Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Rhode Island
Auto extended warranty
I have a transferable ext warr for car I have sold. I mentioned it to the buyers as a selling point. They offered me 16000, $4000 less than asking price, and never asked about the warranty. I said 17000 was lowest I would go, again no mention of the warranty.
I gave them the title and bill of sale which states ''As Is'' and they paid me $17000 (2004 GMC Envoy). After all the hand shaking was done, the man asked when I would be transferring the warranty, as that was a factor in the decision to buy the car. I said I would look into it and get back to them. I called the warranty co. and they tell me I can get a $900 refund. I am NOT going to give the buyer the warranty. Can I get in trouble? I am not a nasty person, but I had another offer for same price and no discussion of warranty. It is usually I that learn the hard way at others gain. This car was a good deal for them, and at least $3000 below book value. Also...they live in Mass and I am in RI...Please help!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Auto extended warranty
Sir:
While it appears you were looking for different advice, it seems obvious to me that the right thing to do based on your own recitation of the facts (I mentioned it [the extended warranty] to the buyers as a selling point) is give the warranty paperwork to the buyers and let them transfer the warranty to themselves.
Put differently, what value do you put on your own handshake? $900 is awfully cheap for a man's honor (though I admit I have experience with many to whom $900 would be a windfall).
Scott Summer