Sold a car, air con stopped working, buyer complaints

HoagieKat

So I sold a car yesterday (28th May), I'm a private seller, the buyer test drove it thoroughly, bought it, took it away, signed the reciept which states sold as seen, and on the way home (around a 200 mile trip) they text me that the air con stopped working within an hour of them taking it away. They've had a company look at it, and it could be the condensor, which is an expensive job.

They're asking me for compensation to get it fixed. where legally do I stand? They're stating they're taking legal advice, and that they can't be 100% sure that the air con ever was working, even though yesterday it was one of the hottest days of the year.

vax2002

Do you have the text of the advert they responded to.
VERY IMPORTANT !!!!

HoagieKat

5 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 55,000 miles, Nighthawk Black Metallic, 3 Owners. Automatic climate controlled air conditioning, Heat reflecting tinted glass, Fitted Sun blinds, Honda Radio CD player, Aux MP3 input, Steering wheel radio remote, HID Xenon lights, Front headlamp washers, Adjustable steering column, Fully adjustable front seats, Electric windows front and rear, Electric heated door mirrors, Centre console with drinks holders, Multi function trip computer, Remote double locking with alarm, 6 air bags, Full main dealer service history, Excellent MPG, Low car tax band, Front fog lamps, Complete with spare key, HPI certificate available. Car is in great condition, good value and good mileage.

Quentin

Legally it's their problem.

motorguy

Quentin wrote: »

Legally it's their problem.

I dont think its that straightforward.

The car was advertised as having climate controlled air conditioning. Its less than a day since purchase and it doesnt work.

The reality is though, that the buyer would have to go down the legal route, get the repair done, claim for that amount through the courts, etc, so the reality is they're unlikely to find it viable.

Mr_Thrifty

Selling things second hand these days is becoming virtually impossible. People seem to want it to come with a warranty.

Quentin

pgilc1 wrote: »

I dont think its that straightforward.

The car was advertised as having climate controlled air conditioning. Its less than a day since purchase and it doesnt work.

The reality is though, that the buyer would have to go down the legal route, get the repair done, claim for that amount through the courts, etc, so the reality is they're unlikely to find it viable.

No.

This was a private sale. The buyer even signed to say it was sold as seen (though not even necessary to pit the vendor in the "clear").

If the buyer went to court, it would be at the vendor's local court, the claimant would lose and the vendor get his expenses paid by the claimant for having to go to court!

If the buyer wanted a warranty he shouldn't have bought privately (though the warranty would have been reflected in the price he would have had to pay at a dealer)

McKneff

I wonder if its possible that they are not using it properly, easily done if youve never had it before.

Private sale - he test drove it, accepted it and I presumed paid for it. No comeback in my book.

boyse7en

Was the air-con/climate control working when you sold the car? The buyer may say they aren't sure, but you must be sure whether it was working or not.

vikingaero

Mr_Thrifty wrote: »

Selling things second hand these days is becoming virtually impossible. People seem to want it to come with a warranty.

Everyone wants the best value and if it all goes pear shaped they'll scream and shout until they get they own way.

It may not be the condenser. Condensers normally get holed by stones and it could even be the case of a simple re-gas.

So where does the sellers liability end? 1 minute after the sale? 100 minutes later? 100 days later? 3 years later...

colino

If its a proper private sale, thank him for his time (and money!) and let him know you will not be indulging in any further discussions on the matter. Forget about receipts etc., he checked it over, it was to his liking and it (even the a/c) worked to his liking at the point of sale.
I hope they are genuine, but who else would get a complex system checked over, presumeably at their expense, then challenge the seller for recourse.
Sounds like someone looking for extra luck money.