Need advice asap regarding private sale

  • Nat1153's Avatar
    I bought a 2012 VW Scirocco in October, decided I didn't like it, too boy racerish and sold it 12/11. I explained to the buyer the issues with it before he came and told him in messages the car would be sold as seen. He turned up, checked the car over, underneath, under bonnet etc, went round it multiple times with a torch, took it for a test drive. He then tried to knock me down by £600 telling me all the 'issues' he had found. He ended up buying the car at the price I set as I went to walk away from him, after he spent an hour going on about the car. He told me he was a trader, has constantly messaged me since, contacted me yesterday saying he has had the car washed and it's 2 different colours and wants a refund. I've told him the car isn't 2 colours, it's a black car. He is harassing me now telling me he is going to the police as I've sold him a dodgy car. I've told him I'm not issuing a refund as it was sold as seen and he spent long enough checking it over, he said he bought the car when it was dark, so I sent him photos I took an hour before I advertised it, that shows it's black. I suffer major anxiety and have a disabled child at home, he has told me he is going to come to my house. Where do I stand. He has messaged me again just now, sent a video, but I'm too worried to open it
  • 5 Replies

  • Drivingforfun's Avatar
    As long as you didn't mislead him he has no rights to a refund at all, in fact I believe as he's a trader he would be expected to be the expert party in the deal even though he was the buyer

    I'd stop communicating with him, or you could inform him that you will call the police if he comes to your house or even if he attempts to harass you anymore via phone

    I hope this helps
  • Nat1153's Avatar
    Thank you, I did this last night, he sent one last message saying he just wants some money back, I have completely ignored him
  • Rolebama's Avatar
    When I worked for the AA, I went out to a few people as a courtesy, to explain that there has to be a very special circumstance before a seller on a private sale has to give any kind of rebate/refund. It is covered by the 'caveat emptor' clause. Let the buyer beware, in English. As Drivingforfun states above, if he, as a trader, after an hour long inspection and conversation, feels he was taken advantage of, perhaps he should think about changing vocation.
  • olduser's Avatar
    Citizens Advice Bureau, may be some help should you need more help but hopefully he has given up now.

    As already pointed out in posts above, the law is on your side but these situations can be very intimidating.
    Last edited by olduser; 15-11-24 at 21:46.
  • NMNeil's Avatar
    Thank you, I did this last night, he sent one last message saying he just wants some money back, I have completely ignored him
    If he calls again ask for his VAT number as he admitted to being a trader, and that your accountant needs it for your taxes. 😎