used car story of the week

[alfredauto]

So as a few of you know I got into selling used cars as a supplement to the garage work. It generates headaches faster than it generates cash. Here's what's on my plate for this week: a girl bought a pacifica from me with 90k miles. Paid about $5k. I made $800. Clean car, no issues. I gave her a written 30 day warranty per NY law. That was in February. The first I hear back from her was last week, she is suing me in small claims court for $3,800. Huh? She claims she spent that much in repairs the last month and I'm responsible. So while the car was under warranty it didn't break. In the first 4 months of ownership it didn't break. Now 5 months later and 10,000+ miles something broke and its 100% my fault because I sold it to her. It really blows my mind the mentality of some people. The sad part is if any of my paperwork is out of order I'll probably have to pay her something. If she's friends with the judge I'm really screwed. Since when is a car dealer responsible for the life of a car? I just don't get it.

[Bob K]

I've been tempted to sell used cars but don't for reasons like that. I just cant stomach the stress of it.I hope it goes well for you.

[Marksas]

I had a dealers license for a couple of years and found it was too much of a headache for little return. I could have perfectly good reliable car that was in someones budget and every thing is perfect except they want a red car and not a blue one. I let my guys buy a few cars from customers that have blown head gaskets or something the customer no longer wants to repair. They spend some time on the weekend and sell them on Craigslist pretty quick. It's a perk for them and they make a little extra cash. I usually get a small cut for the use of the shop. They have to create a shop ticket for any supplies they use. I have found it's easier to broker the cars for people and get a small cut for finding the seller a buyer. I have found that you can sue anybody for anything and it takes very little work or money to do so. The times people have sued me I just let them and then I counter for all my expenses when it's all said and done. The judge is a very good friend of mine so he usually recluses himself on those grounds, but the replace is a "friend" also. It's still a waste of time as I have judgements against several people which I will probably never see. I would be happier just punching them in the face but I guess that causes other problems.

[mspecperformance]

+1 on punching them in the face. I'd love to do the same a good list of people. If the world was only so civilized...

[alfredauto]

It certainly would simplify things.

[Handson]

I am following this subject. Real curious to see how court goes for you. I have about ten used cars I have slowly accumulated over two years. My guys work on them when it is slow. It seems like they are unable to fix any of my cars. Each time we fix one problem another occurs. I'm getting to the point I want to send all ten to the scrapper.

Edited August 1, 2015 by Handson

[xrac]

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[alfredauto]

I haven't gotten a verdict yet but I'll fill you in when it shows up. Used cars are funny, I drove one as my own commuter car for like 4 weeks. 2000+ miles. I wanted to make sure it would be 100% troule free. The same day I sold it the starter quit on the guy, had to tow it. I fixed it under warranty but ??really?? How can a different driver turn the key different than me?

[davine4real]

I've had decent success with used cars. Here are some good tips. Charge yourself a wholesale rates at least for the shop. Put it up for sale as soon as you do final test drive. Keeping for couple weeks sounds good, but notinreality Cars break. At somepoint, yours willtoo. Sell It as is and offer discount on future repairs if you want. Better idea is to sell away from your shop bc customers think since you're a mechanic the car should be perfect. And if you charge for the repairs to yourself, then techs are motivated to get it done bc you are a customer. It's working for me thus far. Oh yeah, n don't put too much into a car. $4000 outlay for $800 profit isn't optimal, but it does happen. .

Edited August 2, 2015 by davine4real

[xrac]

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[carolinahigear]

There is a shopping center next door to my shop. When I have a car for sale, I advertise it on Craigslist. I don't have a "for sale" sign on the car (SUV, Truck, etc.) When I get a call on my cell phone, I tell them that the car is at the shopping center where AutoZone is. To go take a look and if they like it, I can meet them there after work. This way they never know I have a shop, and it is strictly a car for sale "By Owner." I am honest in answering questions, but sell the car as is where is. I previously sold them at the shop until I found out that the buyers thought they were guaranteed for life.

[alfredauto]

Got a letter in the mail today. I owe $3000. No explanation. My paperwork was good. The customer (ex customer) admitted the vehicle was fine for 90 days. Words can't describe how I feel. The used car dealer, in this case, me, was deemed liable for damages long after the warranty expired. I hired a lawyer to appeal. I assumed the 30 day used car warranty protected both parties, I was wrong. Just a warning to you guys, for $25 anybody can sue you and win without any legal justification. Its simply the consumers word vs the business. I'll let you know how the appeal goes, I assume when we go into a real court facts, laws, and precedent will carry more weight. I hope.

[xrac]

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[5 Star Auto Spa]

We are finalizing our dealer license now in an attempt to get into the used car business. These stories are scaring me....haha!

[mspecperformance]

Exacty the reason ill never get into the used car game

[HarrytheCarGeek]

Got a letter in the mail today. I owe $3000. No explanation.

 

That's strange, the ruling in her favor should state the facts that led to the decision in her favor.

 

For those of you that the Law is a mystery, take this course for your own protection.

 

http://www.jurisdictionary.com/?refercode=CH0002

 

It has been worth every penny to me.