Car selling moral dilemma

[Bill]

Gah! Cutting a long story short someone wants to buy my campervan. Which is great, but it's clear he's a complete numpty who has never heard of the London low emission zone and doesn't realise Boris will charge him £100 every time he moves it.

Which is quite frustrating as he seems like a really nice bloke.

And now I've typed it out it's pretty clear I'm not going to be a Shorpe.

[Boba Fret]

his problem.

[Rollcage]

Boba Fret said:

his problem.

This.

[Tyre Smoke]

Sorry, lost me a bit there chap.

If someone wants to buy you van, it's up to him what he does with it. None of your concern.

Am I missing something?

[Rollcage]

Where is the moral dilemma?

I thought this was going to be along the lines of "My car has a suspect head gasket, noisy diff and slipping clutch - should I tell prospective buyers?" type of thread.

[minghis]

Sorry, help me out here - if he lives within a certain zone and he has this vehicle are you saying he'll have to pay £100 when he takes it out/comes back into the zone, even though he lives there?

Would this be the same if it was an ordinary van? Can't be right, surely?

[Bill]

minghis said:

Sorry, help me out here - if he lives within a certain zone and he has this vehicle are you saying he'll have to pay £100 when he takes it out/comes back into the zone, even though he lives there?

Would this be the same if it was an ordinary van? Can't be right, surely?

That's right. Any where within the M25...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[james_gt3rs]

Rollcage said:

I thought this was going to be along the lines of "My car has a suspect head gasket, noisy diff and slipping clutch - should I tell prospective buyers?" type of thread.

+1

This thread is a bit like apologising about a car having terrible mpg so they'd have to spend a lot on petrol.

[ewenm]

Rollcage said:

Where is the moral dilemma?

I thought this was going to be along the lines of "My car has a suspect head gasket, noisy diff and slipping clutch - should I tell prospective buyers?" type of thread.

Is this any different? Bill knows of a potential future cost for the buyer and is considering whether to warn him about it. Why would the LEZ be different to possible HGF? It's the same dilemma.

[Bill]

james_gt3rs said:

This thread is a bit like apologising about a car having terrible mpg so they'd have to spend a lot on petrol.

Valid point, but you could reasonably expect to spend money on fuel whereas being fleeced by an Eco-lentilist highwayman every time you move your camper is a little unfair.

[Pork]

Will he use the van in the LEZ? If he's not London based, perhaps he's not fussed?

Personally, I'd mention it.

[Rollcage]

ewenm said:

Is this any different? Bill knows of a potential future cost for the buyer and is considering whether to warn him about it. Why would the LEZ be different to possible HGF? It's the same dilemma.

A seller need only limit himself to potential future costs of the car itself, not it's intended use. The fuel consumption analogy above is a good one, as would be insurance, cost of routine servicing, etc. Such things fall within the due diligence of the buyer, not the seller.

[minghis]

Bill said:

minghis said:

Sorry, help me out here - if he lives within a certain zone and he has this vehicle are you saying he'll have to pay £100 when he takes it out/comes back into the zone, even though he lives there?

Would this be the same if it was an ordinary van? Can't be right, surely?

That's right. Any where within the M25...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I'm stunned. I had no idea this was going to happen!

[ewenm]

Rollcage said:

ewenm said:

Is this any different? Bill knows of a potential future cost for the buyer and is considering whether to warn him about it. Why would the LEZ be different to possible HGF? It's the same dilemma.

A seller need only limit himself to potential future costs of the car itself, not it's intended use. The fuel consumption analogy above is a good one, as would be insurance, cost of routine servicing, etc. Such things fall within the due diligence of the buyer, not the seller.

I thought we were talking moral rather than legal. Yes, it is due dilligence for the buyer but if it's obvious he's missed (or appears to have missed) something potentially costly, would you (or should Bill) mention it? I'd mention it.

Edited by ewenm on Tuesday 3rd May 10:42

[Bill]

Pork said:

Will he use the van in the LEZ? If he's not London based, perhaps he's not fussed?

Personally, I'd mention it.

He lives in Richmond, and has just rung so I mentioned it and he's planning to keep it outside London.

Result.

As you were. Ahem

[ewenm]

Double result Selling the camper and feeling good by mentioning the LEZ

[Rollcage]

Sorted!

[Pork]

Result.

[bozmandb9]

Bill said:

He lives in Richmond, and has just rung so I mentioned it and he's planning to keep it outside London.

Result.

As you were. Ahem

Fantastic.

I was going to say tell him anyway. it's always better to be upfront, especially with somebody who seems straight and where there's rapport.

I don't get the guys who say 'Don't tell him it's his problem', it's a matter of personal integrity and peace of mind. We can all justify ourselves acting like a schmuck, but ultimately you can't fool yourself, you still know whether you did right or wrong!

[Bill]

That was my take on the whole thing, I have to say I'm surprised at the poll results.

Anyway, anyone want to buy a Caterham? Never raced* or rallied...


*Well, not at the front of the pack.