Overhaulin'

Private Car Sale Responsibility's ?

I live in the state of Indiana. I used 1997 Saturn SL2 today for 1000 dollars. I told them there were a few things wrong with the car, as well as some brand new parts I replaced on it. There was a check engine light on, had been on for the two years I owned it but it was nothing serious (unaware of exact cause). They bought the car i signed the title to them and they signed it as well. Three hours later they come back they came back with an older woman. The starter had gone out while they were "at the car wash". Altho I felt bad it was a freak accident no way I could have predicted that. They test drove it several times and it started just fine. Now the older woman that came back with them is threatening me with a lawsuit for not disclosing the starter, and a couple squeaks the car makes. Says didn't disclose it that it was negligence. Can she do this ? I pretty much understood it was as is, I'm leasing a used truck and the starter went out on my way to a concert. They didn't pay for anything as there are not even lemon laws in Indiana. I do feel bad I told them as much as I knew. I am not a mechanic I just have a bit of knowledge on replacing parts not diagnosing problems so how can I disclose every single detail. Well In fact I did offer her $150.00 back to pay for the starter plus $20 extra. On the phone she agreed and came over. When she got here she started asking me for more money. That's when I drew the line I told her either take the 150 I was offering or enjoy the car. She left without taking it. The only thing is I remembered when I sold it I was trying to be nice and let them decide how much to write on the title for the sales price. If they haven't yet can they use that to get a refund ?

Public Comments

1. All private party sales are AS IS. Meaning no warranty or guarantee. When they paid you they accepted all good and bad that goes with the car. They could of had a mechanic inspect it but they decided not to. So it is there baby. You owe them nothing so don't offer. No refunds or returns on car sales either. Shes just blowing hot air. Tell her next time to enjoy her new car and to leave you alone. If she sues she will lose..............What did she expect for a $1000. ????..........md
2. You shouldn't feel bad. Any thing can go wrong with any auto. at any time. Even if they had taken the car to a mechanic he probably would not been able to tell that the starter was about to go out. They bought a used car, no warranty and thats the way it is.
3. Don't feel bad. They assumed the risk the minute they signed. It was a freak thing. Believe me, if the car lasts 10 years without another problem, they wont come back & give you extra money. She wont sue because she has no case whatsoever. If she did, just show up and she loses. If you want to bend over backwards to be nice, offer to pay for half the part or to put it on for free (if you can do that). But, you don't have to and shouldn't feel bad if you don't. I sold cars for over 10 years. I was a curbstone dealer. The vast majority of my cars didn't have any major issues or anything go out quick like that. But, when it did happen, my reaction was generally based on the buyer. If they threatened me, or say I KNOWINGLY sold them the car with a problem, I would be a hard-tail right back and tell them to read their bill of sale again. Particularly the top where in big letters it said AS IS. One guy had an alternator go out a few days after buying it. He was nice and respectful so I offered to pay for half the cost of the part only. ( I knew he could & would replace it himself) He wanted to upgrade to a lifetime warranty and I told him that was fine but that I was only paying for half of the lower priced part. He didn't have the money for it though since he spent everything he had on the car so I bought the part for him, and he reimbursed me his part 2 weeks later. (and I got to write off the entire cost of the part ! LOL) He was happy, he didn't cuss me out and it didn't cost me much. Now, if he had threatened me, I would have cussed him out right back and told him to pound sand. I had another situation where a woman bought a car, went to put gas in it and it had a leak. She called yelling about how I ripped her off & such. I refused to do anything for her. If she had been nice, I would have probably paid for half. It wasn't that expensive to fix either. But, it was a business for me. I made profits on the cars I sold so I could afford to do some small things like that. Plus, that kind of thing creates goodwill. The guy with the alternator sent me 2 other customers. Most curbstone dealers & private sellers wouldn't do anything because legally, they don't have to.