Would you sell a car if you knew it was broken?

[waynne]

Just wondering if you would sell a car knowing it had a fault? Would you tell the new owner? How much would you tell them? Is honesty the best policy? Would you fix the fault? Would you feel less inclined to be honest if you were part exchanging the car?

[StevieDB9]

Coincidently my cars up for sale on autotrader. Loyal members will know how much complaining I've done about all the things that have gone wrong with it! But the last thing to go is the water pump which had been fixed so to the best of my knowledge its up for sale with no faults.

I'd feel too guilty anyway trying to sell a car I knew had something wrong with it- what goes around comes around!

[pgarner]

Hell yeah id get it up / down the road and changed asap.
my civic was sold with an overheating problem, thermostat was goosed changed it flushed it out 3 times with water then filled up with coolent but it would still over heat.
garage just wanted the extras taken off the car, additional lights gearstick pedals etc

the wifes rover head gaasket was well on its way out using a ltr of water a day and the oil was a lovely light creamy brown. quick oil change and necked the water. garage never checked it over just offered her a grand for it

[HDi fun]

If safety related then absolutely not. Otherwise it's caveat emptor.

[waynne]

Buyer beware? (I never did pay much attention in Latin classes, I was too busy seeing how the chariot races were going.)

I tend to be prety honest. When I sold the Rover I told the guy quite clearly what was wrong with it and how much trouble I had with it. He still keeps in touch and lets me know how its going in Spain. Seems I fixed just about everything that could go wrong and he's had quite a reliable car out of it. (Should have kept it!)

[pgarner]

yeap
youve bout it now deal with it

[Prince]

I sold my Corsa with broken linkage...but that was a trade-in so they got it cheaper anyway! It depends on the fault...I wouldn't sell a car with a dangerous fault...however I'd probably charge a little extra for the new part I've just fitted!

[HDi fun]

As a trade in it's different. Dealers will look after their own interests. If selling privately you really should be open if safety is likely to be compromised.