Dealer Not Refunding Deposit - Help Please!

[Lotustoronto]

What state is your dealer in? That could help.

Edit- Sorry just saw Park. I also requested a 10k+ refund from another dealer and was told no. Sucks they can hold our money hostage after 3 years. Especially since the contract states it can be breached if no car is delivered...

wait.... they can keep your money even if they don't deliver you a car? That doesn't make any sense... This really is Lotus' fault in putting the dealers in these situations.... I imagine that many other dealer groups that were considering on adding Lotus are reconsidering. They aren't exactly giving confidence that it would be a worth while investment.

 

[benjh1028]

I would absolutely think that you can find part of the contract they breeched (timeliness, updates, etc.) that would void the agreement. Any court would find that their promise of a vehicle in a reasonable time frame was not met - even if the time frame was open-ended. If you have a friend that's an attorney just getting them to send a letter might be enough to get a refund.

 

[Maurice R]

wait.... they can keep your money even if they don't deliver you a car? That doesn't make any sense... This really is Lotus' fault in putting the dealers in these situations.... I imagine that many other dealer groups that were considering on adding Lotus are reconsidering. They aren't exactly giving confidence that it would be a worth while investment.

If you are buying a lotus as an investment. Do not it is not a financial investment but an investment in fun and driving experience.

 

[Lotustoronto]

If you are buying a lotus as an investment. Do not it is not a financial investment but an investment in fun and driving experience.

I was referring to dealers bringing on / opening more Lotus stores to sell to customers. Not buying the actual car as an investment… and no I wouldn’t personally buy any car as an investment - real estate and stocks are better options lol.

 

[morphious]

WOW, I have a 1.0 on order and only $5k deposit.

 

[underhill]

I requested a refund over a 2 weeks ago. Nothing yet.

 

[Maurice R]

I was referring to dealers bringing on / opening more Lotus stores to sell to customers. Not buying the actual car as an investment… and no I wouldn’t personally buy any car as an investment - real estate and stocks are better options lol.

My mistake I misunderstood understood you on this. Yes real estate is definitely a good investment

 

[Gprodigy]

Just read you backstory about the i4 late, after I post below, thats insane sorry to hear man.

If anyone else with a 1.0/2.0 coming in soon but want a refund. Over 25 people DM'd him wanting to pick up the spec with possible compensation. So posting your spec and dealer location seems to work really fast.'

 

[morphious]

Just read you backstory about the i4 late, after I post below, thats insane sorry to hear man.

If anyone else with a 1.0/2.0 coming in soon but want a refund. Over 25 people DM'd him wanting to pick up the spec with possible compensation. So posting your spec and dealer location seems to work really fast.'

View attachment 35200

What game are they playing? If you are getting a white one, then it is a 2.0 with the higher MSRP.

 

[Gprodigy]

What game are they playing? If you are getting a white one, then it is a 2.0 with the higher MSRP.

Who knows, it was on Facebook. Who ever bites should just make sure the car is in front of them with the dealer I guess.

Or the dealer swaps the deposit? shrugs

 

[boisecrawfords]

Recap:

You have a $15k deposit on the car and you’re going to take delivery of it?

If yes, list out the spec and see if someone will take it at cost (net $0) to you or even a smaller loss?

That would be my plan, IMHPO

Recap:

You have a $15k deposit on the car and you’re going to take delivery of it?

If yes, list out the spec and see if someone will take it at cost (net $0) to you or even a smaller loss?

That would be my plan, IMHPO.

My contract says that it is non-transferrable, so I am trying to work with them to see if they will at least let me escape from that clause.

 

[TXEMIRA]

Not contractual. It would be you taking it and then selling it. Bam.

 

[dgrace]

Not contractual. It would be you taking it and then selling it. Bam.

“Bam” ignores paying tax/title/license fees of about $12k, as well as getting insurance for the car.

 

[Medic518]

That is probably what I will end up doing, but since it is an i4 I am in a holding pattern until Q1 2025.

One more thought on options - since lotus has opened up the configurations for a short time, put out the word that someone could get what they want i4 spec wise, then once you have a buyer contact Park Place and have them change your spec to what the buyer wants - they can't say "no", as being able to change the i4 specs was offered by Lotus because of the extended delay..

 

[TXEMIRA]

“Bam” ignores paying tax/title/license fees of about $12k, as well as getting insurance for the car.

Sorry. What I’m saying is “there may be a way to do this and lose less than what you’ve paid in deposits”.

Big if true…

 

[Hell4Leather]

I honestly haven't had much chance to drive it yet - it's been raining nonstop from the day I brought it home until yesterday! But did finally get out and it's a riot. Uncompromising, flagrantly impractical. It's a car that makes no excuses and needs none. Need to find more open roads...

Nice. Look at that fuel cap placement. Is it really that awkward or just the camera angle? I’d spray all over it like a 70’s porn star.