Sold a car, air con stopped working, buyer complaints

Lum

HoagieKat wrote: »

Thing is, I have a text from them saying it WAS working on the way home as they got too chilly and had to turn it off... So it definitely was working when they left.

Probably want to keep that text just in case.

If it really is the condenser, this is a small radiator that typically sits in front of the car's main radiator. It it gets a good whack from a stone it can break open and then all the gas leaks out = no more aircon!

So basically complaining that the condenser suddenly failed a day after purchase is like complaining that the car was advertised as having 4 perfectly good tyres, then they got a puncture. so give me a refund!

You should probably also advise them to turn the aircon off completely until they get this fixed as running the aircon with no gas in the system can cause the compressor to fail, and if they are complaining about the cost of fixing the condenser then they'll be screaming blue murder if they have to replace that too!

JimmyTheWig

HoagieKat wrote: »

Thing is, I have a text from them saying it WAS working on the way home as they got too chilly and had to turn it off... So it definitely was working when they left.

Then I don't think there's much they can do about it.

AS LONG AS there were no air-con issues with it that you were aware of when you sold it.
From their point of view it must seem very dodgy that it broke down after an hour.
Lets assume that they want to pursue it.
Lets assume that they get a professional to look at it.
Lets assume that this professional will be able to determine if it has just recently stopped working or if it hasn't really worked for some time but was bodged to help it sell.
I'm not saying that you did that. Only you know whether you did that or not. You don't even have to tell us if you did.
You said "climate controlled air conditioning" and "great condition". If a professional declares that there's been problems with the air-con for some time then I'd say you were liable.

But on the assumption that this is the first time there's been a problem with the air-con then there's nothing they can do.

Quentin

vax2002 wrote: »

Right what reason was made for paying less than asking price.
Hopefully none.

This is a used car we are talking about!

The asking price is a starting point for negotiation - but you know that.

The price paid is a red herring, and of no consequence.

cajef

Lum wrote: »

You should probably also advise them to turn the aircon off completely until they get this fixed as running the aircon with no gas in the system can cause the compressor to fail, and if they are complaining about the cost of fixing the condenser then they'll be screaming blue murder if they have to replace that too!

Compressor should not run if there is no gas in the system, there is a low pressure sensor.;)

Had the condenser replaced on my Civic earlier this year total cost including gas by a local independent specialist £142, if it is the condenser it is hardly going to break the bank.

HoagieKat

cajef wrote: »

Compressor should not run if there is no gas in the system.;)

Had the condenser replaced on my Civic earlier this year total cost including gas by a local independent specialist £142, if it is the condenser it is hardly going to break the bank.

It was a civic I sold, a 2006 model. Just looked up the cost of a condenser, £82 + VAT.

Joe_Horner

Hint:

The aircon is still working perfectly and it's been nowhere near a mechanic. They're looking to con you out of some money back. The return for a refund is just to pressure you into sending cash to avoid, because they have absolutely no right to do so. If you accept the return the fault will have miraculously cured itself but they'll still want some cash back in case it's intermittent.

That's assuming it's a genuine private sale, of course, but if you were a dodgy dealer it's unlikely you'd be asking on here - you'd just be telling them to shove it

photome

Tell them to get on their bike!

It was working when you sold it, they checked it and were happy with it.Dont accept it back they may have changed all the wheels etc, and dont offer anything for repair

That is assuming you really didnt know of any problems with the air con.

jumperjohn

Don't worry about it, nothing much they can do. I don't think I have ever bought a car which needed nothing doing to it, nearly new or old.

I once bought a Sierra and whilst driving it home the big end bearings failed. I got towed home and I rang the previous owner but I knew there was nothing that they could do. So I just put a new engine in.
Please don't worry. I know you feel bad but that's just tough luck on their part. Cars need repairs.

HoagieKat

Well they're now getting a solicitor involved, so I hope he knows consumer law.

malkyh

Some idiots should not be allowed out by their carers. Especially not to buy a car.