How honest are you when selling a car?
Discussion
And is there such a thing as being too honest?
For example, if the cambelt or other service part is due, do you ever say something like, 'cambelt due hence the price', or do you just leave that out.
I messaged a guy asking about the cambelt as it was at 68k and its due every 40k. He replied, 'It hasnt been done in my ownership and i dont know before then, but it hasnt showed any signs of needing to be done'.
Probably because the only sign is a snapped belt and £000's of repairs.
Likewise i'm selling a car which throws out a p0303 cylinder 3 misfire. The problem is it only does it ONCE every 2 or 3 months. I've checked the plugs which look fine so it could be the coil pack, but i dont want to spent a load buying new parts fault finding something that happens so rarely. I just clear the ECU fault codes using a bluetooth OBD thing and it gets out of limp mode on the fly, engine light goes out and its good again for weeks. So should i mention this in the ad or not bother?
I've also viewed/bought cars which claim all electrics work, then to find niggles like the air con doesnt work, or one light leveller is broken, which were either left out intentionally or the seller genuinely didn't know
For example, if the cambelt or other service part is due, do you ever say something like, 'cambelt due hence the price', or do you just leave that out.
I messaged a guy asking about the cambelt as it was at 68k and its due every 40k. He replied, 'It hasnt been done in my ownership and i dont know before then, but it hasnt showed any signs of needing to be done'.
Probably because the only sign is a snapped belt and £000's of repairs.
Likewise i'm selling a car which throws out a p0303 cylinder 3 misfire. The problem is it only does it ONCE every 2 or 3 months. I've checked the plugs which look fine so it could be the coil pack, but i dont want to spent a load buying new parts fault finding something that happens so rarely. I just clear the ECU fault codes using a bluetooth OBD thing and it gets out of limp mode on the fly, engine light goes out and its good again for weeks. So should i mention this in the ad or not bother?
I've also viewed/bought cars which claim all electrics work, then to find niggles like the air con doesnt work, or one light leveller is broken, which were either left out intentionally or the seller genuinely didn't know
I'm very honest because if there is one thing I hate more than selling a car, it's someone moaning on after they've bought it. I sold my Ford Focus Ebony years ago, for buttons, having disclosed the fact that the engine management light and seatbelt warning light intermittently came on. After the sale, the buyer continued to pester me about these problems, and the best comeback I could offer was that they'd mentioned before money changed hands and I wasn't going to be mugged off after the sale.
I am very honest. To the extent that people come and complain that the "scratch" or "mark" I noted is hardly visible etc..
BUT I want someone to view the car knowing exactly what it is like and needs doing. Because I really fecking hate it when I view a car and discover a load of things they "forgot" to tell me.
ETA - I tend to find I sell my cars quite quickly too....
BUT I want someone to view the car knowing exactly what it is like and needs doing. Because I really fecking hate it when I view a car and discover a load of things they "forgot" to tell me.
ETA - I tend to find I sell my cars quite quickly too....
Jasandjules said:
I am very honest. To the extent that people come and complain that the "scratch" or "mark" I noted is hardly visible etc..
BUT I want someone to view the car knowing exactly what it is like and needs doing. Because I really fecking hate it when I view a car and discover a load of things they "forgot" to tell me.
ETA - I tend to find I sell my cars quite quickly too....
I've sold bikes very quickly as i have more experience in selling them. I go all out and do a Youtube video circling the bike talking about it, then a quick ride with cam in my helmet. First guy who called bought it, when he showed up i said, 'Not much more i can tell you as i said everything in the video', he laughed and it was sold within 10 minutes. BUT I want someone to view the car knowing exactly what it is like and needs doing. Because I really fecking hate it when I view a car and discover a load of things they "forgot" to tell me.
ETA - I tend to find I sell my cars quite quickly too....
As a private sale the buyer has no right to come back moaning to you though as its sold as seen. I suppose i should mention the p0303 code though
I am always honest but I still always make the buyer sign two copies of a receipt, one for them and one for me, reading something like: I am happy with the condition of the car (reg no) and have been offered every chance to fully inspect the car prior to sale. As a private sale, the car is sold as seen on (date) for (£)
It annoyed the chap who bought my classic Saab 900 recently but I didn't want any aggro after selling a 22 year old car. It was very accurately described and he was complaining there was a tiny bit of plastic trim missing by the ashtray when he came to collect. It's a 22 year old car in great condition, described at great length and detail, and he was moaning about that. A receipt something like the above just stops any annoying pedant from giving you hassle afterwards!
It annoyed the chap who bought my classic Saab 900 recently but I didn't want any aggro after selling a 22 year old car. It was very accurately described and he was complaining there was a tiny bit of plastic trim missing by the ashtray when he came to collect. It's a 22 year old car in great condition, described at great length and detail, and he was moaning about that. A receipt something like the above just stops any annoying pedant from giving you hassle afterwards!
CX53 said:
I am always honest but I still always make the buyer sign two copies of a receipt, one for them and one for me, reading something like: I am happy with the condition of the car (reg no) and have been offered every chance to fully inspect the car prior to sale. As a private sale, the car is sold as seen on (date) for (£)
It annoyed the chap who bought my classic Saab 900 recently but I didn't want any aggro after selling a 22 year old car. It was very accurately described and he was complaining there was a tiny bit of plastic trim missing by the ashtray when he came to collect. It's a 22 year old car in great condition, described at great length and detail, and he was moaning about that. A receipt something like the above just stops any annoying pedant from giving you hassle afterwards!
Good call. So what are these horror stories i've heard about private sellers being taken to court?It annoyed the chap who bought my classic Saab 900 recently but I didn't want any aggro after selling a 22 year old car. It was very accurately described and he was complaining there was a tiny bit of plastic trim missing by the ashtray when he came to collect. It's a 22 year old car in great condition, described at great length and detail, and he was moaning about that. A receipt something like the above just stops any annoying pedant from giving you hassle afterwards!
I am always very honest. I tend to sell my cars in the first week.
I also reply to everyone, whether it be text, email or phone. I understand some people just prefer communicating in a certain way.
I'm amazed at how many people won't reply to a text or email when selling their car. I can get in touch easily this way, however, getting time to phone during the day is not possible. Plus I like my questions answered in writing.
Selling a car is not rocket science, decent description, decent photos and talk to everyone who enquires, even if it does start "what's your best price? Coming to Norfolk from North Wales so need to haggle now as I can't view it."
Someone emailed me asking that on my Merc the other month, my reply was "Well you know it is already well worth it, but I will take off another £400 if you promise no haggling when you get here."
He got the train the next day and bought it.
So many sellers say "Not going to discuss price until you view it."
To me that makes me think there is issues and their description is missing a few truths, or they're just a bit thick.
I also reply to everyone, whether it be text, email or phone. I understand some people just prefer communicating in a certain way.
I'm amazed at how many people won't reply to a text or email when selling their car. I can get in touch easily this way, however, getting time to phone during the day is not possible. Plus I like my questions answered in writing.
Selling a car is not rocket science, decent description, decent photos and talk to everyone who enquires, even if it does start "what's your best price? Coming to Norfolk from North Wales so need to haggle now as I can't view it."
Someone emailed me asking that on my Merc the other month, my reply was "Well you know it is already well worth it, but I will take off another £400 if you promise no haggling when you get here."
He got the train the next day and bought it.
So many sellers say "Not going to discuss price until you view it."
To me that makes me think there is issues and their description is missing a few truths, or they're just a bit thick.
As honest as I can be.
If a car has a terminal problem I will list it as spares/repair.
I have a friend who was sold a toyota celica with a massive oil consumption problem, to the point the engine seized 3 days after she bought it despite it having a full sump of oil when she purchased it.
The bloke had cleaned the rear bumper and exhaust of all soot deposits and brimmed the engine with oil before he sold it.
To say she was heartbroken is a massive understatement, not to mention the lack of car and subsequent financial hardship.
If a car has a terminal problem I will list it as spares/repair.
I have a friend who was sold a toyota celica with a massive oil consumption problem, to the point the engine seized 3 days after she bought it despite it having a full sump of oil when she purchased it.
The bloke had cleaned the rear bumper and exhaust of all soot deposits and brimmed the engine with oil before he sold it.
To say she was heartbroken is a massive understatement, not to mention the lack of car and subsequent financial hardship.
Edited by skyrover on Sunday 7th February 17:53
skyrover said:
As honest as I can be.
If a car has a terminal problem I will list it as spares/repair.
I have a friend who was sold a toyota celica with a massive oil consumption problem, to the point the engine seized 3 days after she bought it despite it having a full sump of oil when she purchased it.
The bloke had cleaned the rear bumper and exhaust of all soot deposits and brimmed the engine with oil before he sold it.
To say she was heartbroken is a massive understatement, not to mention the lack of car and subsequent financial hardship.
Pre 2002 model IIRC were known to guzzle oil. Always do as much homework as you can handle on the car you want. Join forums and bore them with mundane questions if you must.If a car has a terminal problem I will list it as spares/repair.
I have a friend who was sold a toyota celica with a massive oil consumption problem, to the point the engine seized 3 days after she bought it despite it having a full sump of oil when she purchased it.
The bloke had cleaned the rear bumper and exhaust of all soot deposits and brimmed the engine with oil before he sold it.
To say she was heartbroken is a massive understatement, not to mention the lack of car and subsequent financial hardship.
Edited by skyrover on Sunday 7th February 17:53
Doesnt change the fact that its a scumbag move though.
Jasandjules said:
I am very honest. To the extent that people come and complain that the "scratch" or "mark" I noted is hardly visible etc..
BUT I want someone to view the car knowing exactly what it is like and needs doing. Because I really fecking hate it when I view a car and discover a load of things they "forgot" to tell me.
ETA - I tend to find I sell my cars quite quickly too....
100 percent agreed, I'm exactly the same. BullsBUT I want someone to view the car knowing exactly what it is like and needs doing. Because I really fecking hate it when I view a car and discover a load of things they "forgot" to tell me.
ETA - I tend to find I sell my cars quite quickly too....
tters (either buying or selling) really grind my gears.gizlaroc said:
I am always very honest. I tend to sell my cars in the first week.
I also reply to everyone, whether it be text, email or phone. I understand some people just prefer communicating in a certain way.
I'm amazed at how many people won't reply to a text or email when selling their car. I can get in touch easily this way, however, getting time to phone during the day is not possible. Plus I like my questions answered in writing.
Selling a car is not rocket science, decent description, decent photos and talk to everyone who enquires, even if it does start "what's your best price? Coming to Norfolk from North Wales so need to haggle now as I can't view it."
Someone emailed me asking that on my Merc the other month, my reply was "Well you know it is already well worth it, but I will take off another £400 if you promise no haggling when you get here."
He got the train the next day and bought it.
So many sellers say "Not going to discuss price until you view it."
To me that makes me think there is issues and their description is missing a few truths, or they're just a bit thick.
I never negotiate over the phone. If the caller sounds genuine (it's not hard to qualify people) and is prepared to travel a long way I might encourage them and say "if you can give good reason why I should sell for less than I am asking then I am open to a discussion". This means they have to find fault or come up with a strong argument. The pre-requisite is a decent, honest ad with all the key information and a fair price. I live in the Thames Valley and buyers of cars I have recently sold have come from Shropshire, Lincolnshire and Coventry. Honesty is key but equally the onus is on the buyer to ask the right questions too.I also reply to everyone, whether it be text, email or phone. I understand some people just prefer communicating in a certain way.
I'm amazed at how many people won't reply to a text or email when selling their car. I can get in touch easily this way, however, getting time to phone during the day is not possible. Plus I like my questions answered in writing.
Selling a car is not rocket science, decent description, decent photos and talk to everyone who enquires, even if it does start "what's your best price? Coming to Norfolk from North Wales so need to haggle now as I can't view it."
Someone emailed me asking that on my Merc the other month, my reply was "Well you know it is already well worth it, but I will take off another £400 if you promise no haggling when you get here."
He got the train the next day and bought it.
So many sellers say "Not going to discuss price until you view it."
To me that makes me think there is issues and their description is missing a few truths, or they're just a bit thick.
When I sold my wife's Audi the buyer was the type that had to get something off the price, irrespective. He came with his wife and I could tell she was convinced it was the right car for them. He presented his negotiating evidence in the form of print outs of Autotrader ads for similar cars nearly all priced below ours. I'd seen all these anyway when I was deciding how to price mine. I politely suggested he should look at others if he was unsure. His OH told him to cough up so and settled on £100 off (£13.5k asking price) and I chucked in some snow chains as part of the deal. Everybody happy.
The way i see it is the buyer has the responsibility to inspect the car before parting with cash. I will not go out my way to point out faults unless of course they are picked up on the buyers inspection. End of the day i am trying to sell the car and want to make it sound as appealing as possible. I leave the buyer to look around and discuss the features or recent work etc.
UK345 said:
The way i see it is the buyer has the responsibility to inspect the car before parting with cash. I will not go out my way to point out faults unless of course they are picked up on the buyers inspection. End of the day i am trying to sell the car and want to make it sound as appealing as possible. I leave the buyer to look around and discuss the features or recent work etc.
So if the buyer asks "Anything I need to know about it?" will you tell them the issues or lie? gizlaroc said:
So if the buyer asks "Anything I need to know about it?" will you tell them the issues or lie?
Thats open to interpretation i guessDoes the buyer NEED to know you went dogging in the car the night before and havn't had it valeted since?
Does he NEED to know the high beam left side bulb is out?
Does he NEED to know the aircon doesn't actually work but its too cold to tell either way? (this happened to me, turned out the condenser had shot it) Should have known to watch for the revs dipping when AC is turned on
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