We found a used car online through Ford Retail online in Birmingham. Very good deal for 2012 plate car, age advertised as 2011 (approx £1500 less than cost of a similar actual age 2012 car with similar mileage).

Dealing with Ford garage in Surrey locally to us. We asked questions on history and when registered. Sales rep assured us that although built in 2011 there are no differences between a 2011 and 2012 build car. We have paid a £500.00 deposit (by credit card) and the car will be available to view on Wednesday at our local garage.

Further research since payment of deposit shows the car to be in a different tax group to a true 2012 Ford S-MAX of the same model/spec as CO2 emissions changed in October 2011, meaning we will be paying £170 instead of £135. Also, we knew it was an ex channel islands lease car but were told by rep it would have been owned by one person for the period of time it was in Jersey and that first name on V5 would most likely be Ford Motor Company.

On pushing further, rep is now saying he can't guarantee it is a lease car rather than hire and is obtaining V5 details / log book for us which he expects to state either Hertz or Avis. Does this sound legitimate? Is this enough reason to reject the car and obtain a refund on the deposit or will we have to forfeit the deposit?

Rep is still convinced we have go an absolute bargain and that it will be immaculate on delievery - we are very nervous.