Real-life MMD: Should I keep schtum about car problems when I flog it? 20 May 2013 at 9:54AM edited 21 May 2013 at 3:20PM in MoneySaving polls 52 replies 11.1K views

Former_MSE_Debs

Money Moral Dilemma: Should I keep schtum about car problems when I flog it?

I'm planning to sell my car, so just had it MOT'd by a mechanic I know well. It passed with no repair costs, but the mechanic told me it was close to getting an advisory note - at some point soon, £1,000 of work will need to be done. A friend is keen to buy the car and has offered the market value of £3,000. Should I tell him the mechanic's feedback, even though a different one might not have mentioned the advisory note?

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gloriouslyhappy

Yes, you definitely should tell him the mechanic's feedback,and let him decide if he wants to proceed with the purchase. Imagine for a moment your positions are reversed, how would you feel if you bought his car in good faith, it broke down expensively a short time later, then you discovered he knew that the breakdown was a very good possibility?

Beware 'friends' like these..!

mazza111

If selling to a friend, then yes I would tell them. I actually sold a car to my neighbour after pointing out all the small defects with it. Never sold a car that way in my life before.

However, if it was a stranger, I'd be tempted to say, buyer beware.

Cookiepops

Wow, how does the saying go? "with friends like you....."

macaroni

as it was "close to getting an advisory note", ie one wasn't issued, Id keep schtum. If had got an advisory that would be a different matter...

Banacek

If you want to keep him as a friend tell him all!

19lottie82

I'd get a second option re the "advisories" first. Based on my experiences, chances are you won't need them, especially if they come from a mechanic working at a chain garage.

Take it to a small independent garage that someone else has reccomended and ask them to have a look at it.

KxMx

Shoulda woulda coulda doesn't matter.

You have been advised of future problems, you do know, you should tell.

Seakay

Definitely! Can't believe this is a quandary for you - how do you define friendship?

ih8stress

I'd be more concerned about the risk of him having an accident if the imminent work needed is not discovered and leads to major problems. Would you really want that on your conscience?

Remember too this is a friend of yours - though I would still be upfront who-ever I sold it to.

Talent

Don't sell anything to a friend that you wouldn't want your friend to sell to you. Simples. Dealer PX or auction for you, my lad!