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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WIBU?

30 replies

coffeekittens · 27/07/2017 15:45

First world problem really but would like others opinions.

I'm meant to be selling my car to a family member v.v. cheaply (3x less than I'd get from a garage) as they have claimed they can't afford anything else (with them being family I wanted them to have a safe and reliable car as I've had it from new with zero problems for 8 years).

Received a text today 'hi coffeekittens is there any chance we can have your car by x date as such and such a garage has got a deal on where if we trade the car in we'd get £2000 towards a new one'

I drive past said garage every day and the monthly finance for one of these cars is just under £200 pm. I know their finances are none of my business but surely if they can afford that amount on finance monthly then they can afford to give me the private sale value of my car (they told me they wanted to buy the car back in March, so would have had plenty of time to save up).

We'd agreed that I'd sell them the car in October as I'm still saving towards my new one and this family member who is buying the car hasn't even passed their theory test yet!

Would I look like a spiteful dick to ask for the private sale value of my car? (Between £1000-1200 from online research I've done)

OP posts:
Original poster
coffeekittens · 27/07/2017 15:45

Just to add I only very reluctantly said I'd sell the car so cheaply in the first place as I was sold a sob story about the family eating super noodles 5 nights out of 7.

OP posts:
Slightlyperturbedowlagain · 27/07/2017 15:48

If I was selling a family member a car at a cut price I would expect them to be keeping it to drive, not to trade in. Why don't you keep it and trade it in instead for you? They can save up the £200 per month they can obviously afford to shell out and pay their own deposit.

IdentifiesAsASloth · 27/07/2017 15:48

Just be straight with them and say what you've said here. You offered that price very generously but you don't need to stick to it.

Turn it back on them and explain why you offered such a low price and that actually you are pretty offended they are taking advantage of you.

Needsomeflapjacks · 27/07/2017 15:49

Cheeky fuckers.
Say you have been offered market value for it sorry.

"Glad your finances are on the up tho. . ."

GeillisTheWitch · 27/07/2017 15:49

We'd agreed that I'd sell them the car in October

So when is the date they want it for? Anytime before October and just tell them "no, that's not going to work for me, stick to the arrangement or no deal".

PurpleMinionMummy · 27/07/2017 15:49

So they're buying your car cheap to trade it in for something more expensive? Cheeky fuckers Shock

DJBaggySmalls · 27/07/2017 15:50

YANBU or spiteful.

WineAndTiramisu · 27/07/2017 15:51

Definitely NBU to tell them to sod off!

Sparkletastic · 27/07/2017 15:52

Text back 'deal is off'

missiondecision · 27/07/2017 15:59

I'd say in brief what you have said here.
Yanbu btw.
The car is worth x and I was letting it go to you for x car because I thought you needed a car, I can't help you with a deposit. Sorry .

gingergenius · 27/07/2017 16:01

God almighty did someone open a portal to the hell where all the cheeky fuckets in the universe exist????

Bloody hell how utterly crass. As a PP stated, tell them exactly what you've told us and say you'd prefer to trade your car in for a deal like that yourself, or they can buy it for market value.

chickenowner · 27/07/2017 16:04

I have given people cars twice before, as I knew that in both instances they couldn't afford to buy one.

If I had found out they intended to part exchange for a better car I would have definitely changed my mind!

Donttouchthethings · 27/07/2017 16:21

I think if you were happy giving them the car, you wouldn't mind what they did with it. I think the extra info has just highlighted what you were already feeling.

Perhaps message back:

"Sorry, I think there's been a misunderstanding. The car is worth much more than I was selling it to you for. I understood you couldn't afford anything more and meant it for you to use, not trade in, which feels a bit cheeky tbh. I think it's probably best if we leave it now."

Donttouchthethings · 27/07/2017 16:23

Jta, I don't think you're BU.

Dottie39 · 27/07/2017 16:33

'Thanks for the heads up, will pop to the garage as if you are planning on a new car anyway I will trade mine myself if it's all the same. Obviously was happy for you to have it at massively reduced price if it's all you can afford but as you looking at leasing anyway will use it for my own new purchase.'

Ohyesiam · 27/07/2017 16:44

Not unreasonable or spiteful, just straight forward.
really good that you can reply by text, something along the kings of what don't touch said above. They have either fibbed to you, or their financed have changed, either way, they shouldn't benefit from your car.

Donttouchthethings · 27/07/2017 17:03

Oo, I quite like what Dottie and a pp have written. How about:

"Obviously was happy for you to have it at a massively reduced price if it was all you could afford but as you're looking at leasing anyway now, I think I will use it for my own new purchase. So glad things are looking up for you."

I think this is friendlier than my previous suggestion and more likely to help you maintain your relationships. It still makes the point though.

MyLittlePickleBoo · 27/07/2017 17:19

Wow! Thank your lucky stars you've got yourself an easy out without confrontation!

I'd just message them back to say sorry, but right now you're not even sure it'll be available by October and that sounds like such a good deal they should definitely go for that instead! WinkGrin Then just go ahead and sell your car privately so you get the full value.

Don't feel guilty either, remember what they're actually asking is for you to give them money towards a car... You will personally LOSE hundreds of pounds so they can swindle you out of your car. Keep reminding yourself of this!

Crikey, another CF thread!!

MyLittlePickleBoo · 27/07/2017 17:21

Oh wait, I think I've read this wrong. You mean they want to trade in YOUR car for £2000 towards a new one?!??! Are you freaking kidding me?! CFs!!!

runsmidgeOMG · 27/07/2017 17:24

Yes! Please do say what PP have suggested and obviously update us on MN !!!! They're taking major advantage !!

RandomMess · 27/07/2017 17:25

Blimey CF indeed!

FooFighter99 · 27/07/2017 17:27

DO NOT SELL THEM YOUR CAR!!!

They are massively cheeky and should be told to shove off!! I honestly can't believe the size of the balls on these people.

Mumsnet seems to be full of threads like this at the moment, is there something in the water or what!!!?!?!?! Shock

CaptainHammer · 27/07/2017 17:27

I agree with PP's, no way should you sell it to them cheap for them to trade it in!

Tiptoethr0ughthetulips · 27/07/2017 17:27

YANBU. Take the car and trade it in yourself. They're cheeky beyond belief.

anotherdayanothersquabble · 27/07/2017 17:34

how about...
Anyway we can make this work for both of us? The book value of my car is £1,200, could you give me £1,000 and use the car as a trade in then we both get something worthwhile out of it?