Yup definitely odd in my experience anyway.
The deposit is usually simply to ensure you don't place 10 orders with 10 dealers, at least that's why BMW & Audi dealers do it. In many states the deposit must be refunded if you refuse delivery of the vehicle, though some states it's not and even if it is some dealers will write it up as a "Partial Payment" - if that's the case then it's not refundable.
So maybe this is state thing ... because in a state that has refundable deposits by law it kinda doesn't make any sense to run someone's credit when it's so easy for them to walk away ... or maybe that's why dealers want to lock it in ... boy that'd make me wonder how crappy of a deal I was getting if the dealer was trying to jump the gun on validating financing ...
Personally, that's not how I do business; the dealer has to do their part in actually procuring the vehicle - once they can prove they delivered, then I'll check it out and confirm I want to buy it and, if so, then we can talk financing if there's some mutual benefit or I'll give them a check.
I guess the other thing is, I've only bought cars via email for the last 15 years - I never meet my salesperson until I pick up the car - so maybe those dealers / sales people have different practices ?
ha, another airline alum here - worked in engineering and was a faithful member of the ATA for ~5 years (I know it has a different name now though). Had a LOT of boondoggles! Also was part of a fair number of shenanigans (the ole dildo-wrapped-in-tin-foil-stuffed-into-that-guy's-go-bag was popular).
absolutely loved my time in airlines and made some life-long friends - if the pay had been better and the mergers weren't so soul-crushing in my neck of the woods I'd still be there!
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I knew it wasn’t going to go off wo a hitch, especially after reading the article about Ford cutting production at the KY plant (among several others) because of continued chip issues, but was still a little bummed to see it.
www.wdrb.com
