deposit to hold car until test drive

Better do some research on that vehicle before committing to anything. Not a good plan.

Each seller has his own peccadillos, so they'll likely differ from person to person. Just ask the seller and come to an agreement. And I agree that this car is one of MANY to avoid. I suggest you go to car sites like KBB, Edmonds, and TrueCar to read their evaluations of reliable cars and those that just don't hit the mark. My pick would be a Lexus ES.

Don't put down a deposit until you're ready to buy! Doing so, in some jurisdictions, could lock you into the purchase, whether you like it or not! My Sister lost $500 when she learned that lesson the hard way and to add insult to injury she lost again in small claims court! But she learned her lesson, the hard way, and never did that again!! Jim