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Deposits
In law, making a financial deposit shows that you intend to purchase the vehicle. If you do not plan to purchase the vehicle, do not leave a deposit.
If you complete the purchase, the deposit is normally used as a down payment or partial payment for the vehicle. The dealer reduces the final amount owing by the amount of the deposit.
Before making a deposit on a vehicle, ask the dealer for a written deposit agreement. The agreement should include:
- What the deposit is for
- The amount of the deposit
- Whether the deposit is refundable or non-refundable, and under what terms
- Any other terms of the deposit, such as
- Applying the deposit amount to the price
- Delivery or available date for the vehicle
Make sure you understand all the terms in the deposit agreement. Don’t forget to take a copy with you before you leave.
If you do not have a deposit agreement:
Find out more about deposits here:
In some cases, a financial payment is not a deposit. Payment for services is not a deposit. Examples of payments for service include:
- Holding the vehicle for some time
- Bringing the vehicle in from another dealer
- Bringing the vehicle directly from a manufacturer
- Arranging financing for the vehicle