A question of ethics.

[Asrial Dune]

It's your car, it's your choice to sell, or not sell, it. If you have reservations about selling then walk away. That being said, if you've warned the buyer of the work that you know needs to be done then it's on them if they get in over their head. I'd write up a list of work that you know the car needs and specify on there that you are disclosing these things as known problems that need to be addressed and that the car is being sold as is with no warranty, buyer assumes responsibility for all repairs. Both of you sign it, each of you get a copy and make sure you keep your's in case he tries to claim that you didn't tell him about X problem.

When I bought my car I knew the clutch was going and that the water pump was original. I didn't bitch at the seller when the clutch went out 2 days later and the water pump started leaking a week or two after that. He disclosed the problems and when we settled on a price, it reflected the work that needed to be done.

[Qazimo]

Its going to be a potential problem down the rod. Bringing bad karma etc. Sell it to the right person.

[StereoInstaller1]

I generally only buy cars that are beat to shit, never have I bought a car expecting proper maintenance to have been performed, or any expectations of condition at all...however, MOST people have bizarre expectations, and like the guy who gave the idiot buyer his money back, sometimes it is easier to just walk away.

[TexasTerp]

It's up to you, how badly do you need the money? If you aren't comfortable selling it to him then don't. no reason to lose sleep over it.

[1mz]

I wish that many people along the course of my project had the ethical thought that you have.

[StereoInstaller1]

I wish that many people along the course of my project had the ethical thought that you have.

/thread

[devon.818]

i sold a car once, disclosed EVERYTHING i knew about it. even pointed out things that most people wouldn't check.
usually i have people sign a release of liabillity and agree to take car in the "as-is" condition.

although whatever happened after the car left my possesion is not my fault nor my responsibility, i still felt bad. not to mention lost some sleep over the anxiety of having a upset buyer. first and last time i didn't use a contract.

no matter what you do, have them sign a waiver.

-By signing this you acknowledge and accept all known and unknown issues that exist or will arrise with this vehicle. You agree to waive all responsibilities of the seller and are purchaseing this vehicle in "as-is" condition with no reparations to be expected if problems develop. You agree not to sue or bill the previous owner for ANYTHING relateing to this purchase. You understand this and agree.

pretty simple.

[dna1943]

Thanks for that waiver. I'll add it to my standard Bill of Sale when i sell my next one. I always have the buyer sign and when I sign I give him a copy. I've had a few come backs but never gave up any money. My answer is always "It's USED". That is why I usually won't sell to anyone I know.

[quikveedb2]

I have to say I'm intrigued by how even the poll has stayed! I'm sticking with full disclosure, and I'll let the buyer make an educated decision. Thanks for all the thoughtful responses! I'm glad to see that so many members of r3v are of such strong moral fiber.