New Car Sale - Breach of Contract ?

[Oratik]

I live in Illinois and just recently went to a FORD dealership to inquire about a new car purchase. I discussed with the new car salesman everything I was looking for in the deal. I specifically told him that I would put $1000.00 down on a new car deal as long as he (their financing dept) could get me 0% financing. The salesman wanted to know if we could go ahead and put the money down while he was working on the deal. I aggreed but told him I could only put $500.00 down then on a credit card and then once the sale was finalized, pay the remaining $500.00.

The salesman could not get an answer from their financing dept (this went on for 3 days waiting for their answer). While he was waiting for their financing dept he went ahead and ordered the vehicle. He eventually called me back saying I was approved for the deal but they needed $4,500.00 down.

I told him the deal was off because the original deal I wanted was for $1000.00 down. Now,he will not refund the $500.00 charged on my credit card because he said we had a deal working with him for $4,500 down payment.

What can I do legally toget my $500.00 back? HELP!!!!!

 

[qadaq]

You TALKED to the salesman. Was ANYTHING in writing? Do you have access to it? Why on earth did you give him money up front? In any case, if you have no other recourse, call the BBB, and your local news station. A little bad press might make them see the light.

 

[JETX]

Again, 'qadaq' has shown his lack of fundamental understanding of the issues....

This can be a simple matter. When you get your credit card bill, send the credit card a dispute letter by certified RRR. Detail the transaction and the dispute. They will investigate and if supported by the facts, they will do a 'charge back' to the merchant (dealer) account.

There are specific procedures that must be followed, both by you and the credit issuer, in what is called the FCBA (Fair Credit Billing Act). Information on this Act can be found at:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fcb.htm

 

[Oratik]

Thanx for the advice. I just got through contacting my credit card company and they will dispute the charge based on two facts:

1. The Ford dealer changed the original terms of the deal

2. I did not receive the car

To answer the 1st response, I did sign 2 things with the dealer. I first (of course) filled out a credit app. Then I signed a work sheet with the original deal ($1000.00 down) for the car with the original figures. This was the worksheet that most dealers use to present figures to their finance guru. This was by no means a contract for anything since a final deal was still in the works. I signed nothing pertaing to the $4500.00 down.

At the time I signed this paper work, I did not get any copies of anything because we were both still "haggling" over the final figures and of course a contract was not prepared because nothing was set yet.

 

[qadaq]

It sounds like they're history. Thanks for answering my questions. I didn't think about sending the credit card company after them. (obviously)