C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

A bit OT: sold my old car to pick up my C63, but having some problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:27 PM
  #1  
badu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
A bit OT: sold my old car to pick up my C63, but having some problems

I need some help guys. I just sold my old car A3 last weekend after I picked up the C63, and two days later the buyer came back and said the car has "bad idle and mis-firing on all cylinders". The buyer did test drive the car and the car drove fine at the time of transaction though.

What's the nice thing to do at this point? I probably won't be bothered if this happens a month after the transaction, but 2 days?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Car was a 2007 Audi A3 with APR all program tune.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:36 PM
  #2  
rjeezy's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
2010 C63 AMG
- Buyer Beware!
- You Break it You Buy it!
- Sucks to be You!

All great phrases to say to him before you watch him dissapear in the rear view mirror of your C63 AMG.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:39 PM
  #3  
badu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
I'm just trying to do my good deeds and to make this transaction as pleasant as possible. Also, the buyer has my home address. It can potentially get very ugly.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:41 PM
  #4  
dodger63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,317
Likes: 3
From: Northport N.Y.
2013 f250 6.7 diesel
Do the right thing find out what's wrong with it fix it be done.. Karma is the worst thing in the world..
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:43 PM
  #5  
Roswell's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,860
Likes: 39
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350
If it's a 2007, it should be under warranty... just ask him to go to the dealership. I dont think you should take responsability for this if he test drove the car & agreed to buy it since everything was fine to him. Just my opinion.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:44 PM
  #6  
propain's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 2
From: NY
See Sig
Originally Posted by badu
I need some help guys. I just sold my old car A3 last weekend after I picked up the C63, and two days later the buyer came back and said the car has "bad idle and mis-firing on all cylinders". The buyer did test drive the car and the car drove fine at the time of transaction though.

What's the nice thing to do at this point? I probably won't be bothered if this happens a month after the transaction, but 2 days?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Car was a 2007 Audi A3 with APR all program tune.

Ask yourself what you would you like the person to do for you if the situation was reversed and do that.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:45 PM
  #7  
_AMG_'s Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,677
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
C63
Originally Posted by dodger63
Do the right thing find out what's wrong with it fix it be done.. Karma is the worst thing in the world..
+1
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:46 PM
  #8  
Roswell's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,860
Likes: 39
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350
Originally Posted by dodger63
Do the right thing find out what's wrong with it fix it be done.. Karma is the worst thing in the world..
I somewhat agree with you if you want to do a good deed... but make sure he doesn't come back to you everytime he has a problem... hehehe! And who knows who is wrong... did you experienced this problem in the past? If yes, help him out. On the other hand, did the buyer beat the hell out of it after he purchased it? No one will ever know...
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:47 PM
  #9  
dodger63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,317
Likes: 3
From: Northport N.Y.
2013 f250 6.7 diesel
Originally Posted by Roswell
If it's a 2007, it should be under warranty... just ask him to go to the dealership. I dont think you should take responsability for this if he test drove the car & agreed to buy it since everything was fine to him. Just my opinion.
Well depending on inservice date and Mileage plus he's tuned. It's probably something stupid. Your prob best of calling apr they have always been good..
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:53 PM
  #10  
black-clk500's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
'14 911S (garage queen) '13 X3 (family hauler)
Isn't there a law that allows the buyer to come back on the seller for some period of time?
I'm sure it varies state to state, but I feel like I've heard something like this.

I'd offer to split the repair costs with him if there's no law saying you're liable.
If he's trying to get his money back you may have to get a lawyer.

Keep us posted--don't screw the guy, but don't you get screwed either
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:57 PM
  #11  
PetroC63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 2
From: North Jersey
2012 CTS-V
If it's still under warranty see if he's willing to go to the
dealer. If it's not under warranty, tell him you will split the
charge for a complete tune up and diagnostic evaluation
at the dealership.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:03 PM
  #12  
badu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
warranty just expired on the car so no luck getting it fixed for free. Car drove fine without a problem during my ownership. It's just bad luck on both sides i guess.

I also haven't offered to pay half of the cost because 1. I am not sure what the new owner has done to the car in that 2 day period 2. If it's a major repair, I want to limit my liability since I sold the car to the new owner for a really good deal. If the repair is minor, I don't mind splitting the cost actually. Like I said, I want to make this car purchase experience as pleasant as possible because that's how I want it to be if I were on the other side.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:16 PM
  #13  
_AMG_'s Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,677
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
C63
Has a Audi dealership confirmed the problems claimed by the new owner? Its kind of odd that you drove the car for that long and suddenly these problems came up.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:19 PM
  #14  
propain's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 2
From: NY
See Sig
Originally Posted by badu
warranty just expired on the car so no luck getting it fixed for free. Car drove fine without a problem during my ownership. It's just bad luck on both sides i guess.

I also haven't offered to pay half of the cost because 1. I am not sure what the new owner has done to the car in that 2 day period 2. If it's a major repair, I want to limit my liability since I sold the car to the new owner for a really good deal. If the repair is minor, I don't mind splitting the cost actually. Like I said, I want to make this car purchase experience as pleasant as possible because that's how I want it to be if I were on the other side.
You have to bring it to a shop that you trust and figure out what went wrong. If the shop thinks it was from abuse then you should decide how you want to proceed.

If you leave it in his hands you are going to get stuck with a big fat bill. If you get proactive you can save yourself some money.


This is why I dont do private sales.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:26 PM
  #15  
Even Money's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 1
From: PNW
'15 VW GTI
Originally Posted by black-clk500
Isn't there a law that allows the buyer to come back on the seller for some period of time?
I'm sure it varies state to state, but I feel like I've heard something like this.
Most, if not all states, when you buy a car privately, it's assumed that it's an AS IS purchase.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:29 PM
  #16  
badu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by propain
You have to bring it to a shop that you trust and figure out what went wrong. If the shop thinks it was from abuse then you should decide how you want to proceed.

If you leave it in his hands you are going to get stuck with a big fat bill. If you get proactive you can save yourself some money.


This is why I dont do private sales.
I don't think I'm legally liable for the "big fat bill". I "might" offer to help because I think it's the right thing to do.

Also, I don't really have a shop that I trust. Car has been maintained by Audi. I just hope that it's an easy fix and we can all move on.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:30 PM
  #17  
badu's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Even Money
Most, if not all states, when you buy a car privately, it's assumed that it's an AS IS purchase.
I'm in California. Does anyone know the rules in CA?
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:31 PM
  #18  
C63newdude's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 4
From: Tucson, AZ
C63 AMG
Badu,

This has been my nightmare for me in the past as well, I am just like you by the way that you described it. Botton line, you SOLD the car and it is NOT your problem. At the moment of the sale the deal is done and if the engine breaks 100 yards from there is is NOT your problem even if you are morally down.

It could be just a simple Software issue from APR. The best thing you can do is to be polite and explain that you never had issues and that he should take it to a shop to have it look at. You don't know if he abused the car.
It could be negligence on his end and he is trying to blame on you or it could be a legitimate machanical issue that unfortunately happened under the other guy's ownership...

Last edited by C63newdude; Dec 8, 2010 at 04:24 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:32 PM
  #19  
propain's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 2
From: NY
See Sig
Originally Posted by badu
I don't think I'm legally liable for the "big fat bill". I "might" offer to help because I think it's the right thing to do.

Also, I don't really have a shop that I trust. Car has been maintained by Audi. I just hope that it's an easy fix and we can all move on.
2 days later the car blows up? You bet you will be liable. If you don't make things right I'm sure you will find yourself in court in the future.

Tell the new owner to investigate the problem on his own then. Ask him to get back to you with the problem and how much it will cost to fix. Make your decision then.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:59 PM
  #20  
propain's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 2
From: NY
See Sig
Originally Posted by badu
I'm in California. Does anyone know the rules in CA?
All sales are assumed under the Uniform Commercial code in every state. Well all but Louisiana but their own Civil Code enforces Article 2. "Sales"

Maybe if you wrote on the contract in a very conspicuous way

"AS IS - NO WARRANTY"

You might win the case. Maybe....

If you have no contract then you will be liable if it goes to court. I promise you. The goal here is to avoid court.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 03:59 PM
  #21  
Even Money's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 1
From: PNW
'15 VW GTI
^ He's gonna have to prove you somehow knew your car was about to blow...Good luck with that. Used cars...caveat emptor..
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 04:06 PM
  #22  
I am Jeff's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 62
From: eNyCe
Steel Grey Metallic C63!!
Karma is a *****! If you screw this owner after 2 days of ownership, I guarantee to you that this new owner will not drop the issue. Take it to an independent shop to get it looked over. How much will a diag cost? 100? 200? It's not that much. If his claims are without merit, then you have an independent 3rd party source corroborating with with your side of the story.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 04:12 PM
  #23  
pdjafari's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: DC
10 C63
It's great to see so many self proclaimed attorney's on a public forum.

It's always smart to have a contract written for this very purpose....

I _________ am selling 2007 Audi A3 VIN # _____________ with xx,xxx miles to ______________ on 2010 12 09. This automobile is in great condition to the best of both the buyer and sellers knowledge during the time of this transaction and is being sold AS-IS with NO warranties written or implied.

Buyer Signature __________________
Seller Signature __________________
Date __________


Something as simple as that can save you a ton of headache.

The problem with even offering to spilt the bill will cause the buyer to think you knew of the issue before selling the vehicle. You might think its in good faith or doing the right thing..... but beware. Doing the right thing might be perceived to him as 'that SOB knew something was wrong and now he wants to try and make up for it by paying for half...

Then he may hit you with a summons and that whole thing is another hassle that could've been avoided with just a simple contract like the one above.

If you genuinely sold him a lemon....well even if you decide not to help him with the expenses, karma will get you later on somehow.

But if you genuinely sold him a legitimate car with no issues, than he's on his own....perhaps karma is getting him back.....

So before you decide what step to take, I'd be cautious about making any gesture of kindness

Reminds me of that Jackass episode when they rent a car and buy all the different types of insurance and demolish the car, and even drop a wrecking ball on it and return it to the rental car company ....

Last edited by pdjafari; Dec 8, 2010 at 04:14 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 04:15 PM
  #24  
propain's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 2
From: NY
See Sig
Originally Posted by pdjafari
It's great to see so many self proclaimed attorney's on a public forum.

It's always smart to have a contract written for this very purpose....

I _________ am selling 2007 Audi A3 VIN # _____________ with xx,xxx miles to ______________ on 2010 12 09. This automobile is in great condition to the best of both the buyer and sellers knowledge during the time of this transaction and is being sold AS-IS with NO warranties written or implied.

Buyer Signature __________________
Seller Signature __________________
Date __________


Something as simple as that can save you a ton of headache.

The problem with even offering to spilt the bill will cause the buyer to think you knew of the issue before selling the vehicle. You might think its in good faith or doing the right thing..... but beware. Doing the right thing might be perceived to him as 'that SOB knew something was wrong and now he wants to try and make up for it by paying for half...

Then he may hit you with a summons and that whole thing is another hassle that could've been avoided with just a simple contract like the one above.

If you genuinely sold him a lemon....well even if you decide not to help him with the expenses, karma will get you later on somehow.

But if you genuinely sold him a legitimate car with no issues, than he's on his own....perhaps karma is getting him back.....

So before you decide what step to take, I'd be cautious about making any gesture of kindness
Another self proclaimed Attorney?
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 04:19 PM
  #25  
pdjafari's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: DC
10 C63
Originally Posted by propain
Another self proclaimed Attorney?
Negative, I never quoted any state statues or codes regarding third party used automotive sales. I also never offered any legal advice. I mentioned how a simple contract can avoid potential headaches in the future.

the rest of it was pretty much what everybody else said, except others seem to be emotional towards the buyer. I'd personally never meet somebody at my place of residence for this specific purpose.....

Caveat emptor
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:59 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE