Car Sold privately - Car now Broken

Car Sold privately - Car now Broken

Author
Discussion

mattyowen5

Original Poster:

72 posts

110 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Hello, I wasn't sure whether this the right place to put this but here goes:

I sold a car two weeks ago. The guy came paid cash and took the car away, me being young and naive didn't issue him with a receipt. About 3 hours after purchasing the car, I got a call from the buyer saying the car wouldn't start and asked if I had ever had problems with starting the car, I said no. He took the car to various garages which claimed all sorts wrong with the car from cambelt slipping to alternator. Eventually he took it a specialist, the specialist told him that the car had dropped a valve and that it wasn't his or our fault (the buyers words). He said this would cost £1700 and asked me to contribute towards the cost. I didn't give any money back as I believed that the car could have been ragged after it left my house and I wasn't to know it was about to break.

This brings me to today where he has sent me a text saying that the specialist is going to do a report on the car. His initial findings are that the car has been hit on the left hand side of the car, the left hand driveshaft is the incorrect one, the front dics and pads are rusted and need replacing (They weren't when they left me but hey I'm not a mechanic), there was an electrical fault where someone had incorrectly placed a fuse. In the period I had the car it was never in a crash or bump of any sort. He says he'll take legal action. I'm just wondering where I stand, because I'm no mechanic so couldn't have known about the fuse and the driveshaft. Thanks in advance for reading, feel free to ask any questions that might help.

Magic919

14,126 posts

201 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Wish him luck with his new car.

Mr Classic

224 posts

119 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
I believe the legal wording you should use when you reply to him is 'do 1 m8'.
HTH

mattyowen5

Original Poster:

72 posts

110 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
He has also only sent text messages and called, no actual letters. When he rang I apologised but said I didn't break the car and sold it good faith and explained everything I knew about the car.

talksthetorque

10,815 posts

135 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Ignore him.
It is certainly his problem. It might even be a scam.


Jasandjules

69,883 posts

229 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Just say you are sorry but you were not aware of any faults with the vehicle at the time of sale and caveat emptor applies.

JustinP1

13,330 posts

230 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
mattyowen5 said:
He says he'll take legal action.
Google 'caveat emptor'. And relax.

If he wanted a perfect car, with an unlimited warranty, he should have spent more money and bought from a dealer.

Upatdawn

2,184 posts

148 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Caveat Emptor

DEFINITION of 'Caveat Emptor' A Latin phrase for "let the buyer beware." The term is primarily used in real property transactions. Essentially it proclaims that the buyer must perform their due diligence when purchasing an item or service.

His only lever would be if you implied any warranty or are a trader.

Id ignore him

LukeST

100 posts

110 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Car is sold as seen, regardless of receipt!

His problem now.

Cliftonite

8,408 posts

138 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
This could be helpful when drafting a reply:

http://www.lettersofnote.com/2013/08/arkell-v-pres...


valiant

10,203 posts

160 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Unless you mis-described the car in your advert then politely tell him to jog on.

Seems to be getting more common this. Buying a car privately and then hassling the previous owner for a 'contribution' towards 'repairs'.


anonymous-user

54 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam Scam

Now ignore the scammer and move on.

mattyowen5

Original Poster:

72 posts

110 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
I described it as it was. Service history, described the work it has had done during my ownership (all genuine), etc. The car wasn't exactly cheap but It was a good example of the car and well looked after in my ownership. I'll text him saying I'm sorry but I can't be held accountable for the repairs on the car now.

cat with a hat

1,484 posts

118 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
just text back 'lol, good luk m8'

bearman68

4,652 posts

132 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
Why waste a text. Distressing as it is, put the number on block, and carry on with life.

anonymous-user

54 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
bearman68 said:
Why waste a text. Distressing as it is, put the number on block, and carry on with life.
Exactly. This comes up time and time again and still people ask what to do and then ignore the advice.

Last time OP - it's a acam, ignore him.

mattyowen5

Original Poster:

72 posts

110 months

Tuesday 23rd June 2015
quotequote all
I will do that from now on. Thanks for the advice and help, it is appreciated.

bimsb6

8,040 posts

221 months

Wednesday 24th June 2015
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Cambelt slipping lol

DuraAce

4,240 posts

160 months

Wednesday 24th June 2015
quotequote all
Don't encourage him replying. Ignore all his attempts at communication.

As long as you didn't misrepresent the car during the sale you have no concerns. If he issues legal proceedings then post them here for assistance .

Silver Smudger

3,299 posts

167 months

Wednesday 24th June 2015
quotequote all
mattyowen5 said:
... the specialist is going to do a report on the car...
Perhaps he should have done this before he bought the car as seen.