A question of ethics.

[quikveedb2]

This is something I've been rolling over in my head today, as I'm trying to sell a vehicle. Without going into tons of detail, the most recent potential buyer is not someone I'm completely comfortable selling the car to. The vehicle needs work, it is what I'd consider a project, but a running, driving project. I have been very honest both about the work required, and the estimated cost based on my own experience & research. For me the ideal buyer would be mechanically inclined, financially stable, and not need the car as a primary vehicle. The potential buyer does not meet these criteria.

I'm curious what r3v feels about the whole buying/selling process, hence, a poll. Should the seller sell, even if the buyer may be getting in over their head, or politely decline, and look for a more suitable potential owner?

[Bimmerman325i]

Would you lose sleep over your decision to sell to this buyer or be constantly worried? If so, don't sell.

[slammin.e28]

As long as the buyer understands what needs to go into the car, fuck it. He needs to be able to make good decisions about what he invests his money into. You are not the one to be telling him that. You can just be honest and let him make an informed decision based on the information you have provided and what he has seen ad far as the car's condition. If he gets in over his head, despite the information given/gleaned, it's on him, not you. You were the honest seller.

Now, if you are knowingly selling crap, and just covering up shit that is wrong, then you sir, have no conscience and have probably been doing this for some time, thus, this thread would be moot, as you wouldn't give a fuck. The fact that you made this thread pretty much says you are and honest seller, therefore, you have nothing to worry about.

[Pac1373]

I say sell to who you want when you want. but if you disclose the potential work required to make the car a reliable dailly, you are good in my book. I assume it would read "as is where is" on a used vehicle transfer form, maybe just jot down a list of items disclosed at time of sale, done deal. you have done your due dilly, and the buyer has been made aware. nothing to loose sleep over in that case for sure.

[dark325]

if the buyer knows whats going on, and he still wants it after you stress the fact it needs work. I'd sell it..

[navid41691]

It's like finding an orphan the right home <3

But seriously, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd write up a little contract stating it is as is and what not just to cover your ass.

The guy I bought my car from said he doesn't care if I wrap it around a tree, he just wanted it gone. whatadick.

Good luck!

[MrSlacker]

Why do you care as long as you told the buyer what it needs done? Its your job to tell him that it needs X, Y and Z. If he thinks he can do it or it only needs Y, its HIS problem, not yours. Its his money and he can make any stupid decisions with it. You are not his friend or relative to teach him how to spend his money

[delatlanta1281]

Rob, but, if it were me, and I didn't need the money, I would wait for the right buyer. I don't want to deal with someone's BS after i sell them a car.

[StereoInstaller1]

Yeah, why do you care of some asshat buys your shit saying he understands that the thing needs a buttload of work then crashes it into a school bus full of 1st graders because of some unforseen bullshit and his insurance company tries to sue you...why would you care, right?

If you aren't 100% morally clear about ANY deal you do, don't do it.

[scottinAZ]

Yeah, why do you care of some asshat buys your shit saying he understands that the thing needs a buttload of work then crashes it into a school bus full of 1st graders because of some unforseen bullshit and his insurance company tries to sue you...why would you care, right?

If you aren't 100% morally clear about ANY deal you do, don't do it.

Exactly. If you do decide to sell, ENSURE that you are legally covered should they decide to try and sue you for misrepresentation of the car. Normal statements of as is/where is dont mean shit if they can prove that you were intentionally concealing a defect, or the car was unsafe.

[Vince30]

I sold my car, was completely honest of the condition but it was my daily and I have taken 8 hour trips with it and for me it was reliable. Someone came and picked the car up for $650 and tried to drive it an hour and a half back to his house. An hour into his trip it threw the waterpump. He called me, ferrous, and wanted me to come help him and get him a tow and told me that I knew the pump was going and thats why I dumped it. He bothered me so much I ended up paypaling him $100 for the tow and told him not to talk to me again. If you don't need the money some people are not worth the hassle.

[F34R]

You were up front and honest about what it needed. If they had a problem with it they would not be buying it. I don't see an issue here one bit. If you were lying that would be another thing. But you said it plain as day, so SELL it. Not your problem anymore if THEY want it you know?

When I sell a car I write up a bill of sale and state "sold as is". But I always make sure the car is sound(brakes gas lines etc) They are cheap and easy to fix. Adds value making more money in my pocket.

[nebulous123]

personally....anyone that is buying a used car should be under the assumption that its USED!! Therefore no warranty, no complaints.

I bought a used 2000 Civic Si back in the day from a guy that seemed real honest. Said everything was cool with it. I gave it a thorough look over as did my dad. Drove it and everything. Come to find out several months later that the subframe was completely cracked and the only thing holding the left rear tire on was the sway and the shock being bolted.

Got it fixed then the car got stolen 2 months after that. Moral of the story is...the last thing I thought to do was call him and sue him about it being broken, even thought that was a major safety issue. I bought it as-is.

[Kershaw]

I sold my car, was completely honest of the condition but it was my daily and I have taken 8 hour trips with it and for me it was reliable. Someone came and picked the car up for $650 and tried to drive it an hour and a half back to his house. An hour into his trip it threw the waterpump. He called me, ferrous, and wanted me to come help him and get him a tow and told me that I knew the pump was going and thats why I dumped it. He bothered me so much I ended up paypaling him $100 for the tow and told him not to talk to me again. If you don't need the money some people are not worth the hassle.

i would have told him to fuck off. the water pump is not really something you can "know" is failing. unless you're having cooling problems.

i dont think you can complain about any unforeseen issues on a car that is less than $5k. especially on a car that is a measly $650. jesusjumpingtittyfuckers.

[pantelones]

Don’t sell it. Money is just an imaginary forum of value which people use for trade. On the other hand, a car is real, it has more value than just some piece of paper that you associate value with. This is the problem with people today; we don’t associate selling products to buyers as a trade, but more or less of a "deal". I have come to love these cars as many of you on this forum, and I just can justify selling something I personally care about to a person who cant appreciate it, no matter how much money they offer. Money isn’t real, just remember that.