Car problem?

[Mysa74]

Hi folks,
Bit of a long story...
My new (second hand) car was delivered today by the son of the chap at the dealership. I'm really pleased with it.

All of the paperwork was completed in advance, the part exchange finalised and I paid all of the money upfront last week. I was honest about my car, below average condition, with a bit of a slippy clutch that I hadn't had a problem with. Changing cars as new baby due very soon and no room for 3 childseats in old one. I organised delivery as the car was a 3 hour drive away and I didn't fancy a 6 hour drive at 40 weeks pregnant. He was happy with my answers and gave me a price we both thought was fair so no problems there either.
When the delivery driver took my old car away he was revving like there was no tomorrow just to reverse out of the parking space and it seems the clutch went on the motor way...
My question is; is it my fault and am I liable for the recovery costs etc?

As a private seller you are only liable if the car is not as described. If you said the clutch was in excellent condition you may be liable. If you said the clutch was slippy or said nothing at all about the clutch you are not liable.

A slippy clutch that you hadn’t had a problem with is something of an oxymoron. Slipping is by definition a problem.

If you declared the clutch was on its last limp to a garage legs and you had been eking it out for the last however long than you will be fine.