What's a reasonable non-refundable deposit?

[Kbmore22]

I was able to find an available allocation but the dealer is asking for a $13K non-refundable deposit to place the order. Is this a reasonable amount? They initially asked for $15K but conceded to reducing to $13K. With it being non-refundable, my main concern is having unforeseen delays pushing delivery out much farther than expected (12+ months out from now) and me having no options but being forced to wait.

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[Miwa]

Depends on what your spec is. Order normal color, with black interior, and a normal amount of options, and there's no way I'd want to pay that much.

That said, the dealers hold all the cards right now, because there's no allocation.

 

[raharris]

I paid $1k to get in the allocation queue (refundable) and then an additional $4k once order placed. At this point, the total $5k became non-refundable. This was the model for my Taycan and now the same model for my Cayenne Turbo GT.

I was told that sometimes deposit is higher if a unique spec that they would have trouble selling on (I added about 40k options to my Taycan Turbo and about $25k to my Cayenne).

Hope this helps.

 

[_Brian_]

I paid $1k to get in the allocation queue (refundable) and then an additional $4k once order placed. At this point, the total $5k became non-refundable. This was the model for my Taycan and now the same model for my Cayenne Turbo GT.

I was told that sometimes deposit is higher if a unique spec that they would have trouble selling on (I added about 40k options to my Taycan Turbo and about $25k to my Cayenne).

Hope this helps.

Ditto for me

 

[Kbmore22]

Thanks, appreciate the quick feedback. Here's my build code PPJV9H85. It's a white exterior with the black/chalk interior and includes what I feel are pretty common options (Mission E wheels and Prem Pkg were the biggest items). I spoke with other dealerships and the highest I've heard besides this was $5K. With the $13K deposit, I feel like the dealership is wanting to get their cut ahead of time and then they really wouldn't care how long at that point the customer waits.

 

[poppap]

In early April, I put up a non-refundable $5k deposit for an available allotment of a base Taycan at MSRP. I think $5k is standard but it's totally up to each dealership.

 

[raharris]

Thanks, appreciate the quick feedback. Here's my build code PPJV9H85. It's a white exterior with the black/chalk interior and includes what I feel are pretty common options (Mission E wheels and Prem Pkg were the biggest items). I spoke with other dealerships and the highest I've heard besides this was $5K. With the $13K deposit, I feel like the dealership is wanting to get their cut ahead of time and then they really wouldn't care how long at that point the customer waits.

Are they selling at MSRP?

 

[Kbmore22]

Are they selling at MSRP?

Yes, MSRP but must also purchase at least one addon (PPF, Wheel Protection, etc.)

 

[Archimedes]

I have no problem dropping a non-refundable deposit during normal times, but there's no way I would do it right now with lead times and uncertainty what they are.

 

[Archimedes]

Yes, MSRP but must also purchase at least one addon (PPF, Wheel Protection, etc.)

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT let your dealer do PPF. Pick some other overpriced add on they demand you throw in instead. If you want PPF, find a good local independent installer to do the work based on recommendations from other customers. I don't even let the dealer wash my new cars.

 

[Dslev]

I was able to find an available allocation but the dealer is asking for a $13K non-refundable deposit to place the order. Is this a reasonable amount? They initially asked for $15K but conceded to reducing to $13K. With it being non-refundable, my main concern is having unforeseen delays pushing delivery out much farther than expected (12+ months out from now) and me having no options but being forced to wait.

For CA residents: In California a dealer cannot ask for more than 2.5% of the purchase price as a deposit, and all deposits are refundable at the request of the buyer, until the vehicle purchase contract is signed (CA Vehicle Code §11736)

 

[WattTurbo]

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT let your dealer do PPF. Pick some other overpriced add on they demand you throw in instead. If you want PPF, find a good local independent installer to do the work based on recommendations from other customers. I don't even let the dealer wash my new cars.

Even though I got my PPF through the dealer, they sent it out to a local shop to have it done. They were upfront about it, and told right then and there that was the case.

to the OP: I put down a $2k deposit on my non-unique 4S in 2020, and $5k on a unique one in 2022.

 

[Kbmore22]

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT let your dealer do PPF. Pick some other overpriced add on they demand you throw in instead. If you want PPF, find a good local independent installer to do the work based on recommendations from other customers. I don't even let the dealer wash my new cars.

PPF was actually the one I was considering so thanks for this advice. Sounds like you're familiar with nightmare stories of dealer applied PPF's.

 

[Kbmore22]

For CA residents: In California a dealer cannot ask for more than 2.5% of the purchase price as a deposit, and all deposits are refundable at the request of the buyer, until the vehicle purchase contract is signed (CA Vehicle Code §11736)

Wish I was in Cali! I researched the laws where this dealership is located and they don't have such a consumer oriented policy.

 

[raharris]

PPF was actually the one I was considering so thanks for this advice. Sounds like you're familiar with nightmare stories of dealer applied PPF's.

I would get the wheel and tire insurance; I didn’t but lots of examples on here where it made sense to! Especially if getting the mission e wheels.

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