Lets discuss selling things to family and friends .

fastfredracing · 01-26-2018, 06:00 AM

I flip a few cars a year. More than half the time, I don't even need to list them for sale, someone walks in the shop, and sees something I am getting rid of , and the deal is made.
Im selling off a few cars right now including my wifes old 3 series awd sportwagen. A good buddy, who is totally car clueless, and has really bad luck with cars wants to buy it.
I am selling it because, frankly, I am sick of repairing it . He seemed mad, but I was honest. I told him it has been troublesome lately, and better suited for some one willing dyi some repairs on a higher mileage BMW .
There is really nothing wrong with the car now, but I just don't want to have bad feelings 6 months later when he smokes the clutch, and is looking for discounted work because were" buddies" and I sold it to him
Your thoughts, and experience ?

legion · 01-26-2018, 06:06 AM

You are spot on.

Unfortunately, you are in a no-win situation. He will be mad at you for not selling it to him. If you do sell it to him, he will be mad that you sold him a lemon. (Never mind that you warned him.)

I'd not sell it to him. Too much risk on the other side.

asphaltgambler · 01-26-2018, 06:14 AM

Fred - same here. I wouldn't do it either based on his lack of knowledge and dyi. He'll only be mad for short time, then get over it. If you do sell it to him - he'll blame every squeak, rattle, no start, check engine light on you until whoever dies first.

Ask me how I know..........

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

We sold my wife's Jetta to her cousin for about half of what it was worth ($2k on a $4k car). That way if/when anything bad happened, no one had any ill will.

Obviously the situation is slightly different: good buddy vs close family; you wrench for a living and we do not. But selling fir under market value is one way to go.

RKDinOKC · RKDinOKC's Garage

My nephew likes to fix and flip cars. His in-law family is not happy unless he sells their old car for more than it's worth and gets them a "stole it" deal on a new one. All I hear about though is the horrid condition the cars are in when he gets them to sell and them wanting more than top dollar for them.

Dantilla · 01-26-2018, 06:33 AM

I've sold to friends a few times.

Only when they asked if they could buy. One friend has purchased a Jeep and two trucks from me.
Typical negotiation: "This is realistically a $5000 truck. Give me $4000, and keep 1000 in your pocket for when it breaks"

Still friends.

My former 944S2 is still winning Autocross championships with the friend who asked if he could buy it.

Arizona_928 · 01-26-2018, 06:47 AM

They'll get over it.
I heavily discount for a friend and will offer free support/repairs on simple things. I.e. Show them how to fix it, and make sure they don't **** it up.

ossiblue · 01-26-2018, 07:32 AM

Agree with all who say not to sell to the friend. I think you've touched on one other aspect that underlines that need to deny him the car--the "Good friend Discount" on future repairs. From your post, there's a high probability that the car will need work, the buyer is clueless on repair/maintenance, and you are the friend/wrench who "should" give discounts to their Buds.

Not worth the risk, IMO.

motion · 01-26-2018, 07:40 AM

Tell him he can buy it, but under no circumstances can he bring it back to you for repairs.

Evans, Marv · 01-26-2018, 07:41 AM

No good can come of it. Level with him on why you don't want to sell it to him & volunteer to advise him on the purchase of another car he finds.

KFC911 · 01-26-2018, 07:46 AM

Even if you GIVE him the car....it will bite you on the azz later

A930Rocket · 01-26-2018, 07:56 AM

I never sell to or do business with friends.

It’s worked for me.

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

Tell your "friend" you are putting it on Autotrader (or whatever) and he gets a crack at it like anybody else.

Tell him why. Why not? Maximize the sale price and no warranty repairs. If he is a decent person then he will understand. If he does not understand then ....

Nine, Frau! · 01-26-2018, 08:16 AM

That would be one way to get rid of your friend.

Neilk · 01-26-2018, 08:27 AM

Mix Dantilla's response
"This is realistically a $5000 truck. Give me $4000, and keep 1000 in your pocket for when it breaks" and Motion's
"Tell him he can buy it, but under no circumstances can he bring it back to you for repairs." and go for it, no exceptions.

vash · vash's Garage

i gave a 911 to my brother.

never saw a dime..i dont expect it. better this way, rather than me thinking and agonizing over it.

DanielDudley · 01-26-2018, 08:44 AM

Go with your gut, Fred.

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

You have good instincts on this one Fred. You may sell it, but you won't get rid of it if you sell it to him.

scottmandue · 01-26-2018, 09:03 AM

No, just no... even if you sell a car to a stranger they may come back at you if there is a catastrophic failure.
With family and friends that is a recipe for disaster.

My wife's EX is a mechanic, their "friends" would drop cars off in their driveway without notice.

SCadaddle · 09:25 AM

Just be creative with the Bill of Sale:

BILL OF SALE

For in and consideration in the amount of $XXXX and other valuable consideration, the latter to include the Seller Fred informing the Buyer Bob that he really should NOT purchase said vehicle, a XXXX BMW VIN XXXXXXXXXXXX, said particular vehicle lovingly known as "CHA-CHING", as it is a total lemon with absolute unforeseen albeit known astronomical maintenance costs to be incurred by Buyer Bob with NO recourse with regard to such against Seller Fred , as said vehicle is sold as is, where is, with NO warranty whatsoever.

------------------ ---------------------
Sellers Signature, Date Buyers Signature, Date

Make a copy and FRAME it for display in your shop.