Non refundable deposit normal?
 

Folks,

Contemplating ordering a 2012 Mustang GT from the factory with options i want. Thinking of offering 3% over dealer invoice. Dealer is asking for a $2000 non-refundable deposit without yet seeing my offer. Have never purchased a new car before so wondering if such a request is normal? I assume dealer is protecting itself unless a buyer changes mind, possibly leaving a dealer with such an order.
Dealer doesn't have the car i want therefore the factory order.

I believe the incentives right now is $3000 factory, and $1000 costco member as well.

Thank you in advance for your input.

I can't help with the deposit question but I personally would offer 0% over their price. You can always go up a tad but play the game, it's fun lol

Non-refundable? Run away - you never know what's going to happen, and I'm pretty sure you can buy a Mustang at any Ford dealer. What ever happened to good faith? I guess if you're ordering, I can see how they wouldn't want to get stuck with the car if you backed out at the last minute, because not everyone may want what you're ordering, but on the other hand, how is that any different from any other car you buy off the lot? Don't like that non-refundable thing - I'd be sure you are buying from who you want and that you can close the deal.

This.....Non-refundable.....would scare me away.

helpful site on deposits, partial payment, etc
 

Folks,

Thank you for your replies. I found a site for BC that is helpful in shedding some light on "deposits, partial payment, etc".

http://www.vehiclesalesauthority.com...htm#lo_display

It's under "Understanding Deposits". Basically, comes down to "buyer beware", and to clearly understand the terms/conditions of the deposit, partial payment, being sure it's all in writing and understood, and knowing when something is refundable or not, before signing anything.

thanks

Oh oh use your credit card because if you are screwed over the CC company can reverse the charge-just read that in Consumer reports lol

Best bet, within the offer contract that you sign, if u must place a deposit, make sure that your salesman or better yet sales manager writes that you must be happy with the car upon delivery. I did that with my first tundra. It came in all scratched to and dinged bumper, and I told them to find me another one. I ended up taking a different color, but only because I didn't want to wait another two months for it.
Make sure they write: "subject to customer approval upon delivery"
A dealer should have no issue ordering it regardless. Having a name and deposit # to them only means the vehicle is given priority while in production over a lot stock vehicle. They won't loose out on a mustang.

Another thing, without signing and possible money down, ford will not honor current rebates and rates. If you decide to wait on an ordered car without money down on a certain date. ie: today (3500 mustang rebate, 1000 costco, and special rate) you will be stuck with the rates and promo they have when the car arrives. If you order the car today. Depending on color choice (some will take longer due to paint issues from japan) your car won't be in untill end of august at the earliest. And there is NO cash back promo if I recall from ford on NEW modle year vehicles.
So if you want the deals, order it now, make sure it's subject to your approval upon arrival, and use the deposit as a down payment when your new baby gets in! : tup

Snakebite, Crafty,

Thank you for the advice. That's exactly what I did. Charged a down payment to my card, and subject to my satisfaction upon delivery (8 to 12 weeks). Took advantage of current rebates $3000 from Ford and also Costco $1000 (a cheque to me when car is delivered).

Thanks again for your very helpful advice.

^^^Great to hear and I will speak for Crafty and say your welcome. Many guys on this site are helpful. Enjoy the new car and let us know when it arrives with pics