Sold a classic car and buyer wants some money back for repairs

derry_kerry

I recently sold a 1965 Morris Minor that I had fully restored as a hobby, It was a private sell, I do not run a business. A month after selling it I have received a letter stating that the buyer has spent some money on repairs and wants me to pay half (£300). I sold the car in good faith, with no known faults and 10 months MOT. Where do I stand legally, he has threatened me with solicitors to pay full amount if I dont pay him half within 14 days.
I am so disappointed, I genuinely felt that this car was A1, and wonder whether the mechanic who has looked at it has mislead the buyer.

Empty_pockets

You have no liability, legally or morally.

unholyangel

If you sell a car as a private individual and not in the course of a business, it is usually "buyer beware". The only grounds they would have would be if the car did not match the description given. Just as an example.....if you list the car as having a cd player...it would be reasonable to expect the cd player to work.

Otherwise, as said.....it is a case of "buyer beware"

scheming_gypsy

derry_kerry wrote: »

Where do I stand legally, he has threatened me with solicitors to pay full amount if I dont pay him half within 14 days.
.

If he's sent you a letter instantly threatening you with solicitors then he knows he's chancing it and hoping it scares you. So don't even bother entertaining him, just tell him to sling it and that you're not going to play his silly little games.
There's a high chance there have been no repairs and he's just trying to get £300 off the original buying price.

fluffnutter

This is so dodgy. If the buyer was unhappy with the car, why didn't he contact you straightaway once the fault was found? No, he didn't do this. He went ahead, got the 'repairs' done and then tries to bill you. Have has even provided you with evidence that any work was done? (not that it would make much difference).

Ignore, ignore, ignore.

fred7777

Ignore him, even if you were a trade seller the buyer would have a hard time at court as the buyer should have known there would be a very good chance of having to spend money keeping a 46 year old car on the road!

wealdroam

As mentioned above, you have no responsibility for this.

Even if you were a trader, in the first instance the buyer should contact the seller for a resolution. It is not even acceptable in those circumstances to present the seller with a bill after any repair has been done.

Blacksheep1979

I wouldn't even grace it with a response - ignore and get on with your life, as everyone else has said you've got no responsibility/liability here.

derry_kerry

Thank you for all your replies. I think I shall ignore the letter for now, and see what happens next.

pendulum

You could ignore it, but he may think the letter didn't arrive or that you're trying to hide and then keep trying to contact you. I'd reply back politely but firmly with something along the lines of

Dear X,

I'm surprised to hear the 1965 Morris Minor has recently incurred a £600 garage bill, as I noticed no issues prior to sale. It is, however, an unfortunate fact that cars of this age will require a higher amount of maintenance and repairs. I must stress I sold you my vehicle in a private sale, and whilst I'm disappointed to hear you're unhappy, I am not in a position to contribute towards the maintenance and repair costs. I have run this issue past a legal advisor (This isn't really a fib, is it? Oh well, we can tell a little one) who confirmed my legal position.

I wish you all the best for the future, and genuinely hope you have more luck with her.

^ Sounds rubbish now I've read it back , but still, something along those lines would be my approach.

aldredd

wonder whether the mechanic who has looked at it has mislead the buyer

If you do write back, I would also mention this - ie 'an independent mechanic confirmed the car was of sound condition and provided a report confirming this, which you have copy of' (edit as required to be sure it's true)