[DudeBroWTF]

I'm not a dealer, just a car enthusiast. I sold a clean title 2009 WRX out of state 6 months ago. The sale went smooth, I provided photos, I felt like I accurately described the car and didn't hide anything, and the buyer responded after delivery that they were very happy with the car and the condition. They told me it was accurately described. I sold it to a father and a son. They were both very nice. Then this email exchange happened and I need some unbiased opinions. I just want to do the right thing. I will fwd this thread to the buyer after a few responses come in.

Buyer

Wanted to circle back and let you know that we just found out that the car needs $4,500 is repairs – Clutch and Flywheel, Turbo and Timing Belt and Water Pump.

I’m ok with the Timing Belt and Water Pump as that is normal maintenance, but the other is truly disappointing. Would like to get your thoughts.

Seller (me)

Sorry to hear about the troubles. The car had no symptoms of clutch or turbo failure when I sold the car. If they did, I definitely would have mentioned it. The clutch grabbed great in every gear and didn't chatter or anything. It was not the original clutch either so I am surprised it would need replacement this early. The turbo was making target boost just fine, was not making any noises, and the car was not consuming any oil. What are the symptoms now?

If you are not experiencing obvious symptoms, I would consider a second opinion. Also, because turbo upgrades are so common on these cars, a good used turbo can be found for less than $200.

Buyer

First let me say that the shop is one I’ve used for years and one if not the best in our area for foreign vehicles, so I trust them completely. On the clutch, it began to smell hot and when they got into it determined that the flywheel was below specs. Also they said they've never had this much trouble in separating the transmission, so might attribute that to the salt and winters in MN.

On the turbo, when working on the vehicle they inspected and found it with a lot of play and was too close to the wall and could fail if not addressed. Not comfortable with going used, as failure results in a trashed engine.

4 days go by:
Buyer

…no other comments…

Seller (me)

I'm not sure what you are looking for from me. Your mechanic said the turbo was worn but not yet touching the wall of the compressor housing or causing issues but recommended service because it could cause issues soon. Therefore their analysis confirms that there were no symptoms of anything wrong. I never inspected the turbo or reported that it was worn because there were no symptoms to suggest there was an issue. This is the same story with the clutch. It worked perfectly fine. I am disappointed that you had these issues but I don't feel I have done anything morally or ethically wrong. I do think you could save quite a bit of money on turbo and clutch service but it sounds like you are very comfortable with the shop you are using so that is worth something. A good used turbo, a new Exedy clutch kit, and resurfaced flywheel should be well under $1000 in parts. I would guess labor would be about $1200 but not totally sure because I try to do all of my own work.*

Buyer

Well, I’m asking you to put yourself in my shoes and then consider how you would feel. I understand that when purchasing a used car, there will be issue, but to the tune of $4,700 on a car that has just over 100,000 it seems excessive. The car has been driven extremely hard based on what they have found when then got into it. Buying a used turbo is non-starter because if it fails results are a new engine.

You do what you want, but if it were me, I’d look to offer something to the new owner. When I sell something, it comes with a sense of integrity and fairness.

 

[NeverEnoughCars]

I would just ignore them.
You sold them a good and they agreed to a price.
Deal is done.

 

[Heffernan]

6 months ago? I'd tell 'em to go pound sand.

 

[nyexx]

As is = no reply

 

[dcmix5]

6 months ago as stated...

You've replied twice more than I would.

 

[Aonarch]

No reply pound sand


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[madrussian]

i would give the buyer a tt-rs for their troubles.

 

[TooFitToQuit]

Delete messages + block all contact

 

[[email protected]]

Yeah, ignore him.

 

[boogetyboogety]

Old joke:

Guy gets a letter in his mailbox (told you it was an old joke): "Sir: I demand you stop seeing my wife at once, or suffer the consequences." Guy replies: "Dear sir: I have received your form letter in the mail... Please take me off your mailing list." :laugh:

It's not often you get the supreme satisfaction of telling someone, legitimately, to go fvck himself. You, you lucky lucky guy, just got the opportunity to do so.

Do it, and don't look back. The nerve of this guy...

 

[SWeetie]

I'm amazed that someone would have the gall to ask to be compensated SIX MONTHS after the car was purchased.

Ignore, block, don't respond and all that stuff.

 

[Pnuu]

IMMEDIATELY cease ALL communication before you legally commit to something, whether intentional or not.

The car was sold as-is with no Warranty expressed or implied (hopefully the Bill of Sale said that). It's their problem now, not yours.

 

[Rav_VW]

This is why I always get a signed contract + notary. Who knows what might come back to you weeks, months or years later.

 

[iliveoncaffiene]

I'd feel bad - but at the end of the day completely agree with everyone else. You didn't sell a 180-day money back guarantee, you sold the car as is
You have a record about them being happy with sale (in writing), and I'm pretty sure - legally - you're well in the clear to argue that 6 months they could have done anything to it to cause these issues (even if they didn't).

I'd honestly not reply at this point. Definitely do not admit any sort of fault if you continue the correspondence - and some might argue that giving money back would be an admission of fault which could (legally speaking) put you on the hook for more (note: not a lawyer, just educated guess).

 

[TheDarkEnergist]

So you sold a 100k mile turbo WRX to a father and son 6 months ago, and they're claiming YOU fried the clutch and turbo?

Does this guy have any idea how much damage a "son" could do to a WRX in the span of a couple of days? Give me a WRX and I'll have it destroyed within 24 hours.

I could see if this guy came back after 6 hours. But 6 months? That's plenty of time to f**k the car up yourself, take it to a mechanic, and then blame the PO for something you did.

People are ridiculous.

 

[danny_16v]

FV-QR

where's the response from the buyer that they were happy with the car when they received it according to your description, that would have been the moment to bring up any issues. Not 6 months later... sounds like they beat on it for 6 months... clutches are a wear item too and wear out depending on type of use... that's their problem.

Why are you replying again?

 

[col.mustard]

IMMEDIATELY cease ALL communication before you legally commit to something, whether intentional or not.

The car was sold as-is with no Warranty expressed or implied (hopefully the Bill of Sale said that). It's their problem now, not yours.

^this. all products are sold "as-is" unless otherwise specifically stated and agreed upon at time of purchase.

 

[Neezy13]

As said, you have no obligation to do anything. The car was sold as is. That kid could have been thrashing that thing all over, hell they could have even tracked it. It worked when you sold it, your job is done.

 

[Slipstream]

IMMEDIATELY cease ALL communication before you legally commit to something, whether intentional or not.

The car was sold as-is with no Warranty expressed or implied (hopefully the Bill of Sale said that). It's their problem now, not yours.

This.

This is why I always get a signed contract + notary. Who knows what might come back to you weeks, months or years later.

...and also this.

I'm assuming they didn't get a PPI on the car either, so this is 100% on them. And I say this as someone who made all the same mistakes as your buyer (and paid for it). If they wanted a warranty, they should have bought a car that came with one.

 

[MGQ]

"What I would do is offer something" yeah ok buddy.

If you offer anything even $1 "as a gesture" you open yourself up to a lot of liability.

Can't believe this guy bought a turbo sports car for his kid and thinks the po has anything to do with a burnt clutch. Even if you did beat on the car his window for inspection is before money changes hands.

I had a mustang gt and you better believe that clutch had some wear when I was done with it.