[Noah930]

My BIL sold his Audi A4 last week (it's been 4 or 5 days, I believe). 2002 model year with 94K miles. Private party sale here in California. The buyer now wants to renegotiate the terms. Apparently an oil leak noted prior to the purchase is a bigger deal than the buyer believed.

MY BIL is not a car guy, and he's a pretty honest guy. Amongst other issues, during negotiations for the car, the two discussed this oil leak. My BIL admitted he didn't know why the car leaked oil, but that it did. I suppose this didn't deter the buyer, as they quickly negotiated a price, exchanged money, and signed over the title. Now that the buyer's had the car for a weekend (and presumably did a little research or took it to a mechanic), he has called my BIL back and wants to renegotiate or return the car.

Normally, I'd say no dice. Once completed, a deal is a deal. But, in talking with my BIL it seems that he did not smog the car pre-purchase (as the seller is required to do in CA). So maybe the deal is not legally complete. The car has never had problems passing smog in the past (even with this oil leak) so I'm guessing it should pass now as well.

What does the PPOT braintrust say?

Would knowing the price of the transaction make any difference? If it sold for a high price, would that make a difference in your answer compared to if it sold for bottom dollar?

I read edgemar's thread from a couple months back, but that didn't answer my questions for this situation.