor, there is no cooling-off period or statutory right to cancel a vehicle purchase contract, and in fact very few dealers will agree to allow you to cancel. In essence, once you have signed the contract, you have bought the vehicle, even if you haven’t yet driven it off the dealer’s lot.

 

Couple suggestions:
A letter from your employer and doctor might help (not that they don't believe you, but when it's staring them in the face, it may help).
As a last resort, you might bargain for some free service on your existing vehicle or at least credit the $5k towards a future purchase.
Lastly, if it's not too painful, watch and see if your car sells, which would help make your case for a refund.

 

I want to wish you good luck and hope things turn around for you soon. There is nothing for them to lose by refunding your deposit. I understand it is just business, but it is a service business, and flexibility goes a long way. Most likely they will end up with a customer for life by helping you out, plus all the referral from you.

 

Check with a local lawyer. Many times these contracts provide for you to lose your deposit if they can't sell the car for at least the amount of your purchase price.

 

Thank you for providing the legal information.

I would understand the reluctance to make the refund if I had ordered a car that was not very sellable (with lots of options or one of a kind colors), but my order was very generic. Also, they did not have to buy an "additional" car--it was simply part of their allocation. In essence, they will likely sell the car quickly at a nice profit and pocket my $5000 as additional profit. They are definitely within their rights to keep the deposit, but they are not required to do so.

I know its a long shot, BUT....anyone on the forum in the market for a moderately optioned base platinum silver 991??? PM me if you would like details.

 

Sorry to hear of your situation. It has been my understanding that a Porsche order deposit is generally non-refundable if you cancel the order, and I was informed of this also through my dealer a while back.

 

Thank you for the advice. However, I don't have the energy or desire to head down any legal paths.

Has anyone gotten a deposit back on a car from a dealer that was simply trying to do the right thing??

 

Sorry to hear about that. A real bummer.

 

Not sure how big the dealership is nor the ownership and if they have other dealerships. I am wondering because if they are a large scale operation then don't stop at the local level. Go meet the CEO and let him humanize you through physical contact. When they see the person behind the money they can sometimes relate and be a human in return. I tell my son all the time never give up and NEVER let the bastards get you down.

 

Good advice and I agree that all things work together for good in the end. Just hoping that this might turn around with a deposit refund before all is said and done!

Good advice.

I have a letter from my employer and could definitely get one from the doc. Maybe I will call them tomorrow to see if it will help.

 

Good idea. Thank you.

 

This is a great suggestion. The CEO is much more likely to bend the rules than some sales guy. I'd actually go even further and try the owner who's even more likely to weighh the ethics against the profits.