I reserved for a car at a dealer last month. I would have already bought the car if it was already available at the dealer, but I was told the model and color that I wanted will be available by end of August. So I placed a reservation fee with that dealer.

Last week, I got a call from the SA that the unit that I reserved for is still not yet available. I just said that I can wait. There was no mention of a price increase from the SA.

Today, I called the SA to ask if the unit will be available before the month ends. The SA said it's still not sure when my unit will be available, and then mentioned that there will be a price increase next month, and that I am not protected against the price increase even if I have already paid a reservation fee.

What's the consensus on reservation fees? Shouldn't it be based on what was the agreed price upon payment of the reservation fee? I know we didn't discuss about this when I placed my reservation fee, nor was it mentioned in the acknowledgement receipt they issued. But in my experience in buying cars, by paying for a reservation fee, I am protected against any increase in price.

Do I have a case against the dealer?