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We sold our 1986 Toyota Corolla car 6 days ago for $1000. Warrant expires in Feb. Purchaser road tested it, and looked under the bonnet. We had been driving it every day, no apparent problems.
Buyer texted 2 days after sale to say having starting issues. We advised battery may have expired.
Next day they texted that the car is a lemon. They want their money back. Buyer delivered it to our door this morning. Appeared to have a new battery in it, and when key was turned, nothing. We were prepared to get a current warrant for it, but the buyer wanted to take it there and then. Are we obliged to take the car back and return their money? They have not taken it to an authorised garage. They are also saying they will take us to court. My concern is that I do not know how they have treated the car for the last six days, or if they have done anything that could have caused the problem,

Based on what you are saying, and providing you never misrepresented the car at the time sale or during the sales process, then you have no responsibility to take the car back.

In situations where a buyer is prepared to accept a car without a new WoF (more than one month old), the seller should always prepare a written statement acknowledging this agreement. Both parties should sign and hold copies for their records.

All prospective buyers have a responsibility to get a vehicle checked out to satisfy themselves it has no obvious and/or potential expensive repairs which may change their mind on the sale or allow the asking price to be negotiated.

The golden rule when buying a motor vehicle is to assume nothing regardless of the asking price.