hipcheck

I put down a "fully refundable" deposit on a 225C last Fall at Carlsen Audi in Palo Alto, and had to pull it recently, because I can no longer afford to get the car right now.

Since I put down the deposit, I have brought them 2 new customers, and didn't ask for a referral fee or anything...

I asked for the refund of the deposit a month ago, and when I have called asking about it, they hang up on me!!

I requested the refund for a legit reason, I've been totally honest with them, and therefore can't believe they'd crap on me like this.

Any ideas about how to get this taken care of, aside from going to the BBB?

Chaka

I find that going to the dealership may help your situation. I think that I will have to do the same thing soon because I can't seem to wait 7 months to get my car. I hate to pay an inflated price but thats the sorrows of living in So CA.

TTFORB

If they won't give you your money back, then try to get your deposit money back by selling your spot in line to someone else. Carleson shouldn't care if you transfer it.

hipcheck

One of the reasons I pulled out, was that they would *not* tell me where I was in line. I have no idea if they even have plans to make a car for me this decade. I suppose when it's convenient, they would get around to it, but I asked for months, and got different answers every time =(

GersTToy

I am number 7 in line (about 6 months ago) for a 225Q Coupe which has not been ordered yet. It is slated to be built some time in September. I am considering pulling my 1K deposit as well!

hipcheck

placed it late Fall... around the Oct/Nov cusp

Corto

Which salesman are you dealing with? In any case it's a fully refundable deposit. Most probably they stall 'cause they don't care. Go there and demand it back, you have every right.<p>Corto
2000 Blk/Grey 180 Fwd TT
<img src="http://www.y2ktt.com/5.jpg">

hsawtelle

If so, get your credit card company involved (tell them you need them to investigate a fraudulent transaction). I had tremendous success in getting a problem resolved this way when a company tried to steal from me.

Also, consider writing a demand letter to them briefly and politely setting forth the facts and asking for your money back. Did you get a receipt for your deposit? Does it say "refundable"? If so, include a copy of that with your letter.

If they still ignore you once you have done all this then get a lawyer friend (everyone has one of those, right?) to write a follow-up letter on your behalf. By now they will at least know you are serious.

If all else fails there is always small claims court . . . .

let us know what happens.

hipcheck

check that says that it's a refundable deposit for the car. I guess I will write a letter to them, demanding its return... did I mention that they cashed it the very day I gave it to them? Funny how the timing works...

And yes, my best friend is an attorney (and somehow still my best friend!)

Thanks!

designjerk

Although I haven't dealt with Carlsen, I've not had a good experience any of the times I've been there to check out their vehicles. Without exception, the dealers I've spoken to have been curt at best, if I could get their attention at all. A friend of mine walked in there prepared to buy a TT on the spot and he was paid not a bit of attention - so he left and bought his car at Andersen-Behl.