Private Car Sale

[starabvmybed]

Earlier in the week (3 days ago), I sold an older car (1986). Today (3 days later) I received a call from the buyer saying there are problems with the car.

He is saying that there is engine problems (but agreed I didn't know about it), and false advertisement because I had listed in my craigslist ad that the car had a posi rear end in it (which I was told it did when I purchased the car 2 years ago).

He is basically saying that he wants $500 back from me because of false advertisement and that's how much it would cost to find a cheap posi. He originally said he wanted $800 back.

Now he paid me $2900 and never asked to have the car checked out by a mechanic before he purchased the car. If he did and offered me $2400 I would not have sold him the car. I said I felt bad and would be willing to give him $200 back, but he said that he is getting $500 or will take me to small claims court. Does he have a case?

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Your buyer had a chance to have the car checked out by a mechanic before purchase. He chose not to. He now gets to enjoy a car he purchased "as is".

Gail

 

[jharris352]

If you want to, and ONLY if you want to, tell him you will take the car back and give him his money back. Do NOT give him part of the purchase price back. You don't know if he is telling the truth about the posi rear end. He could be lying or he could have taken it out and sold it. YES that happens.

Personally I would tell him that it is a done deal. You buy used cars "as is" and you have zero obligation to him now.

 

[starabvmybed]

There is no way I would take the car back because he is claiming there is also engine problems and he either needs to replace it or rebuild it. I never had any problems with the engine. I really think he's just trying to scare me into giving him money. If he calls me back I'm letting him know it's a done deal.

I appreciate the answers.

 

[mightymoose]

I agree with the others....
I would add that as long as you acted in good faith and did not deliberately mislead him during the sale then you have nothing to worry about. He had his opportunity to inspect the vehicle before he bought it.