Private buyer only offering 10% of what I advertised the car

[IDontKnowCars]

If anybody is interested, there have been developments.

The car set on fire last night.




Ok, it didn't. But lots has happened since I last updated. I had one guy come round and test drive. He noticed the slipping clutch too but said he would be happy to continue to bid (It's currently at just over £300). Although he hasn't actually done so, so I think he may have lied to prevent awkwardness.

I have just shown somebody else the car who initially offered me £400 cash to drive it away the same day without the auction. I agreed, he test drove it and noticed the clutch. He then lowered his offer from £400 to £200. I refused because I had higher offers on the auction. I counter offered at £250. He refused (I thought £250 was more than fair but whatever). He then counter-counter offered at £225. I have agreed as long as he drives it away in the next couple of hours with cash in hand.

Am I making the right decision? Frankly I just want it gone now. I am still getting £100 more than the guy who I originally made this post about. Plus it has been fun learning about eBay selling.

[BigTom85]

I'd have accepted £200 to be honest if it needs a clutch that badly.

[anonymous-user]

if the clutch is fubared then just get rid.

[IDontKnowCars]

BigTom85 said:

I'd have accepted £200 to be honest if it needs a clutch that badly.

As this is my first car, I actually don't know what a normal clutch feels like. It's been 4 years since I learnt to drive. Therefore I've learnt to handle this clutch perfectly and it works fine for me. However every single person who has driven it has struggled to get it moving smoothly.

I guess it's good that I haggled an extra £25 out of him then

[IDontKnowCars]

The Spruce goose said:

if the clutch is fubared then just get rid.

Yes sir!

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

The clutch is obviously worse than you think then...
For reference, Mr Clutch charge £210 all in to change the clutch on a Focus.
Just the parts (clutch kit and combined release bearing\slave cylinder) is £75.

[anonymous-user]

IDontKnowCars said:

Yes sir!

you might sell it on ebay, but most will want a test drive before confirming the sale, and then opens up a can of worms with negative feedback etc. So someone offers cash just sell it.

[Toaster Pilot]

Toaster Pilot said:

johnnyBv8 said:

Why would he do this instead of accepting the £400 cash offer he has?

A message on eBay from some timewaster isn't the same as someone standing on his driveway with cash.

[egor110]

The Spruce goose said:

IDontKnowCars said:

Yes sir!

you might sell it on ebay, but most will want a test drive before confirming the sale, and then opens up a can of worms with negative feedback etc. So someone offers cash just sell it.

If he hasn't mentioned the clutch is slipping the buyers will use ' item not as described ' to get out of the purchase.

[Vaud]

OP - handy car contract for you to print and use if you get a buyer outside of eBay:

http://www.theaa.com/car-buying/buyers-sellers-con...

Or one from Breadvan72, a barrister who used to post on PH:


AGREEMENT

1. This Agreement is made on Friday 13th NNNN between Billy Spiv (the Seller) and Johnny Keen (the Buyer).

2. The Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer agrees to buy JALOPY P.O.S. MARK XXIV registration number 1AM MUG together with its tools, equipment, entertainment system, handbook [and the following spare parts: MOULDY COLLECTION OF OLD SHIZZ] (the Car) for £LOOOOOOADZ (the Price).

3. The Seller acknowledges receipt of the Price. The Buyer acknowledges receipt of the Car.

4. The Seller warrants and represents to the Buyer that the Seller has unencumbered title to the Car and is entitled to pass that title to the Buyer and that the Car is not subject to any finance agreement or other encumbrance.

5. Otherwise, the Car is sold as seen and tested by the Buyer, without any express or implied warranty as to condition or suitability for purpose.

6. This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.

Signed and dated

BS

Billy Spiv

X (for Johnny Keen, his mark)

[johnnyBv8]

Toaster Pilot said:

Toaster Pilot said:

johnnyBv8 said:

Why would he do this instead of accepting the £400 cash offer he has?

A message on eBay from some timewaster isn't the same as someone standing on his driveway with cash.

I was asking why he would accept £100 for scrap (and even this was relying on conning the scrapman with some unscrupulous suggestions - £100 probably unlikely atm), rather than progress with considering offers. He's now been offered more than twice this by someone "standing on his driveway with cash".

It looks like a tidy car in the ad - albeit needing a bit of money spent.

[saaby93]

Can someone say where the line is between the 'buyer is a timewaster' and the 'seller is a timewaster'

How many timewasting buyers do you need to come around and kick tyres before its apparent that its the thing being sold that a timewaste?

[Seaweed]

Here is some advice for the future. Hide as many faults on your car as you can when selling. Have a price in mind and stick to it. You should accept no less than £400. Yes people will come and go but finally you will get someone that doesn't know about cars and you can offload it on them.

One word of advice no matter what the others say remember this "morals cost money"

Edited by Seaweed on Monday 5th December 21:15

[egor110]

Seaweed said:

Here is some advice for the future. Hide as many faults on your car as you can when selling. Have a price in mind and stick to it. You should accept no less than £400. Yes people will come and go but finally you will get someone that doesn't know about cars and you can offload it on them.

One word of advice no matter what the others say remember this "morals cost money"

Edited by Seaweed on Monday 5th December 21:15

But don't whine when the sellers find the hidden faults and pull out of the deal and start a thread about it.