Car selling ethics - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

aklim · #16 05-05-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

He didn't agree to buy the car with the window problem.

Pretty much. Seller should present the car in the agreed condition.

E150GT · #17 05-05-2009, 04:55 PM

I Think we are going to work out a half and half deal because if he had in fact bought the car when he was supposed to, it actullay would have been just his problem, but he asked me to please hold it well knowing that I had other buyers lined up for a little more money, but I held for him. I understand it broke under my watch, and he understands he could have very well lost this car to me not being patient and willing to accept at a lower price.

POS · #18 05-05-2009, 06:15 PM

Once I've sold a car, I never drive it until delivery day. I just don't want this kind of thing happening after it's been sold. In your situation, you pay to get it fixed and you sell the car for the agreed $1700 - you took the risk in driving it after you sold it, therefore you get to fix it if something goes wrong.

Skid Row Joe · #19 05-05-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E150GT

I Think we are going to work out a half and half deal because if he had in fact bought the car when he was supposed to, it actullay would have been just his problem, but he asked me to please hold it well knowing that I had other buyers lined up for a little more money, but I held for him. I understand it broke under my watch, and he understands he could have very well lost this car to me not being patient and willing to accept at a lower price.

I would say a prayer (if so inclined) that the deal goes thru, since you want to move the car.

If not, call thye other serious buyers right now, and get back-up deposits. 2 or 3 in the hand is worth one without the bread. But I understand that he is a valued work acquaintance, if I read your OP (original post) correctly......

E150GT · #20 05-06-2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

I would say a prayer (if so inclined) that the deal goes thru, since you want to move the car.

If not, call thye other serious buyers right now, and get back-up deposits. 2 or 3 in the hand is worth one without the bread. But I understand that he is a valued work acquaintance, if I read your OP (original post) correctly......

Actually, I have had second thoughts about the car, and told the guy that if he dosent buy it I am going to keep it. I told him there is a time limit though. He does want it and supposed to be just waiting on a check. Which of course tells me he does not have much money, but who does. I wish I hadnt put my car in the shop, that way I would have more money and no broken dang window regulator.

mgburg · #21 05-06-2009, 12:48 AM

You accepted the cash for a "holder" or down payment on the car.

You should have parked it and left it alone.

You didn't and drove it 'til the window fell down. It was a working window when he gave you the cash. You drove the car and should accept 100% responsibility for it.

Fix it, then get him over to finish paying for the car and getting it off your property BEFORE SOME DAMN TREE FALLS ON IT AND THEN YOU BOTH ARE SCREWED...

He has no car, and you have to give him his "holder" or down payment back, since you no longer have the car to sell.

Used cars and private used-car sales are generally considered "AS IS" types of sales, unless you make some sort of promise (usually in writing) to the buyer that you'll make good anything wrong within a certain time frame or mileage limit.

But, in this case, you said you'd hold the vehicle 'til he finished getting you the cash...'til he completes his side of the bargain, technically, the car is your responsibility. If you don't want a fender to fall off in rush hour traffic, or the hood latch to fail and you fold the hood back over the roof, leave the car alone. Park it, pull the distributor wire, lock it in the trunk and wait for Mr. Payday to show up and finish the transaction...

In the meantime, fix the window and learn from this lesson...don't drive it if it's in the process of being sold...

Good luck.

E150GT · #22 05-06-2009, 08:31 AM

Learning very quickly

Graplr · #23 05-06-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E150GT

I Think we are going to work out a half and half deal because if he had in fact bought the car when he was supposed to, it actullay would have been just his problem, but he asked me to please hold it well knowing that I had other buyers lined up for a little more money, but I held for him. I understand it broke under my watch, and he understands he could have very well lost this car to me not being patient and willing to accept at a lower price.

To me, this sounds about as fair as you can get since who would pay for what when the car was in limbo was not discussed/written down prior to the incident. The most important part is that you both agree to it.

Use this as a learning tool for next time. Either don't hold merchandise, or get a contract written up ahead of time for if something happens to the merchandise while it is being held awaiting full payment.