Lost car key

Doobie_Doo

Hubby sold our previous car in July to someone we've known for a long time for less than the market price. When the chap came to see and buy the car, he asked if there was a spare key. I mentioned it did have a spare key when we originally bought it but I had misplaced it and would try to find it for him. He agreed to buying the car anyway, shook hands, money and paperwork was exchanged and he took the car. 3 months down the line and I have turned the house upside down several times but have been unable to locate the key. Have kept in touch with the chap to update him on the progress of attempting to find the key. Chap sent a message to hubby the other night saying along the words of 'Have you managed to find the key yet, it's been quite a long time now, what do you suggest we do?'
I am at a complete loss, I'm admitting defeat in ever finding the spare key. Question is, does anyone know, do we have a legal obligation to replace the spare key?

angrycrow

That really depends what was agreed at point of sale.

If you said the car was sold with 1 key but if you managed to find the other you would pass it on then you have no obligation to do anything.

If you said the car was sold with 2 keys and you would pass the second key on in a few days you should contribute towards a new key.

Doobie_Doo

Thank you for your reply angrycrow. I made no promise before the sale that I *would* find the key, only that I would look for it and if I found it I would let him know and get it to him.

Tom99

I would just reply:

"We have looked everywhere but cannot fine the key, sorry about that"

Then wait and see what reply you get.

forgotmyname

In my mind you told him you had a spare and he purchased the car thinking you would hand this over later.

You said you misplaced it not lost it.

Buy him a spare.

Richard53

I once sold an ex-police motorcycle to a guy in Scotland. I had a copy of the Police maintenance record, but mislaid it. The guy who bought it was interested in having it, and I promised that I would have a good look for it, but couldn't guarantee finding it. He took the bike without the papers. I turned the house upside down looking for them, but couldn't find them. He was still asking six months later, and in the end I had to say, in effect, 'I said I would try, and I have, but I can't magic it out of thin air'.


As others have said, if the car was sold 'with two keys', then you have an obligation. If it was sold with one key and a promise to look for the second, you have fulfilled your obligation.

wgl2014

How much is it to get a new spare key made up and coded to the car?

I'd consider going halves on it if you're friends with the person you sold it to.

kmb500

I don't see why you should pay for a new key, he purchased the car in the knowledge that he would be getting 1 key. You haven't lied or misled him, you haven't missold the car so don't really see the issue. I would personally give him an apology, say you can't find it, and just move on. If he cares that much he will get a second key made.