Just an update. My local trading standards has written to Randles twice now and Randles continue to hold their arrogant stance regards retaining my deposit. They are now going to refer the matter to the Stafford branch to discuss with the dealer. The implication I took was that the dealer may get their knuckles wrapped because of their non-compliance and attitude related to this matter. The car that I was originally looking at is still for sale with them, and they have significantly dropped the price on it to attempt to sell it. I'm delighted that this company has lost profit as a consequence of their attitude and arrogant nature and will not be upset if they loose even more. I feel a minor win here that the company has now been highlighted to trading standards and will be delighted if they get further attention regards a reprimand. I am not intending to pursue matters more myself and reconciled now that my £50 probably won't ever be returned back to me. The trading standards suggest it could be referred to a different department for criminal activity also, so this is the only glimmer of hope on the horizon. I hope my experience with car dealers helps others to be more careful and not to be so trusting or agreeable to payment of deposits over telephone by believing sales people. Please always ensure you see terms in black and white first in writing before making any decision or commitment and understand the terms regards change of mind and refunds before any payment.

Unfortunately I paid with a Debit Card, so that option is not available to me I don't think. At present Trading Standards have written to the company regards the matter. They have had a "No" from Randles also, but are writing a response back to them to indicate legal action will be next step if they insist on their stance to not refund the deposit back.

I have nothing from them in writing to explain the monthly payments or charges from the initial encounter, even now. Trading standards informed me they are going to research the matter in conjunction with their colleagues based in Stafford and report back. As they are only acting in an advisory capacity they are unable to do anything if the trader insists on sticking with its stance and the next steps would be to consider going down the route with the action you have suggested.

I didn't sign any finance agreement, however they sent me an order via email which I understand is regarded as implicit regards an agreement. The order doesn't say anything about the deposit being non-refundable and it doesn't have any details either regards the payments. The only communication regards payments has been from an evening telephone call. I have nothing from them in writing to confirm the original conversation regards the payments when I gave them the deposit. My stupidity for "faith" and "trust" in believing what the saleperson said. I was transferred to another saleman the next day and it was from conversations with him that I became aware there were other charges involved.

I contacted Peugeot direct. They advised that they have no influence over dealerships and the matter needs to be decided by the dealership principal. I've already had correspondence with the dealership principal and he is adamant with his stance in NOT returning my deposit and has said that they will hold on to my deposit to enable me to use it against another vehicle within their organisation. I would not entertain doing business with this organisation at all and simply wish the return of my deposit. Peugeot UK advise they can do nothing to assist to influence the dealership.

I will try your suggestion to see if it helps.

The car was a USED car I was interested in buying. It was a Peugeot 107 I was looking at but they are also a Peugeot dealership.

Citzens advise suggested writing letter using recorded delivery. I've done that and the company refuses to alter its stance. I have referred the matter to Trading Standards which is at present investigating and the matter is still with them. As consumers I thought we must have some protection. I can't believe how big an issue this has turned out to be and I hope by highlighting my experiences here it will help others to safeguard themselves. I have been attempting to get my deposit returned for over a month now. I find it incredible that legal action has to be considered for this matter. The fact that Randles Stafford has made such an arrogant stance in this matter hopefully highlights the way it operates and is the type trader which is out to get money from us any which way it can.

I was looking at a buying a car over the internet from the organisation called Randles based in Stafford. I saw the advert on Autotrader and made an enquiry with the garage to ask for specific finance terms. After some time the garage appeared to come back with finance that was affordable and I paid a £50 at this stage on the basis that the finance was as I requested. After being passed to a second salesman I learnt subsequent that there were additional charges. I was told that these could not be changed. I requested that the order be cancelled and my deposit returned. I gave this request within 24 hours of giving the deposit. I have sent many requests since, quoted "Distance Selling Regulations" with seven day cooling off period and have referred the matter also to Trading Standards. Randles Stafford are adamant in their stance and are refusing to return my deposit. The company say I would be entitled to use the deposit I gave them against another car, but quite frankly after experiencing this company's arrogant attitude I would rather dunk my feet in a pool with piranha fish instead. I would just like the return of my deposit. Can anyone offer further advice?