2020 2nd hand car a mechanical write-off 10 weeks after purchase

BarleyGB

I would really appreciate some help and advice about a car I sold privately 10 weeks ago

1. What would cause an engine bearing failure, possible bottom end damage
2. Fairness of a goodwill gesture
3. Likelihood of manufacture assistance and goodwill?

I bought 2020 a mini cooper 1.5 from main dealer Mar 2025 with 35000 miles, I sold privately June 2026 with 37500 miles. I was advised yesterday that the engine bearings have likely gone and given cost of investigation a new engine has been suggested, total £8000, In addition the aircon is broken, needs a new heatpump which is £1500

The car has full service history and were no apparent issues when it was sold, aircon was working as I was using running up to sale date.

1. What would cause the engine bearings/bottom of the engine to fail, would there be any signs 10 weeks, or immediately prior. The car only completed about 100 miles after MOT & Service in May and nothing was apparent at the time of sale

2. Awkwardly the purchaser is a close relative of a best friend, we're all stunned at the outcome, what if anything would you consider as a goodwill gesture to reach an amicable settlement (doing the write thing, vs "sold as seen")

3. The car was under mini warranty until Mar 26 (following 2025 purchase), its low mileage full service history. Mini have suggested they could investigate and consider a goodwill gesture due to low mileage etc, this would require a partial engine strip possible £3000 labour, even then if goodwill gesture was 50% of the engine repair/replacement with main dealer parts and labour would not make this viable. Is there any other way to get manufacturer support/goodwill (looking online this appear to be a reasonable ambition (consumer rights vs recently bought product not of satisfactory quality/fit for purpose)

Seems extraordinary that what I considered a reliable and good condition low mileage car could be a repair write-off

I would really appreciate thoughts and advice please. Thank you

LightFlare

As long as you advertised the car honestly and accurately - not your problem

In future - try and avoid selling to friends,family etc

Mildly_Miffed

Lubrication failure is the short answer. The question then is… why?

Was there simply no oil in it because it leaks/burns oil and the level hadn't been checked?
Did the oil pump fail?
Did road debris take out the oil cooler or a hose or something, causing a sudden and catastrophic loss of oil?

Given it was only 100 miles post-service, did the oil drain plug simply vibrate out…?

You don't say how many miles the purchaser's covered since they bought the car from you, but I can't see how this is your fault, legally.

What liability you think you should take in order to placate your friend and preserve the relationship is somewhat beyond the scope of this forum…

As for BMW taking liability for a six year old car that's six months out of warranty and has changed owner privately in that time… Mmm, good luck. Was that service done by a BMW/Mini franchise dealer, or by a third party garage?

born_again

REcon engine should be no where near £8K.

A?C & heatpump? as well. What have they been doing to car in the how many miles they have done?

Do they ever check oil?

Mildly_Miffed

I can well believe an engine from a BMW dealer is £8k.

But you're right - there's a selection of used engines on the 'bay for £800-1000, so the car certainly isn't an economic write-off. It's just that the main dealer repair route is uneconomic compared to alternatives.

BarleyGB

Thanks all, the £8k is a non dealer price, £4630 for new engine then a associated parts (spark plugs, oil, filters, pipes etc) and 18 hours labour.

Car has done maybe 400-500 since I sold it.

Option 1

Went to a Mini garage this morning for advice, they said unlikely to be engine bearing and that non Mini garage had likely highlighted worst case scenario. They recommended a Mini specialist investigation starting with an initial 1 hour diagnostic which may indicate likely issues and extent for required engine strop down (up to 10/12 hours) £150ph. Also that given cars age, mileage and service history if the issue is major that Mini may contribute a percentage to repairs?

Min dealer indicated replacement engine is £8-10k but wouldn't commit a price as would depend on whole range of what parts were required (£175ph labour)

Option 2

Cut losses, obtain and fit a reconditioned engine, maybe around £3k in total, then sell via WeBuyAnyCar/Motorway (£8-9k optimistic)


If it was my car I think id go with Option 1 to be certain what the issues are & full cost, also repaired properly vs Option 2 meaning id still need a replacement car with potential unknown issues later on?

FlorayG

A LOT can go wrong in any vehicle in ten weeks. Clearly you had no idea this would happen so you have no legal responsibility

Morally nobody can advise...it's up to you

PTP123

They would't be giving you a seconds thought if the shoe was on the other foot.

Block them and move on

BarleyGB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82131116#Comment_82131116

I think they would, and a family ive had a close relationship with for over 40 years, relationships grow on 'doing the right thing'. ive many things to be thankful for from them.

paul_c123

Legally, one approach might be to remind them its a private sale and there is no obligation to do anything. It might also be the correct moral thing to do, since they ought to know that and shouldn't abuse the friendship to try and get some kind of monetary favour. I assume you let it go at a good price?

But we don't know the relationship. For example you could give a full refund if you wanted to, then its no longer their problem at all.

PTP123

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82131233#Comment_82131233

Fair enough. Get it paid for then