If I didn't sign a contract can a car dealer keep a deposit on a vehicle

Did they give you a receipt on the deposit? Also, what state are you in? If they didn't give you a receipt, or the receipt did not say the deposit was non-refundable, then most likely it is refundable by law.

if i didnt sign a contract can a car dealer keep a deposit on a vehicle


I would so, no - there was no meeting of the minds, nothing stating that he got to keep the deposit of the deal didn't go through. If it's non-refundable that should be on paperwor, in the contract, on a receipt.

I'm a little confused because the deposit just ratifies/secures the contract so without a contract what's the point?

What were the circumstances and it varies slightly by State.

Well, this is from the State of Oklahoma Used Motor Vehicle and Parts Commission website:

(Are deposits refundable?

If a dealer takes a deposit on a vehicle, the dealer shall give the consumer a written receipt. The receipt should specify the length of time the deposit will hold the vehicle and whether the deposit is refundable. If no written receipt is made or if it is not noted on the receipt that the deposit is not refundable, it shall be deemed to be refundable)

I didn't realize OP is in Oklahoma. It varies from State to State.

I don't know where OP is from, but that was just an example