Ordering an '09 M3 Sedan... non-refundable deposit?

[ericiu]

Hi all.. maybe you can help. I've been trying to order an '09 M3 sedan but my local/state dealerships (SC) are all saying that they won't ORDER an '09 M3 sedan with a refundable deposit... that it had to be non-refundable. Anyone know of any dealerships that are willing to place orders and have refundable deposits?

Thanks.

[apme123]

I am a car dealer in california, and any kind of deposit has to be returned. All a deposit tells the dealer is that you are serious. even if you dont sign paperwork and dont drive the car off the lot it is still their car. Even if they say its isnt refundable it is.

[cipri]

ericiu are you romanian?

[ericiu]

Originally Posted by apme123

I am a car dealer in california, and any kind of deposit has to be returned. All a deposit tells the dealer is that you are serious. even if you dont sign paperwork and dont drive the car off the lot it is still their car. Even if they say its isnt refundable it is.

Well, I'm not sure how they would word it, but I'm sure before they place the order and they take my money, they'd make me sign something saying that the deposit was non-refundable. I'd rather just find a dealership that will place orders and clearly state the deposit is completely refundable for any reason.

[ericiu]

Originally Posted by cipri

ericiu are you romanian?

Nope, sorry

[Captain Scott]

Originally Posted by ericiu

Hi all.. maybe you can help. I've been trying to order an '09 M3 sedan but my local/state dealerships (SC) are all saying that they won't ORDER an '09 M3 sedan with a refundable deposit... that it had to be non-refundable. Anyone know of any dealerships that are willing to place orders and have refundable deposits?

Thanks.

In simple terms, they are full of shit. Tell them to take a flying ? The Law is on your side.

[positiveions]

They are jacking you.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by eatrach73

They are jacking you.

being dealers
isn't that a given

[King Tut]

Yeah I think the non-refundable thing is a state by state thing. I know they aren't allowed to do that in Florida. I got my $500 back easily from the first dealer I ordered from after they couldn't get me an early 09 allocation.

[KenH]

A non-refundable deposit indicates to me that the dealer doesn't believe that he will easily sell the car if you change your mind.
If a dealer doesn't think he can easily sell the car then neither will you if you want to sell sooner after purchase.
I would re-think and maybe go for an e92.

[ericiu]

I didn't want to place an order for anything out of the ordinary... an '09 black on black MDCT with most options minus the moonroof and extended leather. I think they'd have an easy time selling one... I guess I'll just wait until another dealership orders something like it in the next few months then go back and bargain with them.

[Seth_Horwitz]

Originally Posted by ericiu

I didn't want to place an order for anything out of the ordinary... an '09 black on black MDCT with most options minus the moonroof and extended leather. I think they'd have an easy time selling one... I guess I'll just wait until another dealership orders something like it in the next few months then go back and bargain with them.

As long as you pay with a credit card, any deposit is refundable. Part of the terms of service for the merchant is that a card can only be used to pay for a completed transaction. Call your credit card "complaints" division to verify, but it should be no problem. I'd go to another dealer if I was treated poorly, but you may not be in an area with too many to choose from. If your credit card company confirms that your deposit is refundable, go pay your dealer their "non-refundable" deposit, and laugh at them if you ever do need to get it back and they realize that you can. Good luck.

[KenH]

"Part of the terms of service for the merchant is that a card can only be used to pay for a completed transaction"

A completed transaction can be a non-refundable deposit if that is what the parties agree.
The sad fact is that a lot of dealers have had their fingers burned with M3s, especially sedans and convertibles. My nearest dealer has eleven in stock. With the E46 you would have been lucky to find even one there.
The dealers (and BMW NA) ordered cars for stock believing that the period of charging a premium over list (or at least comfortably getting list price) would last throughout the year, but the world changed.
Watch out for the 116i ....

[Salespunk]

Start looking out of state. Florida is probably the largest market close to you and you should be able to get the car ordered no problem. I don't think you will find dealers ordering cars for stock without a sunroof.

[jamesisel]

Originally Posted by eatrach73

They are jacking you.

+1

[IrvRobinson]

You can order it from anywhere in the US and p/u at the PC.....we always refund deposits if necessary ( 99 % of the time it's not,but things happen )