FWIW, I paid 10% for my custom build when I signed the contract … but “non-refundable” is illegal in CA so I could have walked away from it if I wanted to. I did not, of course.
It wouldnt be acceptable in UK
Disagree. They'll still sell the car without you, but what if you fall on hard times? that 10k should just go poof, then the dealer still sells the car for full price to the next guy?
You sound like someone that thinks this isn’t a two-way issue, and that there is no cost involved in customers dropping out. In practice there can be a cost, and if that is being picked up by the dealer, they will endeavour to pass that on to other customers.
The dealer is making their money no matter what, we don't need to defend them. Imagine if you run in to some health issue and need that 10k for health bills. You, as a consumer, didn't plan for this, and you aren't being a wishy washy non committal buyer - is what way is it ok for the dealer to keep your money for providing 0 service or product in this case?
Plenty of legislation is stupid and gives customers rights but not responsibilities.
First of all, not everyone who argues the opposite of your point is "defending" the dealer - it's just presenting an alternative viewpoint. Secondly, it's a contract - one that the buyer is entering willingly. If the conditions are not acceptable to the buyer, they're free to move on. This is no different than, say, you selling or renting a house, and the buyer backing out after considerable effort and expense on your part. You're not going to "make your money" in all circumstances, and that's what Sidicks was arguing. Imagine a buyer ordering a 200k RWD then walking away - the dealer will be forced to buy that car from the manufacturer, and the chances of them recovering their cost is 0.
