Sold a car as is and now the buyer saying they are having issues?
Ok I sold a car like also 3 months ago to a neighbor and the car didn’t have any issues other than a small transmission leak but gotten it fixed before I sold it. So now the buyer text me and said she is having problems with a transmission shift whatever that is, so the thing is I sold her the car as is and gotten her to sign it, can she take me to court and win cause I have talked to a lawyer and he said she couldn’t. I feel horrible about it but I just wanted to know should I worry about that. My husband said not to worry but I don’t know.
In nearly all cases, private sales of used cars are legally considered 'as is' with the buy responsible for all defect unless otherwise indicated in a written contract. I have heard California holds the seller liable for ensuring the car passes an emissions test, but that has noting to do with the transmission. The one argument she could ATTEMPT to make is that you actually knew of a problem and LIED about it.
I wonder why you think anyone here can give a better answer than the lawyer you say you consulted.
Note: Fried Kitten's first 2 paragraphs are DEAD WRONG. As long as the seller doesn't make false statements, and the buyer is permitted to inspect the vehicle, even if they chose not to do so, it is actually 100% legal to sell a piece of junk.
Most or all states, private party sales are assumed "as is". If you put "as is" in the bill of sale, you're doubly protected. Without an expressed warranty, she doesn't have a leg to stand on, in court.
Don't worry. But don't lose your copy of the bill of sale.
I don't believe you need to worry about this. When you sold the car "as-is", the condition of the car became the responsibility of the new owner. I believe your lawyer is correct, and so is your husband. Maybe you can do something nice for your neighbor, but you don't actually owe her anything.
Cars are very complicated things anymore, and you never know when a component might fail, even on a new car. This is just the world we live in.