Sold Boat now has blown engine

[r0yb0y]

What is the name of your state? CA

I didn't use my boat much and advertised it "Like New". I never had a problem with the boat. It looked, started and ran great! I barely used it and when I sold it, I hooked it up to the hose and started it right in front of the buyer for approx. 5 minutes. I signed over the registration and he drove it away.

One week later, I get a call from him saying he NEVER used the boat, but is at a mechanic and the engine is blown and he does not want the boat now! He claims he never used the boat!! I did not have a bill of sale and just signed over the DMV registration.

So now I recieved a letter from his attorney saying the contract is rescinded because I advertised the boat "Like New" and it does not start due to water in the engine. Pursuant 1688 et seq. of the Civil Code.

Should I reply to this legal letter?? I can't believe someone can buy my boat, blow the engine, then try to return it but I've been screwed before!

 

[NJInjury]

I would wait until I was sued to react to anything legal. A lot of people try to get a settlement without going through the long process of suing someone. Make him put up the time and money to file suit before your react. Do you have any records showing how many hours were on the engine when you sold it to him? Anything you can use as comparison to prove that he used it?

I would ignore the letter and any calls. Unless of course it's from the courts and you have a legal deadline to enter a response or something. Which doesn't sound like you do.

Good luck.

 

[BL]

Often times people will pay for a consult with an Attorney for a small fee, and the Attorney is willing to send a Letter out on their official letterhead to try get what the consulting Party is looking for .

Often times because it appears official , it will get the results it is seeking .

Don't bite .

Yes your Ad stated like new , but the buyer had it an entire week before contacting you .

Unless He seeks action and brings a mechanic willing to testify that the damage couldn't have happened in the buyers care , I'd say he is out of luck .