# Ethical private sales practices **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [December 19, 2021, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349 "2021-12-19T17:44:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![thundabutt](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/thundabutt/32/27416_2.png) [@thundabutt](https://community.cartalk.com/u/thundabutt)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/1 "2021-12-19T17:44:12Z")
Hello, I inherited a 1991 Ford Escort Wagon a few years ago when my 88 year old grandmother passed away. When I got it, it want running properly because it sat for a few years in a garage, It wasn’t too hard to get running again, really just changed out fluids, flushed the tank and cleaned up the engine bay. The engine will turn over but I noticed something strange coming from the rear axle. I put it on my four point lift and took a light to the back. Something must have happened to the rear diverside axle because there is an apparent spot weld of metal along the axle but before the differential. It doesn’t look professional but it also seems to function. So out of curoiousity I took a closer look at the subframe and found similar spot welding or maybe tact welding along the inner part of the chassis. Also, while the muffler appears ok, like there is no rust, when you take the car over 50 there is a grey smoke eminating from the rear so my guess is the engine is burning something somehow. It doesnt smell like gas and I don’t it is water and carbon monoxide is invisible so I’m not sure what the problem is. I had a buyer come out today saying it is for his daughter to put around town in and take to her high school and job. He noticed traight away that the tires were bald but I told him I’d thrown in s set of used tires I have for an extra 50 bucks for a grand total of $1550. Obviously I am selling this as-is but do you think I could get in to legal troubles selling a car with obvious frame and axle damage and a possible engine danger? Like, would I be liable for negligent manslaughter if the girl is killed in the car? thanks ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 6:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/2 "2021-12-19T18:12:47Z")
First off, you misplaced the decimal point. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 6:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/3 "2021-12-19T18:12:48Z")
If those are your concerns, you should ask a lawyer. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 6:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/4 "2021-12-19T18:14:06Z")
I can’t answer your legal question because this is Car Talk not ’ We be Lawyer’s '. I do know that when he said it was for his child I would have said this is not something I would put a child in. ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 6:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/5 "2021-12-19T18:27:54Z")
> [@thundabutt](#): > > Something must have happened to the rear diverside axle because there is an apparent spot weld of metal along the axle but before the differential. A 4-wheel drive 1991 Escort? I didn’t know they made those in 4WD. Legal issues aside let your conscience be your guide. ---
**Author:** ![thundabutt](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/thundabutt/32/27416_2.png) [@thundabutt](https://community.cartalk.com/u/thundabutt)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 6:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/6 "2021-12-19T18:55:17Z")
they didnt. I guess i should have clearer. My uncle took care of my grandmother for the two decades or so before she died. He passed away not long before her, so I’m not sure how or why this escrt obtained a 4WD train and you wouldn’t know it unless you stuck your head under the damn thing. There not even any indication of a means to lock the differential or a transfer case actuaror in the cabin. I don’t how why this came about nor do i know what happened to the leaf spring rear. Its too much work for me to swap it out so I figured I would just go with it, Since I live on a farm perhaps I can lift it and add a small trailer for hauling equipment. I have a lift kit from an old ford ranger but i doubt that would fit. ---
**Author:** ![bcohen2010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@bcohen2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bcohen2010)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/7 "2021-12-19T19:15:41Z")
There is a 1991 Ford Tempo on Craigslist here, for $2650 “firm”. The seller posted it about 6 months ago for $3500 “firm” and has been slowly lowering the price. As long as your $1500 car is in reasonable condition, I don’t see a problem. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 7:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/8 "2021-12-19T19:19:42Z")
> [@bcohen2010](#): > > As long as your $1500 car is in reasonable condition, I don’t see a problem. I can’t see calling this thing in reasonable condition . Coverted to 4 wheel drive ? Bald tires or used ones of questionable condition ? Welds in places there should not be ? Providing this whole thread is not a work of fiction . ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 7:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/9 "2021-12-19T19:25:03Z")
> [@thundabutt](#): > > My uncle took care of my grandmother for the two decades or so before she died. He passed away not long before her, so I’m not sure how or why this escrt obtained a 4WD train Is this something you read in a book? Use the correct car this time. ---
**Author:** ![thundabutt](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/thundabutt/32/27416_2.png) [@thundabutt](https://community.cartalk.com/u/thundabutt)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 7:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/10 "2021-12-19T19:35:36Z")
Yeah, it’s called “Grandma Oakly and the FrankenWagon”. Seriously forget about my crazy family. Is there a legal implication to me personally if I sell registered car to someone which I know is a death trap? ---
**Author:** ![Marnet](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/marnet/32/41_2.png) [@Marnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marnet)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 7:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/11 "2021-12-19T19:39:37Z")
Good grief; with as much concern as you have about the safety of this vehicle either just junk it or have a professional give it a thorough look over … before still likely junking it. ---
**Author:** ![Renegade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Renegade](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Renegade)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 7:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/12 "2021-12-19T19:54:59Z")
I see the OP is still spreading the FECAL matter from the male of the bovine species. ---
**Author:** ![Renegade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Renegade](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Renegade)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 8:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/13 "2021-12-19T20:06:59Z")
I am wondering if the invisible snowman the wonderful90s and thundabutt are the one and the same. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 8:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/14 "2021-12-19T20:35:23Z")
I dunno, if you are concerned about a girl getting killed in the thing and your legal liability, maybe just suck the $1500 up and junk it instead. I don’t think legal liability is the issue to be concerned about. ---
**Author:** ![Marnet](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/marnet/32/41_2.png) [@Marnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marnet)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 8:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/15 "2021-12-19T20:40:57Z")
Exactly what @bing says! ---
**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 8:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/16 "2021-12-19T20:48:41Z")
I’m remembering what @cdaquila said awhile back I think op is intentionally being provocative again I’m not taking the bait nosirreebob ---
**Author:** ![Renegade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Renegade](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Renegade)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 9:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/17 "2021-12-19T21:22:14Z")
> [@db4690](#): > > I think op is intentionally being provocative again > > I’m not taking the bait Agree i do think you are right. ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/18 "2021-12-19T21:51:22Z")
So the grandmother was driving a death trap? Get an inspection to see if it is roadworthy or not. ---
**Author:** ![Scrapyard-John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@Scrapyard-John](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Scrapyard-John)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 10:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/19 "2021-12-19T22:28:40Z")
Put the used tires on it and see how much fun you can have for $1550 in a 4wd Ford Escort on a farm before it breaks. Probably going to run a little over $100/minute, but YOLO, as they say, Mr. Schwaggins! ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bing/32/4619_2.png) [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2021, 10:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349/20 "2021-12-19T22:36:41Z")
> [@Renegade](#): > > Agree i do think you are right. Thouist mayist be correct. I rarely look at the OP names. [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethical-private-sales-practices/181349.md?page=2)