Car Dealer Mistake - Undercharged Me

[Marcus Warder]

Hi!

I've recently bought a car from a 2nd hand car dealer. I paid a $1000 dollar deposit on the car with assurance that the car had been serviced. Prior to purchase I wasn't provided with a service receipt like he promised. I then found out he hadn't got it serviced.

The dealer then charged me the rest which was supposed to be $3000 on my card. Instead he charged me $3 on my card by mistake obviously. There is a contract signed and a receipt signed for the full amount of the car including the deposit ($4000). The car is also now registered to me.

I only found out the payment of $3 occurred today. Legally, do I have to go back and pay the rest?

 

[Worldly1]

I think you should let them know that they undercharged you. Your contract states the actual amount you were meant to pay and you have not paid it (albeit due to a couple of zeros being left off by mistake). You can’t rationalise this mistake morally (or legally) as a Monopoly “bank error in your favour” situation.

Perhaps you can arrange a further discount with the dealer for your prompt honesty and the servicing debacle.

 

[winston wolf]

I wold say that the balance would be recoverable and when they realise they will come looking.
May I suggest, you call them and suggest that you can come in and pay the balance when you are collecting the care after the service
If they pass you debt to a collection agency it could cost them more than the service.

 

[Sophea]

I agree with Mr Wolf, they will realise and come knocking at a less convenient time. Definitely with hold the balance until you get the service they promised. And make sure when you go in, you have all your ducks in a row in terms of paperwork, receipts, contract etc.