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Soobygirl

Hi,
My son recently sold his reliable, problem free car privately through Trademe. He had owned the car for approximately 6 months with no issues. It was well maintained during this time including a service just after he bought it where he was told it was in good condition for it's age. We have taken it for regular long trips, I drove it myself and it drove well with no issues at all. The buyer came round, took the car for a very brief drive, with my son, transferred the money and left for home. About half a hour later, he contacted my son to say the car had broken down. He went to his aid and towed the car to a mechanic in a nearby town. We were stunned as we had had no problems with the car. It appeared the radiator had blown. Since this, the buyer has had a mechanic do a diagnostic on the car, and the bottom end bearing has gone on the engine. Estimated cost to replace the engine is huge. It is unbelievable timing. He is being threatened with court action if he doesn't refund the full price of the car to the buyer. The buyer didn't have the car inspected prior to purchase and we have no idea how it was driven on the windy roads after it left us. Where do we stand?

Anon

Hi there,
With private sales it is definitely buyer beware, the only comeback is if they are able to prove that they were mislead into buying the vehicle by what was said/ advertised at the time of sale. https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/cars/solving-issues-private-seller/