New car deposit almost lost by Calgary 

couple.

Dealership at first said $1,000 was non-refundable when prospective 

buyers changed their minds.

Sonia Ambrosio and her husband Antonio Lopez put a $1,000 deposit on a new car. When they decided not to buy the car after all, they were told the deposit was non-refundable. The dealership relented after CBC News inquired. (Jennifer Lee/CBC)

 A Calgary couple is sharing their buyer beware story after almost losing a deposit they put on a new car.

Sonia Ambrosio and her husband went to Sunridge Nissan one weekend to replace the fob for their 13-year-old car.

But they ended up putting down a $1,000 deposit for a brand new vehicle.

When the part-time housekeeper got home, she realized they really couldn't afford the car.

"It's really hard because to me, $1,000 is a lot," said Ambrosio.​

First thing Monday morning, the couple tried to cancel the deal and get their money back.

But the dealership told them there is a no-refund policy for vehicles that are not in stock and have to be ordered in.

Ambrosio says she felt pressured. 

"Imagine you have to work hard, really hard for $1,000. And then somebody can take your thousand dollars just in one moment, and then later said no, give me a good reason and we are telling the reason, we can't afford it."

Laura Lowe , a spokesperson with the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council, says some people falsely believe there are rules that allow them to return a vehicle if they change their mind.

"There are no consumer protection laws in Alberta that deal specifically with deposits," she said.

"So I think just by knowing that, might slow somebody down to think through."

After CBC News contacted Sunridge Nissan, the dealership returned the deposit, saying in this case, it was the right thing to do.