So, I'm selling this jet ski...
 

.... and this dude who is really interested wants to try it out. Before I get to that point I think to myself, I really should get it in top running condition. I take it in have the steering cable replaced, tune up, new plugs, oil change, etc. The next weekend the guy wants to use it to "test it out". I think, eh, he is with his family, let him use it. Off they go. Later that day, much later he limps back into the marina towing behind his boat says it broke. Ran great for 2 hours then quit. But he says, I still want to buy it and signs a bill of sale, as is, but does not pay me yet, he lives around the corner. He takes it back to where I got the tune up and they find the thing was rolled (can't do that on this model) got water in the engine and shattered the head and block when they tried to get it going. Now it is not worth shit. Had 85 hours on it. I was asking 4k for it and that was on the bill of sale he signed. Now what? He is not going to want to pay for it since it is shot, it worked when I sent him out on it, and now it is not worth shit. What to do? Do I sue him? Is it worth it? Any one armed Lawyers on here or Dwellers with an opinion? :)

he broke it. he bought it.

Yeah. I'm with filthy. Not your problem that he trashed it. Suppose you'd just lent it to him for the day? Same diff.

No advice Merc, just sorry you're in this position.

his problem , he broke said he still wanted it signed the bill of sale , his problem !!!
whay did you let him take it for the day any way ???

I would say he has to pay. He broke it. He already signed the bill of sale for it as is, I don't see small claims court taking his side on this if it comes to that. Has he told you he won't pay for it now?
Also, you should not feel bad for making him pay. This is a toy not a necessity that he needed, he should have the money to cover the cost without breaking the bank, he just might not have the money for another toy. Its not like you'll be forcing him and his family onto the streets about it.

Yeah, it's his responsibility to pay for it. It may help to mention to him that his auto and/or homeowner's insurance policy may very well cover this sort of situation for him.

Thats my thought. Is that normal practice when selling these things?

Get the payment

Sounds like a lose-lose situation; unless, someone has insurance to cover it. If not, perhaps the two of you can agree to milk it for 15 minutes of fame (maybe even recoup your losses, follow the links) by taking the matter before Judge Marilyn Milian or Judge Judith Sheindlin.

or ... Judge Joe

I like Judge Mathis, myself. And Judge Alex.

Big error on my part. I tend to be overly trusting in these situations.

He is looking into this, or so he says, I guess it is better than nothing. The whole thing has now boiled down to finger pointing between him and the shop where I took the thing to get a tune up the day before I let him use it. I can see this is going no where.

:lol: