I am selling my '97 Pontiac Sunfire GT that will be replaced by my MINI when it gets here. Two parties came to look at it yesterday. The first party that arrived showed up and did not make an offer, saying they would contingent on taking the car to a mechanic. Since I had already scheduled the other person to come see the car shortly after they told me this, I said I would do it if there was time after the second person came.

The second party came and took a look. She asked if the people before had offered and I told her the situation. She said that if they don't offer my asking price she is willing to give me my asking price ($3,000) in cash the next day.

We took the car to the mechanic and everything checked out. The first party offered my asking price and gave me a $100 deposit. We agreed to meet at the DMV this afternoon.

This morning I got a few emails from the other party saying that her daughter really wants the car and she would be willing to give me $3,200 for it . I told her that the other person gave me a deposit and I should ethically follow through with that, but if it doesn't work out I'd call her.

My gut tells me (not the money) that I'd rather the car go to the second lady's daughter. It was my first car, it will be hers, and I just think she really loves it (like I did when I first got it). I feel like, ethically, I need to sell it to the first party, but I would much rather sell it to the second (not to mention I would have a few extra clams).

Another thing is that I am still waiting for my MINI to get loaded on a ship (it's been sitting at the dock for a few days now, others have already been loaded and the ship has sailed) so I'm not sure how long it will be until I get it. The first party wants the car today, the second is flexible. I was thinking of telling the first party that I need to keep the car for an undetermined amount of time as of now because I don't know when the MINI will come in. Of course, I would give them their deposit back and maybe throw in $20 for their trouble.

Ahhh! Help! I'm torn! I'm supposed to meet at the DMV at 3pm today. What would you do???

 

I've had similar situations. My philosophy has always been that money talks, so the first person to make an acceptable offer get the car. If someone comes along later and offers a little more, I feel morally obligated to give the car to the first person if I have already come to an agreement with them. In this case, if you really feel strongly about selling the car to the lady's daughter, I think it would be ok to retract your offer to the first buyer, especially if you are compensating them for their trouble.

 

deposit is a commitment to buy.

accepting a deposit is a commitment to sell.

don't break that commitment.

 

Thanks clarkdr81 and kenchan! This is the first time I've ever sold a car, and I figured that I need to stick with my word. Sometimes it's hard to put emotional reactions out of the way, but I guess that's just part of life.

 

^^ yep. Good choice.

 

you took the first offer ---> follow through with it. karma is a b1tch and whatever comes back to you won't be worth a couple hundred bucks.

 

I knew the NAM'ers would steer me in the right direction. After this experience I plan on never selling my MINI - ever! It's just too heartwrenching - sorry, I'm just a big ol' sap!

Seriously, though, thanks for the good advice!

 

Just wanted to let you guys know that I just got done selling the car to the people who put down the deposit so you know I'm not a horrible meanie! Thanks again!

 

hey sounds great, and good job!