Selling a car privately - do I provide a warranty? | Ask Honest John

Selling a car privately - do I provide a warranty?

I'm currently selling a 2016 Peugeot 5008 with 66,000 miles on the clock on behalf of a friend. It's a one owner car with full history, no faults at all, with a year's MoT and four new tyres, and the car is in great condition. I have someone who is very interested but is concerned about paying so much for a car so wants me to provide a 'warranty' for him. He is asking for a 30-day warranty just to cover major problems, no service parts (brakes etc).

When I spoke to the owner of the car he says that he would happily write a 30-day warranty out for the new buyer's peace of mind because he guarantees it's fine.

My question is, being a private sale, would the 'warranty' actually mean anything? If there was, for example, a catastrophic engine failure within that 30-day period, would we be liable? Or would it be the new owner's responsibility? What rights would the buyer have against us?

Asked on 7 December 2021 by martin

Answered by Sarah Tooze

The car buyer would have fewer rights buying from you privately than if they bought a car from a dealership. You need to ensure that the car is accurately described, not misrepresent it (e.g. by providing a false service history) and ensure it is roadworthy.

See our guide on the grounds for rejecting a car here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-cons.../

I would be surprised if writing a 30-day warranty made you liable but I suggest you get free legal advice from your Citizens Advice Bureau on this.

Tags: selling a car privately

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