Confessions of a Car Dealer: We accidentally sold a Lemon and it sucks 

This is a 3 part series. #1 The Story, #2 The Solution, #3 The Result. Subscribe to follow along.

I do not think it is reasonable for them to expect you to buy back the Jeep without fixing the crash damage that was their fault.

Car was sold "as is." You offered to buy back the car before the accident, they declined. You do not owe them anything at this point. The fact they are posting this on social media is a statement that you can't fix "it" from their point of view. At the very least they need to file the insurance claim, repair the car, then you'll buy it back. Also if your friend who recommended your dealership to them hasn't heard your side of the story, he isn't much of a friend.

As your office manager suggested, have them fix the body damage and you buy the car back. They are unreasonable to think you should take on the body repair as well.

They declined the warranty. You offered to buy it back multiple times. You went above and beyond to fix it. They wrecked it. If they won't get it fixed with their insurance and take your final buyback offer , which is way beyond generous...that's on them.

Let the insurance company fix the jeep and you buy it back like your manager said he has the right idea. Very fair to your customer and you. Then you can lay your head down and rest.

You have done the right things. Tell the customer to fix it first, then buy it back.

I am a small dealer as well and have been in this business for 23 years. You absolutely did what you should have done. The customers were being unreasonable by not allowing you to buy the vehicle back the first couple times you offered and you find them another Jeep. Since the Jeep is now wrecked, it creates a monumental problem. For you to buy it back, one of several things have to happen. They have to make a claim on their insurance. You don't know if the vehicle is totaled or not until the insurance adjuster comes out to see the vehicle. Without them making this determination, its all guess work. If the air bag was deployed, it will be considered totaled. If not, they have a choice, have the collision damage repaired by the insurance company and return the vehicle for a refund or they can take the payout for the repairs from the insurance company and you can buy the Jeep back minus the money the insurance paid them.

And this is the reason we don't sell cars to friends. Friends and business don't generally mix.

I can’t see how they would even have the nerve to ask you to buy it back damaged. If you buy it back repaired that’s way more than is expected from you with no warranty already. That’s a difficult situation for you.

Honestly after you offered to buy it back I would’ve washed my hands with the situation…it’s on the parents to take accountability for not taking the opportunity …it’s so much more I could say on this situation but honestly Craig I feel like your waay to nice

Hey Craig. I would give them two options. Option #1, exactly what your shop manager recommended- you get a whole Jeep, you pay the whole price for it. Option #2, you buy the Jeep minus the collision repair costs (or the estimated insurance payout, whichever # they want to use), and everyone is whole that way as well. Remember, the accident had nothing to do with the check engine light being on- those are two separate things. You made them whole once and offered to make them whole twice, but you can't buy back a wrecked car that you already invested 100% of the profit in repairing. They are understandably upset, but they are taking advantage of the situation.

I want to add, I think you’re a compassionate, considerate, kind and caring person who just wants to make an honest living. There’s no way to please everyone in life. I’m a small business as well and I do my very best to make sure I give every customer exactly what they paid for. Thnx for sharing your stories. I’m a new subscriber so looking forward to seeing more.

Craig, I was a used car dealer for many many years and I think the first solution since it was insured by them. They should put in a claim. Have the Jeep fixed? Cosmetically and mechanically and then you buy it back. That way there you have the vehicle you started out with

I’d never buy back a crashed Jeep, you did enough and was fair. They need to fix it and then buy it back if you want.

Only watched about five or your videos and I’m a fan! I feel like you handled this with true professionalism, and seem like a real standup guy. Wish there was more used car dealers like you. If I lived near New Hampshire, I would definitely buy a vehicle from you. Keep up the good work man. Honesty is always best and will come back full circle.

Craig, you are a saint dude! Never heard of a used car guy being so caring, WOW! BTW - Love the vids man ;)

They don't want to file a claim with the insurance, Then they should be responsible for fixing the damage. They know that car dealers have a bad reputation, and they're trying to take advantage of you by using that. They are basically gaslighting you!

I believe you went above and beyond what I would have done. Buying a used car you never know what you can get, this why you get the extended warranty. Seeing that you would have buyer it back that many times goes to show you did everything to make it right. Due to the fact it was crashed and damaged and they didn’t want it on their daughters record is on them. I’d buy it back if they fixed the body damage.

Started with part 3 and worked my way back to part 2. Glad you found a solution. Next time my wife and I are in the market for another vehicle, we're coming to Danville to buy from you. You're a good dude! Been a huge fan of the channel since you had 6k subs.

I used to sell cars at a small dealership very similar to yours. We went above and beyond to make sure the car was right before the sale and stood behind it post sale. I remember a few times going above and beyond after the sale to fix issues but with some people it just wasn’t enough. I don’t see anything wrong with asking them to have the accident damage repaired before you buy it back. A lot of dealers would just tell them they are out of luck, you have gone so far out of your way to help these ungrateful people out! I live in Michigan and after watching this video, I would gladly travel to you to buy a vehicle! Keep up the great work sir!

Craig I started with the exact same size place you have. I’ve been in business for 30 years. They have to get the Jeep fixed and then buy it back. No matter what you’re the bad guy… been there. 😢. There is no logical reason in this planet that you should assume the damage they caused. Case closed that’s the only option.

You went above and beyond your duties .

It's amazing what you do to go that far for customers! In my experiences the used car dealers sell the vehicles "as is". I've bought lemons before and it was always up to me to fix them. They wouldn't help me with anything. So now I do my research on the vehicles I'm interested in and see how reliable they are before I buy. And I don't expect much from the dealer for repairs.

I love your transparency. It's such a hard position to be in as a small business owner. It's obvious you're trying to do what is right for all. I think the best solution is to have them fix the damage sustained in the vehicle then buy it back. If they don't accept that option then they are on their own.

They don’t want to file a claim on the accident because the kid is sixteen, their insurance rates will go ballistic.

As I’ve grown older and been on the receiving end of colder, this is ultimately their failure in Full. You’re a saint to offer to buy it back, but now that it’s nice and wrecked, that’s on them. You should have 0 remorse to say NO.

Craig, to begin with, NONE of these people have any right to be mad at you. You've literally done NOTHING wrong and you've done EVERYTHING possible to be reasonable to get the car repaired in a timely fashion and even offered multiple times to buy it back. In fact, you've gone above and WELL beyond any obligation on your part so kudos to you for being such an outstanding dealer! Now, regarding these folks wanting you to buy back the car without their repairing the damage first, that is SO not right on their part. You didn't say whose fault the accident was so I'm going to guess it was the girls fault and they don't want to file a claim because her insurance will skyrocket and they will have to pay the deductible. If it wasn't her fault, then the other party should pay which should be no problem. Who knows, maybe it wasn't her fault and they were getting a check from the other insurance company for 3 or 4 grand which is why they are willing to eat the $1,200 because they will still make money on the deal? So personally, I think they are trying to take advantage of you at this point by asking you to buy the car back with the damage. As many others have said, they should fix the damage before you buy it back but you should also reimburse the $1,200 because most likely, the damage that occurred to the engine was not related to the way it was driven and then they will be made TOTALLY whole. I think the lesson to be learned here is when you sell a vehicle that is not known to have GREAT reliability, insist that the customer purchase a warranty.

Hey flying wheels, i’ve been an automotive tech since 2018. Just gettjng into dealer auctions, love your videos. I was a Chrysler dodge jeep ram fiat tech for 2 long years. Did a lot of camshafts and cylinder heads in those 3.6 liters. Some cams in the hemi as well. Now im a benz tech and again, tons of cylinder heads in the 4 cylinders and 8 cylinder. I know its hard to find good techs. You have a ton more experience then i do in this field and i’m sure you know that. But from my experience on those 3.6s. If its misfiring, you disgnose the csr before replacing anything. Swap coils and plugs around. If that misfire doesnt move, you move on to a cylinder leak down test, if it fails the leakdown test, you have some worn valve seats. Anyways, i appreciate your videos. Feel like im being mentor when i watch.

What I’ve learned so far as to being a auto dealer….sometimes when you allow your personal feelings to take charge of a situation that’s gone bad with a car deal….sometimes you end up making the situation worse by helping and going against the no warranty to fixing a vehicle that never had warranty…..the effects of trying to help a situation could make it worse because now the customer forgets that your going out on a limb to help them when you really don’t have to….so now you’ve tried fixing a situation and it keeps backfiring multiple times and it’s a never ending cycle until you wash your hands of it and take whatever backlash their going to do to you or say about you…..

Of course there is NO WAY you can buy it back wrecked, but the only solution I see is for the family to fix the Jeep (whether they file on insurance or not) and you buy it back. You are right that no one will be happy and you won't be made whole, but that seems to be the fairest solution for everyone involved. Crappy situation for sure.

Craig I’ve just read some comments and it seems you certainly are a fair guy think you’ve helped enough and who buys a 16 yr old a $16000 car or in real money £12000 pounds ! Mad good luck and excellent videos 👌

Once you offered to buy back the car, they assumed responsibility. You continuing to repair it was above and beyond reasonable. I would love to buy a car from a dealer like you.

As a small used car dealer myself this is so relatable. I had a similar situation happen a few days ago regarding a mistake I made on the warranty (my first time selling a warranty) learning as I go. I offered to refund the warranty and then they accuse me of doing it on purpose and demanding I take back the vehicle even though the warranty was a completely separate transaction. I hate being accused of being a liar, this job sucks sometimes.

Man your deserve a Trophy for going above and beyond in my book and don’t put too much wait on so-called Friends I’ve been there and I have lost a lot but your family comes first I just lost 41k last month to so called friends and now I’m car less and homeless sometimes we can only do so so much for others ,and the truth is you were very Fair! We can’t please everyone! God bless & Great Videos!

Sorry to hear the troubles. I know exactly what you're going through. Most people don't want to be reasonable. They like to blame. It's tough dealing with people.

If she had accepted your offer to buy the car back from her this hole thing would not be a thing at all. And who the hell gets a $13.000 car for their 16`th birthday? Had it not been enough with $6.000? What a sick world! Great upload by the way, Sir 🙂 Best regards from a car detailer in Norway.

Just the way you handled it, being upfront honest and telling him and his daughter that I can't go further with any repairs, That I already spent thousands of dollars on trying to make the right thing and taking care of repairs that I wasn't obligated to do, explaining them this stuff are rare but they do happen and that I'm really sorry for everything but sometimes everything goes left...

Kudos to you for going beyond what I would expect a dealer to do if I bought this vehicle. As mentioned in previous posts if they're not willing to get the damage fixed then I would tell them to pound sand. Or you could do what the fraud at car questions answered does with his customers and tells them "sorry it is sold as is,"

You have went above and beyond and did your best,People can see that.

Sometimes you need to burn all bridges , it's a situation where they just want to walk away without taking any responsibility ..sounds like a bad divorce

I worked at a used dealership and this stuff just happens sometimes, most people take the buy back, we did that a lot and I personally would’ve forced them to take my buy back offer if they were people who could ruin my reputation. Those Jeep’s are a mountain of issues sometimes. And if they really didn’t I would let them know to go through the Jeep warranty so if they’re mad at someone it’s the giant Jeep dealership instead of me.

you offered to buy the car back before the accident. I'm not sure what else you could have done better. You seem like an honest guy and really want to help the customer. I would purchase a used car from you if I needed one.

No way I'd buy it back damaged. Nope. They can file the claim, get it fixed, then sell it back to you but if I were you I'd remember diminished value on the Jeep. It's no longer worth what it was when they bought it because it now has a pretty severe accident on the Carfax. Business is business.

I take full responsibility for used cars that I purchase. “As Is” no warranty. The daughter got in an accident. There needs to be an insurance claim filed. They fix the body and then sure, buy it back.

you did the right thing it sounds like.. alot of dealers need to follow your actions and making things right for the customer.. like i always say, reputation is everything!!

I think your manager’s solution is brilliant, and more than fair. The fact that the buyers even suggest you buy the vehicle back at full purchase price, crashed, is completely unreasonable and in my opinion speaks volumes as to their character.

First time viewer thanks to your viral video. RU-vid suggested to me... This scenario stressed me out so horribly made my problems seem small today! Kept thinking losing thousands of dollars would have been worth it to have been able to enjoy your family vacation but who knew things would go the way they did.

You did above and beyond, kick rocks. Don't care should have bought a warranty Can’t believe how people are!!!!!!

Have them fix the collision damage and buy it back. Including giving them the $1200 back. Even though it was a 12-13 year old "as-is" vehicle 🤐 I wouldn't even bother trying to find them another Jeep unless they asked. If so, treat that like a new deal. They prob won't want to do business with you again anyways.

As I see you offered to buy it back a third time so you did the right thing I answered when you asked us to answer

I would recommend initiating a conversation with both parties involved, preferably with the assistance of the mutual friend as a mediator. In this conversation, you can eloquently present both sides of the issue and express your genuine desire to rectify the situation. By approaching the matter in this manner, it is likely that the individuals in question will be more receptive and may perceive your efforts as a sincere demonstration of your commitment to their satisfaction. This approach can also strengthen your professional relationship with the mutual friend, potentially leading to continued business referrals and fostering a sense of care and goodwill towards your clients.

I feel you. I own an insurance agency. They can have the insurance check written to you. As soon as you get the check you can buy it back at their full purchase price and the extra $1200 just to smooth it over. Then you get to decide what to do from there.

Regardless of whether it was sold as seen or not. Your reputation is everything. Thats more valuable in the long run than a 2or 3 k loss on a vehicle always

Gotta love the stealerships. "Oh yah, you need a head." "Well why?" "Psh I dunno. Just replace it."

I understand 100% the way you feel now and the headache that is try to get a solution in a vehicle when is in a customer possession, and worst things keep happening not related to the issue with you. In my opinion since you offered to buy the jeep back before, now that it is an accident on it, customer first thing they should do is to try to get a total loss on the jeep and get paid to go into another jeep. If that insurance company can’t pay for a total loss, they need to get it fixed and then you can negotiate with them to buy it back after it is fixed. You can’t take the problem to get it fixed mechanical and cosmetic

Glad you're doing something, most dealers just claim as is

As you have said in past episodes, it's a gamble when you buy used vehicles. They could of purchased warranty, but didnt. You went above and beyond, taking it back to fix for them. It is unfortunate for them, but nothing is a guarantee with used cars. After the daughter wrecked it, they would have been on their own, especially after their expectation of you buying it back "as is".

I think you made all the right decisions as a dealer since you opened and learned from mistakes. what your doing for them since the beginning is good on your side. I think only you can make that call now because for a guy with a good heart as you your reputation is everything.

Just had a headache watching this video but it is the cruel reality of business you are in very good content Craig I like your manager solution for customer to fix crash damages and you buy back jeep but it’s a crazy world good luck with this jeep situation

My opinion is for them to turn it into their insurance and get the damaged repaired. They will be out the deductible but that's not your issue. Then if you want piece of mind buy it back from them and put this to bed.

Selling a used car to anyone is always super stressful to me. Even "as is" it weighs on my conscience anytime anything goes wrong with the vehicle afterwards.

Craig, first and foremost, you're a good guy! Many used car dealerships would have NEVER gone above, and beyond the way you have in this, COMPLEX situation. She crashed the Jeep, they need to at least step up, deal with the accident claim, and even if you buy it back, they need it cosmetically returned to you in good condition, despite the mechanical issues. Whoever did this "engine work", "warranty work" clearly didn't fix the problem! Have them deal with the insurance for the accident repairs, you buy it back and deal with the engine repair, and send it to auction. This Jeep clearly is a lemon 🍋 as you said, and once all is said and done, and you've off loaded this nightmare, life will go on. I am so sorry to hear your family vacation was disrupted as it was, you deserve better. Take care, stay safe and well, cheers!

Your shop manager nailed it!!! They fix it and you buy it back! That's more than fair. People can Suck sometimes, you're doing life right brother!!!

Craig you have gone above and beyond for the people… I cannot believe they have the nerve to ask you to buy it back after it has been damaged… please do the right thing, tell them they are on their own at this point… they are acting UNREASONABLE

Bro, F that!! You've done more than enough! Worse case is let them fix the damage and then you buy it back get the the engine part fixed and unload it.

Craig, love the channel. I think the reasonable thing to do would be have the repair the damage. That part is not your fault. Then once the accident part is fixed buy it back from them. If this is someone you really want happy. To make it right, get another from auction, and sell it to them with minimal profit.

I own my own Auto Repair shop in Port Charlotte FL. Although "Rare", sometimes we get cars that just eat you alive. You handled it right man. I take a loss every now and then because its good business. You'll always make your $$$ back Craig. Write it off and keep doing the right thing. You handled everything perfectly. You offered to buy it back how many times now? You can only do so much man. I NEVER had any luck with those Jeeps. I think they're awful but, If you've had "better" luck with them, more power to you man. Take it to your body shop, get a 100% accurate estimate, Have them take the insurance check, give it to you (and keep the $1,200.00) and give them back the remaining value. Every body's "Less Unhappy". Just an Idea.

They bought it with no warranty. You tried to make it right until their daughter wrecked it. It's theirs now.

They were treating you like a mechanic, which you specifically got out of the business of car repair. in this scenario I would just make sure they know it is now their problem. The more you do the more they want you to do. I would not buy it back unless they take off the cost of repair , it's their deal that it was wrecked. It obviously wasn't such a lemon that it couldn't be driven.

Hey bud you are a great person and you did all you could do

As a Jeep guy, sorry to say, but the dealer knew the correct repair for the cylinder 2 misfire. Replace the cylinder head. Trying to save a few dollars came back and bit you. So many cylinder head replacements have been successfully completed overs the years.

walk away you have down way more than you should have. when they wrecked it that changed everything.

Love your channel. Thanks for letting the world see your real life experiences. Keep the content coming. My 2 cents: 1) you have a good heart that’s why these mishaps bother you. Don’t change. 2) get on your knees tonight and ask your creator for HIS wisdom _ it’s far better than ours. 3) you are a car salesman and businessman that tries to sell an adequate product for your market. 4) all cars have “lemon potential”; it happens. Especially 11 year old jeeps. 5) your buyer passed on the warranty- not wise 6) you went above and beyond as your bighearted nature required 7) your friend that sends you business has no right to pressure you (if he did) 8) the buyer and family are not acting maturely - that’s not your fault - it’s just a car! They rolled the dice and it didn’t work out this time. That’s not your fault either 9) the accident makes it easy. They fix the car (they recked it). 10) they keep the car. No buybacks 11) if you feel you need to split the cost of the engine work to close the deal, then go for it. However, you already paid once. Maybe the garage will help with the costs as they failed on their first attempt. God be with you as you figure it out

In the car business it seems like situations like this always happen when you're trying to help someone you know out.

First, I really sympathize for you that you weren't able to get the repairs nailed down on the first major disassembly repair attempt. Having done heads on a 15 Grand Caravan with the same engine myself, working with a competent machine shop(same thing, cylinder 2) We did both heads because of the condition of the guides so both heads got latest and greatest updates. I get the idea of the scope and risk of the problem you were tackling. We did a LOT of work but we got it right and that owner is still happy two years later. Sometimes those ticks and misfires can be pretty hard to tackle on those 3.6's. Fortunately I was able to bill for it all and do it once. This was a model year where these head issues issues were supposedly solved

Take it to South Main Auto Repair!

As others said. The only deal is they fix the damage with their insurance. You buy it back for the purchase price and give them back the $1200. That’s the only way to make it square with the friends, these people still won’t be happy but you’ll know in your heart you did the right thing. This comes from a person that just lost 5k due to a used car dealer and similar mechanical issues. Bought for 17, found problems week one and needed over 10k in work to make it right. Dealer bought it back at 12k. I know you’re better than that.

I agree to many posters on here, they can't expect you to buy it back damaged for the original purchase price, your manager is correct, get them to repair it and then offer the original purchase price.

I know this is an old video and I am going to watch the rest of this series for sure. Just wanted to drop a comment and let you know, I know exactly how you feel! I have been in the business since 1995! We are selling machines with hundreds of moving parts, manufactured by people who hate their jobs, that will one day break and that can always be purchased somewhere else cheaper. I am literally facing this exact fight with a customer on a 2015 Wrangler right now. We are chasing a cyl one misfire. In the end, all we can do is treat them how we would want our kids to be treated if they were in this situation. I give a 6 month/ 7,500 mile warranty (powertrain) on every car and I do not charge markup on extended warranties at the time of sale. Keep doing the right thing!

You went way beyond what was necessary. They didn’t do anything to mitigate the loss by not putting in an insurance claim. You’re not the insurance company!

U seem to be a fair man.u tried to make it rite..ure not a jerk in any way.think about it u being a smart business man with a good hart u will find a way...I've been warching ure videos u have a btfl family. I am a ny gye..middle age lol..little older. I hope theses words help u..i belive in ure hart ure a good gye.....be blessed...alphonse brooklyn.

I would buy a car from you anytime! Your the most honest person I know”

Man as a small auto repair shop owner for 30yrs in CA, your description of being on vacation but still dealing with the Jeep and all that's involved with keeping the customer happy just gave me so much anxiety!!! Ugh! I have been there way too many times! Its hard to he honest and have integrity isn't it? I don't sleep at night when customers aren't happy. And tell me WHY IT'S ALWAYS FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

A few points: 1. YOU went ABOVE and BEYOND most used dealers. 2. No, they are NOT entitled to get their "money back" for purchase price, especially after you offered MULTIPLE times to buy it previously. 3. The wife. She was being pretty petty IMO posting about the Jeep and throwing shade at your business. Its not as if you ghosted them, you worked WITH them to try and come to a reasonable resolution. This is one of those "between the cracks" situations. You were honorable and tried your best to resolve the issue. At the end of the day, business is business. Side note: This is the part of owing a small business no one talks about, everyone thinks its "easy" and that every business owner can "afford" to do whatever they want, etc. Reality: owning a business is a labor of love. The countless unpaid hours, the time away and or distractions from family. Customers have a responsibly too, and that's to be sympathetic to honorable business owners.

Don’t buy it crash! If I would be you yes I’m not a big fish but I do love it passion flipping cars and never have to deal wit issues such as big dealers I hope it gets better on ya end Craig 💯

The damage is down to them unfortunately they need to see that. can they go through insurance, you always come across as fair and honest so hopefully they see that too👍

I had a few initials thoughts: 1) if you didn’t want to diagnose it and told to send to their mechanic, don’t be shocked with their mechanics request for a new head. 2) it’s not legally on you to make it right, but if you want a successful small dealership, that’s what you do. 3) I don’t feel that they should’ve had to pay anything to fix the engine problems. It’s not really their fault and it’s not 100% yours but at the end of the day, that’s the right thing to do and I think that’s how you build a good brand with repeat customers. 4) your manager’s idea is the most common sense thing to do at this point 5) I don’t feel bad about the complaining about working during your vacation. If you own a business, own it. It sucks working long hours and during vacation, birthdays, etc, but that’s what you signed up for. Best of luck to you and them on deciding the RIGHT thing to do. It sucks to lose money on your end but I think that’s part of keeping a “good name” in the community.

You went above what you should have done the customer first should have bought a warranty second they bought as is I agree with what you came up with at the end have them fix the damage and then you buy it back that is really the only fair way to settle this

I agree, have them repair the accident damage, and you buy it back as it was when it left the lot.

I think it’s sounds fair! Your a good person ! Your reputation is business!

i commend you fo going the extra mile, word of mouth is everything

Im dealing with issues with my silverado for over a month and over 1k in fixng and its still NOT FIXED so i get it from customers point BUT when you buy a used car you buy a huge risk,so i think dealing with used cars you went wayy to far to make them happy,sometimes things go bad and you gotta be thankfull for all the times it goes great👍👍

when you return something you return it in the same condition as you sold it. Buy it back after they fix it, take half the hit on the 1200 and get it fixed under warranty. If prices are higher you can sell it for net zero after it's sorted

Perfect example of owning a company

I would buy a vehicle from your dealership in a minute .. you seem to be a man of integrity.. theyvshould hace gotten the extended warranty ... Used cars can alway have ghosts

In 2012 a huge majority of these engines were very likely to fail, 2012 and some 2013's n it got better after that, but there are hit or miss later models with identical problems. A lot of these jeeps the motors were replaced from jeep if u had a good dealer and it occured within warranty. Unfortunately, a lot of people put low miles on a lot of the special edition, and in general, these r toys for people with money (i.e. a 3rd vehicle, so it's only used when they are playing in it). Look it up. They had serious issues most were fixable. However, some had deeper issues that the blocks were replaced. 2012 is one year wrangler to avoid always as a used car buyer unless it's proven to have been fixed by a good shop.

The only suggestion I have is offer to fix it mechanically and they have to repair it bodily. You've been very fair to them.

early 3.6 in 2012 - had a head issue that was a recall and extended warranty. You offered to buy it back 2X- its on them and now its damaged so too bad on them- First car fior teen- civic, accord, camry, corolla. You did more than you have to- with the crasdh its on them

If I was mediating this deal then here's how I would sort it out and I would give Craig first right of refusal at this offer because technically he's not obligated: - Family has the jeep repaired under their insurance - Jeep is returned to Craig repaired - Craig pays the family $1,200 for their contribution to the engine work - Craig puts the Jeep through the auction within 60 days (enough time to have warranty work done to the engine if necessary) - Family receives whatever the car achieves at Auction less Auction fees/costs (presumably less, but on the off change it breaks even or sells higher then they receive their original purchase amount) - Family agrees not to disparage/negative review The net result would probably be a few thousand loss to both parties due to the money spent on diagnosis and engine repairs, but ultimately Craig could have refused any service because the car was sold 'as is' and they also lowered the value of the car when they crashed it.