On used units, dealers usually hold them for sale for a few months and if they don't sell, they send them off to auction. Any money they spend in those few months is wasted if the unit doesn't sell to a retail buyer. On top of that, often times many used units on a dealer's lot are often there on consignment. The dealer isn't going to spend money on a unit they don't own unless a sale is completed.
If you are unwilling to give them $1000 to get the rig ready, why should they expect you to give them the full selling price when it is ready? A deposit is evidence of a commitment to buy. You could be going to a dozen dealers and telling them you are going to be back to buy this rig and that rig after they have inspected and detailed it. Your reluctance to give a deposit shows why dealers feel that is a level of commitment. Saying you are going to buy something and putting up some money for that purchase are really worlds apart. Unfortunately regardless of what people say, a person's word is not usually their bond, but add some money, and a bond is indeed formed.
