Tweet
Hi everyone,
I need some advice regarding a recent car sale and the subsequent demands from the buyer. Here’s the detailed situation:
In February 2024, I purchased a BMW M4 that had several issues not mentioned in the description. I spent £1650 to rectify these, including replacing the valvetronic motor, servicing, fixing the ABS sensor, and addressing a water ingress issue which flooded and damaged the amp.
I listed the car for sale at £18,000 and a buyer contacted me via Facebook. He inspected the car twice, test drove it extensively, and noted some paintwork issues. After negotiations, we agreed on £16,000. The buyer inspected the car with his associates for a significant amount of time during both viewings.
On 9th July, the buyer and his friends thoroughly checked the car, including starting it and running it for 30 minutes. They even drove it hard during the test drive, and the buyer confirmed the car was mechanically sound but had concerns about the paintwork. On 10th July, the buyer completed the purchase with a part bank transfer and £2500 in cash.
The buyer called me on the way home mentioning a vibration at 80mph, which he later confirmed was due to the tyres. On 19th July, he contacted me again, claiming the car had smoke coming from the exhaust, misfiring, a vibration from the exhaust, a split CV joint, and a leaking coolant tank. He said the turbo seals needed replacement, costing £2000, and asked me to cover half of this cost.
I informed the buyer that the car was sold in good faith with no such issues present during the sale and that I am not in a financial position to assist due to purchasing a new house. He then threatened to take the matter to court under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
I responded that the car was sold as seen, and any issues now are due to his usage. I have since blocked him based on advice that this might be a common scam.
On 30th July, the buyer messaged again via Facebook, demanding a resolution and threatening court action. Here’s part of his message:
"All I’m asking for is a £1000 contribution towards the repairs. My original offer made was £15,000 so by contributing £1000 it will mean the car was bought for my initial asking price and any further problems or expenses I will not bother you with at all. I am even willing to offer, If you need to make 2 instalments of £500 that’s fine I can understand because I know you are going through home renovations. I feel this is more than reasonable as the seller I. This case yourself has the duty of care to cover full cost of repairs or refund the buyer and take the car back UNLESS the car was sold UNFIT for purpose which it was not! I know my rights and I don’t like being taken advantage of, I had full trust in you and this trust was broken from the beginning."
I am feeling stressed and anxious due to these ongoing demands and threats. I believe that as a private seller, I fulfilled my obligations by allowing a thorough inspection and test drive. The car was sold in good faith, and the issues he claims arose after the sale.
Here’s my query:
Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!
Shep.
I need some advice regarding a recent car sale and the subsequent demands from the buyer. Here’s the detailed situation:
In February 2024, I purchased a BMW M4 that had several issues not mentioned in the description. I spent £1650 to rectify these, including replacing the valvetronic motor, servicing, fixing the ABS sensor, and addressing a water ingress issue which flooded and damaged the amp.
I listed the car for sale at £18,000 and a buyer contacted me via Facebook. He inspected the car twice, test drove it extensively, and noted some paintwork issues. After negotiations, we agreed on £16,000. The buyer inspected the car with his associates for a significant amount of time during both viewings.
On 9th July, the buyer and his friends thoroughly checked the car, including starting it and running it for 30 minutes. They even drove it hard during the test drive, and the buyer confirmed the car was mechanically sound but had concerns about the paintwork. On 10th July, the buyer completed the purchase with a part bank transfer and £2500 in cash.
The buyer called me on the way home mentioning a vibration at 80mph, which he later confirmed was due to the tyres. On 19th July, he contacted me again, claiming the car had smoke coming from the exhaust, misfiring, a vibration from the exhaust, a split CV joint, and a leaking coolant tank. He said the turbo seals needed replacement, costing £2000, and asked me to cover half of this cost.
I informed the buyer that the car was sold in good faith with no such issues present during the sale and that I am not in a financial position to assist due to purchasing a new house. He then threatened to take the matter to court under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
I responded that the car was sold as seen, and any issues now are due to his usage. I have since blocked him based on advice that this might be a common scam.
On 30th July, the buyer messaged again via Facebook, demanding a resolution and threatening court action. Here’s part of his message:
"All I’m asking for is a £1000 contribution towards the repairs. My original offer made was £15,000 so by contributing £1000 it will mean the car was bought for my initial asking price and any further problems or expenses I will not bother you with at all. I am even willing to offer, If you need to make 2 instalments of £500 that’s fine I can understand because I know you are going through home renovations. I feel this is more than reasonable as the seller I. This case yourself has the duty of care to cover full cost of repairs or refund the buyer and take the car back UNLESS the car was sold UNFIT for purpose which it was not! I know my rights and I don’t like being taken advantage of, I had full trust in you and this trust was broken from the beginning."
I am feeling stressed and anxious due to these ongoing demands and threats. I believe that as a private seller, I fulfilled my obligations by allowing a thorough inspection and test drive. The car was sold in good faith, and the issues he claims arose after the sale.
Here’s my query:
- Am I legally obliged to pay anything to the buyer or accept the car back?
- Does the buyer have any grounds to take me to court under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, considering I’m a private seller?
- How should I proceed if the buyer continues to contact and threaten me?
Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!
Shep.
Comment