Would you buy a car from a roommate?

"6cyl" (6cyl)
09/03/2013 at 13:30 • Filed to: Would you, vw, 16v, scirocco, rocco

Specifically a 1987 VW Scirocco 1.8 16 valve with around 150,000 miles from a roommate I just moved in with yesterday. He wants to get a motorcycle and I want to get a winter beater to keep as much salt as possible off the e30. The 'rocco is in descent shape and his mechanic is local and has all the records for the past few years. The interior has seen better days and could really use some work but I know a few places I could pick up some seats pretty cheap. His asking price is around $2k but he mentioned he might part with it for around $1,500. Another plus is the shop I normally use is a bunch of VW junkies and would love it if I would exchange brining in a BMW for a VW.

So what do you think about buying a car from someone you live with?

DISCUSSION (20)

GhostZ > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 00:54

That actually sounds like a good deal, but just weight it with the cost of breaking down at those high miles. If it goes, you're trapped outside in the snow.

That being said, it sounds to me like he's being tried to get rid of it for a while and is looking for an easy sell (hence the low price). Are you good friends with them/knew them much before moving in together? I'd still politely ask for service records and history and stuff. You're both better off, if this car is a timebomb waiting to blow, to sell it to someone else for more.

Squabbler > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 01:05

People are wary of buying cars from friends, but I don't see the issue so long as it's a fair deal.

Buying any used car is a risk. Things break, sometimes unexpectedly. If something goes after you take possession, you shouldn't hold the person accountable unless they withheld info intentionally to sell off their problem.

ChiffChaff > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 01:51

Sometimes, money, exchanged between friends (even very good friends OR relatives) can cause severe stress; therefore, I would be wary rather than quick! I owned a similar car for a very short time a number of years ago. It had strange overheating problems that I never sorted out and sold the damn thing in short order (certainly NOT to a friend or a relative, thankfully). Good luck with your next purchase.

offroadkarter > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 01:56

Is he a dick?

If yes, then no sale

If no, then I'd take the gamble.

BJ > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 07:25

You don't know him well, but he's your roommate so why not ask if you can daily-drive it for a week or two, or maybe just borrow it for the weekend? Put a bunch of miles on it (city and highway) and see what falls off/burns up/shorts out. The important thing is to drive it both cold and hot. Go and talk to the mechanic (call ahead and schedule a bit of time) and make sure you see the records.

As others have mentioned, financial transactions with family, friends, and roommates can be a source of stress. Once you decide to take the plunge, it's YOUR car and you'll have to suck it up when something breaks. No blaming the roommate - he might be innocent.

If you can get it for $1500, it might just be a good buy.

liquid_popcorn > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 08:21

I'd do it.

In fact, if you decide not to buy it let me know. I have a special lust for Sciroccos...

liquid_popcorn > liquid_popcorn
09/03/2013 at 08:22

Also: I bought my Jeep from a coworker; it's run beautifully since, excepting a brief starter failure, which was an easy fix. I don't see problems with buying from friends/coworkers/etc unless they're assholes.

Pure87 > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 09:03

It's a Scirocco. Do it.

6cyl > GhostZ
09/03/2013 at 10:55

I don't know him very well yet, we just met the other day. (College housing)

DocWalt > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 11:26

Honestly, for that price, how could you not want it? Parts are relatively cheap and available, and if you keep up on maintenance and don't half-ass fix stuff they're relatively reliable.

Walfisch > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 13:33

You have service records, and you personally know the seller. I'm not sure about the price, only because I have no idea what's the going rate for these. And it seems you already figured out the possible cost of maintenance and that it's tolerable. I think you have a good deal here.

EDIT: I just saw another comment here, and I have to agree with that. Ask your new room mate for a test drive, and make it multiple runs in varying weather conditions.

Patrick Frawley > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 13:33

Taken on its described merits, this sounds like a good buy. (I'd go for it, even if the mileage is a tetch high for my liking.) Not sure how the roommate issue complicates the deal too much unless he asks to borrow it all the time or something. Can't think of much downside here.

Casper > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 13:34

If it's a lemon, not only do you know where he lives, it's a short distance to where he sleeps....

maximillious > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 13:53

If you dont tell him i will

Saracen > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 13:55

Considering how my last roommate drove a pristine Saab 900 Turbo into the ground due to neglect, and then proceeded to do the same with another pristine 900, no fucking way.

chato > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 15:44

I sure miss mine. they do handle pretty great in the winter with the right tires. great mileage for a reasonably peppy high revving motor. just be prepared for whats left of the interior to disintegrate.

GhostZ > 6cyl
09/03/2013 at 19:51

I'd wait on it until you knew him better, or help it sell it to someone else and look for your own car. Because otherwise you'll have to treat him as any other "just met" craigslist ad to make sure you aren't being screwed, and that's not a good way to start a relationship with a roommate.

JasonStern911 > Casper
09/04/2013 at 00:55

all the more reason not to buy a car from your roommate. if the car is a p.o.s., can you separate that from your friendship? if not, then what's more important? a $1,500 car or your friendship? but if you can deal with it, I mean, it is a $1,500 volkswagen, what are you expecting? - then more power to you.

Casper > JasonStern911
09/04/2013 at 09:57

People are friends with their roommates?

JasonStern911 > Casper
09/05/2013 at 00:27

yes, but in your case, it would appear that you answered your own question. buy it, and if it breaks, explain to him that's why you can't pay rent this month. :P