Deal turns sour

**Steve.T** · 09-12-2008 10:00 PM

I know this is off topic but I just want some advice from you guys. This guy paid me $1000 deposit for purchasing my truck for the total of $10000 subjects to no major defects when inspected by the dealer and to replace the windshield at his cost. When during inspection the dealer wants an extra $400 or so to have this done properly. (it sounds like they just want to scam some more money from us) Now the buyer don't want to pay that extra money and backing out from the deal. I told him i am willing to work something out maybe bring the truck to another place for inspection but he said he wants his deposit back. May be some of you have experienced this before can give me some advice. Can I or should I keep his deposit?

**JackalS4** · 09-13-2008 06:34 AM

I hate when deals go like this and people are flaky.

A deposit is a deposit.

In goodwill, perhaps you could split the deposit $500/500 (or another amount, depending on long you've missed potential sales on the truck) if indeed your potential buyer is so decided against trying to make things work out.

**drevil2k2** · 09-13-2008 07:18 AM

Can you find a reliable independent mechanic you both can agree on? The cost might be lower, some places offer pre-sale/safety inspection. Typically the cost of inspection is at the buyer's expense.

If you think your truck is mint, with no major or costly defects, then as a compromise, lower your selling price to 9800 if the buyer insists on an inspection. Hopefully he pays the inspection cost, and you get to close the deal with only a 2% deduction.

**Steve.T** · 09-13-2008 10:47 AM

I told him that I would love to work something out with the deal but he said he lost interest on it and would like to have his deposit back minus whatever I have to pay for half inspection. I don't mind splitting the extra cost with him but he just doesn't want to negotiate.

**JackalS4** · 09-13-2008 04:46 PM

I love how he just asks for the deposit back. What really is the point of a deposit then?? It's not like the place you went said the truck is a pile of crap and advised him not to buy it...

Your call on what's fair or what to do, but at the very least you should ensure he pays for the inspection he wanted before returning any of the deposit if you so choose.

People always promise you they'll buy and want things held, then suddenly "lose interest" at their convenience...

**Stevelev** · 09-14-2008 08:00 AM

It certainly would have been helpful to paper the deal and state that the deposit is "non-refundable". If you can't resurrect the deal, why not hold onto the full amount of the deposit until you are able to sell the vehicle and then determine how much, if any, you wish to return.

**AUDI-TECH** · 09-14-2008 09:35 AM

DCB Toronto does pre purchase inspections.Well uncover ANY hidden probelms and get you a better price 416 857 4873

**ChrisAZ** · 09-14-2008 10:04 AM

Definitely make him pay for the inspection.

**MacDaddy** · 09-14-2008 05:49 PM

wouldn't give him a cent unless you two agreed to make it refundable before hand.
unless the truck did have a major defect, then i would say hes entitled to his money back.

**Steve.T** · 09-14-2008 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by MacDaddy

wouldn't give him a cent unless you two agreed to make it refundable before hand.
unless the truck did have a major defect, then i would say hes entitled to his money back.

Yes, he promised to pay for the inspection but the thing is the inspection was only half way done and the stealer wanted to charge more to inspect the brakes just because the last brake job was not done by them that's why the buyer back off from the deal. I did offer him to bring that to another shop for inspection but he just wants his money back that's why i am pissed! I think I should keep the deposit just to teach him a lesson, at lease until the truck is sold.

**headshok2002** · 09-16-2008 12:50 PM

Meh, whatever the inspection cost you so far, I'd deduct that and give him back the rest.

Puts you back at square one... but the inspection that you've had done so far is usable for the next potential buyer.

Up to you, though.

**1_8T_Dub_PimP** · 09-17-2008 01:21 PM

Well I would say that you shouldn't have to give the guy back the money that is why it's called a deposit. However if you want to be a nice guy offer to give him back 50% and tell him that there were potential buyers you turned away because he assured you he would get the truck.

**Steve.T** · 09-17-2008 01:45 PM

Well, I did give him back 50% of the deposit and he still say I am like stealing his money by keeping the other half. Tried talking to him is like talking to a brick wall. Anyhow I told him that's all I can give him and if he still think I am scamming him than he can just take that to court.