if i put a deposit on a car can they sell it

Short answer: if you’ve paid a deposit and signed a purchase contract, the car should be taken off the market; selling it to someone else is likely a breach.

If it was only a “holding deposit” with no signed terms, they can usually keep advertising or sell it, but you should get your money back if they move it on.

Protect yourself: get the deal in writing, make the receipt say whether the deposit is refundable, and include conditions like “subject to finance/inspection.”

If they flog it anyway, demand an immediate refund in writing and escalate to your state fair trading agency under the Australian Consumer Law—no need to bring torches and pitchforks just yet.