If this were Kingsford's Contract Law class, then the question to Mr. Hart would be, "Was there a contract for the sale of the car?" The classic elements are 1) competant parties; 2) valid consideration; 3) intent to contract and to be bound by the contract.

With regard to "intent to be bound" there could be a problem since the "as long as the car had no issues" created a condition precedent that had to be satisfied. The tender of a "downpayment" typically does not create a binding contract, but tends to be more a showing of good faith. A better method, particularly when dealing with a merchant would have been to purchase an "option" to buy with separate money.

BTW, this dealership . . . are the intials R.C.?