When do I become legal owner of a car during the committing buying procedure?

So, you are from Canada, ehhh? Well, the dealer would not put the car in your name until it was paid for, and if you cannot get financing, you can't pay for it. In all likelihood, you can get your mony back if you change your mind before you sign the final documents (when you hand the dealer money).

It all depends on what the paperwork says. You may not have actually signed a contract. If you want the money back, make a demand for it.

I suspect you have to pay in full before you own the car. cars are required to have a paper title and you wont get a paper title til you pay you may not get a deposit back. A deposi is ordinarily not refundable the whole purpose of the deposit is to insure that you will buy the car and if you don't youj usually lose the deposit as a forfeiture.

I would have to read the actual documents to be able to answer the question.

It really depends on the paperwork you signed. If the paperwork says that your down payment was just to hold the car until you decide, you are not obligated to buy. If it says you have agreed to buy contingent on obtaining financing, and you do obtain financing, then you are obligated to complete the purchase (you entered into a contract to buy). If the seller represented to you that there is no obligation, you may have certain defenses if they seek to enforce the contract. However, it is best to let them know your intent to back out before they transfer title to you. It is harder to undo the deal after title has been put in your name.