Sold Car - Now Buyer Reports Clutch Failure & Wants Money

tekton23

AdrianC said:

"Sparkling" brake pads...?

He's got no hope of getting anywhere if he does go so far as a small claim - you can point to that Mini-dealer "vehicle health check". How many miles before the sale was that?

Exactly 1,147 miles since the health check.

tekton23

The sale was completed through ebay, i.e. Marked as Sold. No other contract other than the change of name in the V5.

tekton23

Forgot to say he took it for a test drive before buying and happily drove it away once sold.

TimSynths

He is an absolute chancer trying it on. A simple "I hope you enjoy the car as much as I did once you have a new clutch" and bid them farewell. Cease all communication.

tekton23

Well I told him, I will not be paying any costs towards repairs and unfortunately this is likely a wear and tear item that has failed.
He was livid and said I should take responsibility, I should be ashemed and he would pursue one way or another.
Still shaking now! I just kept calm and said I was very sorry to hear that this had happened.
All communication will now have to be through ebay, as that's the last call I'll take from them.
Interestingly, I spoke to two Used Approved centres and they said even under their warranty on a used car they would not cover costs relating to a clutch. It is really unfortunate and I feel for them, as nobody likes to have a surprise bill to pay, especially not for a new (used) car. However, I don't like being threatened.

Stubod

....just keep calm and carry on, probably their last role of the dice and still probably just a scam to try and get some money out of you.

macman

That ad is 99% factual, though in future I would avoid saying 'interior and exterior in excellent condition': that presumably was a reference to the cleanliness rather than mechanical condition?
Always say as little as possible, just answer any questions truthfully. Nothing to stop you just saying 'I'm not a mechanic, but I'm not aware of any mechanical issues with it'.
You can remind him that the car was sold without warranty and that you had no knowledge of clutch problems. But you won't hear from him again.

societys_child

Some drivers can wreck clutches, even new ones. Not your problem.

tekton23

Thanks for all your replies and support. I am very grateful for your time.
They appear genuine, so I don't believe this is a scam attempt, but who knows! I genuinely hope they are ok but at the same time, I am satisfied I did everything I could to ensure the vehicle was sold with a clean bill of health. I paid hundreds at the last service, knowing we would sell it soon, to replace brake pads and alternator belt, knowing that I would then be able to sell the vehicle with a clear conscience! I hate being threatened like I was today. Hopefully it was just the initial angry response, but according to him he is going to spend more than he paid for the car in pursuing me! If money is no issue, then he should just get on with it and replace the clutch.

Mutton_Geoff

AdrianC said:

"Sparkling" brake pads...?

I wondered that. I thought it was the spark plugs that were meant to sparkle. Unless it was a diesel.