Personally, my first approach would be to stay well clear of solicitors and avoid reading any terms and conditions, but approach the dealer, in person, in a very friendly and calm manner, and gently break the news to them with a sincere apology. You may also want to consider changing the “official” reason that you give, making it sound more like a very unfortunate situation you have found yourself in through no fault of your own or any of those dearest to you that means there’s no way you would be able to take delivery of your new caravan. Yes, a sob story if you like ...
I think it’s very important to remember that irrespective of the law, or any contract, the dealer can fulfill your request here without any problem whatsoever. Spring is only just around the corner and new buyers will soon be out in their droves, and many dealers will lose sales because they can’t deliver quick enough. The only thing you need to do is make him like you. He may already like you, in which case you’ve no work to do. Arriving stone faced, waving your contract at him, and telling him that you’ve spoken to your solicitor about this will without doubt have the absolute opposite effect. It certainly would with me.
I once had a client cancel a circa £200K project by sending me a rather coldly worded email, stating that the reason for the cancellation was not something he wished to divulge, and that he expected his £20K deposit to be returned into his account within the next few days. I refused, it went legal, and on the strength of the T’s & C’s, his deposit was never returned. If he’d telephoned me to discuss pleasantly, with an explanation and an apology, even if it wasn’t the truth, I would have returned his deposit that same day.
The key to successful business and negotiation is the building of relationships, using people skills and confidence, and certainly not through an arrogant, aggressive “I know my rights ....” approach. I fully understand that people who are not used to negotiating confidently and dealing with such issues could easily find it very difficult and stressfull to conduct themselves in such a calm and friendly way and remain pragmatic throughout the discussions, simply because at the forefront of their mind is the fact that their preferred outcome is of such importance to them, and if the signs are there that they are struggling to steer things in their direction, they become emotionally charged. With all due respect, if your in-laws aren’t used to dealing with such matters confidently, then may I suggest that they take someone along with them who is.
If after a couple of whole-hearted, amicable, face to face discussions, your in-laws don’t achieve their desired outcome, then, and only then would I look to seek advice or start to play hard.
Hope this helps !
Ic.