I had recently given a deposit of $1000 on a 4x4 quad, The receipt stated the balance to be paid by December 23rd. I tried to arrange a time to pick up the quad before this date. But a agreed time could not be reached due to his upcoming trip. I txt the owner on jan 2 to arrange a time, but no return on my message. I finally get a text mesaage back on Jan 9th saying the quad is sold, and he will not return my deposit. What are my rights?

You defaulted, maybe through no intentional act, to pay the balance on time. That can void the sale but you should get your deposit back. If the seller continues to refuse you might consider sueing in small claims.

Assuming you have proof that you tried to get hold of them,
If for example, you just never contacted them and never went after it, they can keep your deposit.

But if you show the court your attempts to contact the seller and that the seller was not available. You will have a case in small claims court.

What does the Contract of Sale say?