to reserve a set price while the vehicle itself may still be for sale. I have also worked at an auto dealer. There have been numerous times that I have seen someone put down a deposit and the dealer still sell the car. All they have to do is provide another one comparable at the same price. Dealers will often tell you that the vehicle is still for sale. Unless the deposit is non-refundable there is no risk of loss and people could put down deposits all over to reserve a price.