Private owner selling car

[sunny9110]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I am a private owner of a used car that I am trying to sell. I am having great difficulty selling this car due to the fact that it was in an accident 4 years ago.

Here are some facts:

1) I am the original owner
2) The title is clear meaning that it was not totaled.
3) There was some frame damage, although I don't know the specifics of what was done to the frame other than it IS documented in carfax as having some framework done.
4) The approximate level of damage was $7000. The vehicle was worth approx $25,000 at the time of the accident.

So far, I have been telling prospective buyers the truth concerning the history. Some ask if its been in an accident. I tell them yes and give as much detail as they require.

My question is: what if the buyer DOESN'T ask me whether its been in an accident, and buys the car, and later finds out that it has damaged. Can he sue me? I am expected to disclose the accident even if the buyer doesn't ask? I am fuzzy on this...

Remember that I am a private owner, not a dealer. I know dealers are supposed to disclose accidents cars.

Thanks in advance to any advice..

 

[CraigFL]

My personal opinion is that you should disclose as much as you can about the history or you will have an angry buyer if they find out later. It is always difficult to sell a car like this because some insurance companies won't insure them, warranty may not be honored and some don't want to even service them. Because of this, the value of damaged/salvaged cars can be much less than good examples.

Having the car inspected by a reputible 3rd party and having this information available for potential buyers can be helpful.

Remember that not everyone would buy a car like this so your market is smaller and your price will be less. It will take some time before you will find your buyer...

 

[teflon_jones]

You are not required to disclose the accident. It's the buyer's responsibility to have the car inspected to find issues like this. Some may view it as shady, underhanded, dishonest, etc not to disclose the accident, but the reality of the situation is that you need to sell the car and you're not required to disclose it. If you do disclose it up front, IMHO you're never going to sell the car.