buyer of my used car ruined the vehicle in a week and now wants money back

[germex]

I had sold a car to someone free of contract who turned out to be a minor (16yrs). Sold vehicle for $1000. Buyer's mother seemed fine with purchase since she registered tags for said vehicle and got insurance for it. The kid ruined the vehicle in a week and now they are accusing us of selling them a bad vehicle. When purchased, buyer had an elderly neighbor check the vehicle out, neighbor said it looked great. The kid had showed up already driving a large SUV (his mother's), so we thought nothing of his age. Before we put the vehicle up for sale we had it checked out by a licensed mechanic, to avoid situations like this, who deemed it in good condition. He is willing to back us up if necessary. We know the kid indeed has a license. Since there was no contract, are we at fault? The mother registered the vehicle, changed title over, and bought insurance. Doesn't this mean she approved of the purchase?

 

[mightymoose]

You aren't obligated to do anything unless a judge orders you to.
The minor can't sign into a purchase contract for recurring payments, but there is nothing wrong with the minor making a purchase like this. If the family is upset they should be upset with whoever trusted the kid with the money.
The family's actions here (registration and insurance) actually help you out.
If you wanted to be nice you could give the money back, but since he ruined the car that isn't really an option. Stick to your guns and be confident if they threaten you with legal mumbo jumbo- they don't have a good argument to make.