I sold my car privatly now im having issues with the buyer?

Question

I sold my car at the weekend and the buyer test drove it and was happy with it i got a text on monday saying that the cam belt went on the motorway home and destroyed the engine when i had it mot'd i had the belts checked and the car was regulary serviced and in all the time i had it i never had any engine trouble and i told him of all the minor defects i knew about and he was happy to buy it and now he wants some money back also my dad didnt write "sold as seen" on the recipt where do i stand?

Answer 1

he signed for it, u got ur money, it was his fault, u r in the clear mate, if u honestly know that there wasnt anything wrong with it ur guilt free, then dont worry about it

Answer 2

Caveat emptor - latin, translated means buyer beware. In other words - tough luck. As far as I know private car sales aren't covered by any kind of warranty hence the prices are usually lower than you would expect to pay at a dealer who gives a warranty. Best advice I can give is double check it with your local trading standards by phone but I'm pretty sure I'm right. Stand your ground and best of luck.

Answer 3

Kind of off topic, but you didn't mention what kind of car this is.  I find it intriguing that the cam belt of all things went out.  

Sounds to me like someone was "trying out" their new ride and pushed it too hard for a used vehicle.

Tough luck for him.

Answer 4

He bought a used car with no warranty. It's all on him. Also there are some scams around like this where they buy a car, say theres a major problem have a crooked shop back up their story, get a few bucks out of you for "guilt" then sell the car and turn a profit.

If they threaten to sue you tell them to go ahead. No lawyer will take the case and the judge will laugh them out of court.

Answer 5

forget the sold as seen bit....he seen it,you sold it...he hasnt a leg to stand on...

Answer 6

he test drove it and agreed to buy the vehicle, he was pleased with it or he wouldn't have committed to go ahead with the sale, the rubber belt could have gone at any time, but unfortunately it went after you sold the vehicle, did you guarantee the vehicle? you stated all known faults which complies with the law. tell him it was brought as seen, and if he wants to persue it through court tell him your see him there, the law states that when you sell something it must fit for the purpose that it was designed for, he drove the car, he drove it away which fulfills your duty under the sale of goods act.you did not guarantee how long it will work for. l can understand him being pee'd off but in laymans terms he aint got a leg to stand on

Answer 7

Buyer beware.....

Nothing he can do.  You cannot foresee a cam belt breaking that is why they recommend replacement at a set time.  So long as you have regularily serviced the vehicle (with proof) then your conscience should be clear.

Check with the citizens advice bureau, or trading standards. They will give you the advice you need.

Answer 8

Even though you father didn't write as-seen or as-is, it's assumed under the law that a personal sale is in fact as-is.  You do not have to help the buyer, by law.  I'd hate to be the buyer of that car, but things like this happen and you are not responsible, as long as you've told us everything.

Answer 9

Tell him "see you in court."

Call the police if he threatens you or similar.

Whilst the car allegedly breaking down is a civil matter if he harasses you beyond a reasonable point that would be criminal.

As others pointed out its buyer beware. If he didn't test the car, well, unlucky springs to mind.

Make sure you keep all the bills etc regarding having it checked.

Answer 10

think this might be a scam - ask him for proof through one of the agencies such as AA or RAC also go to CAB for advice

Answer 11

pretty sure they have no real case against you, if you  have documentation to show the car was in good order, but you probably did not keep any copy's did you..!  you could give him something but you would be admitting liability abit....

well so long as he is not a gangster i would not worry

Answer 12

Don't worry.  All private sales are as-is (no guarantee) even if not written so.  Other wise our courts will have to unwide hundreds of deals.

Don't worry and tell him to sue you.  He has no leg to stand on.

===

Beside how would YOU HAVE KNOWN the belt would break?  Can you tell the future? He just want some money discount.

Good Luck....

Answer 13

Any private vehicle transaction is "AS IS", you don't need to write it down.

Buyer Beware.  He doesn't deserve any money back, he bought the vehicle without having a mechanic look at it, it is his problem now.

If he keeps bugging you, tell him you will file harassment charges.  Tell him to take you to court, you will win.  As long as you never promised to "take care" of whatever problems he may have in the future.

Answer 14

they have no rights mate tell them they bought it as it stood..it could have happened at any time.they bought it so were happy wi it