Buyer of used car, broke the vehicle, and is now demanding a full refund. MASSACHUSETTS ONLY?

I sold my 2006 Ford Escape about 2 weeks ago, privately on Facebook Marketplace. The car was in usable drivable condition, and the buyer (and her whole family of 5) test drove, and looked at the car before buying.

I documented the car was being sold "as is" in the Bill of Sale, and that there were no known problems.

The buyer messaged me 5 days later, saying an axel had broke while just driving down her neighborhood street and then told me it was because of rust. I didn't know about any rust problems so I contacted my mechanic and they assured me the axel could not have broken in the state they last saw it in, when it was last serviced - 2 months ago (when it also got new breaks for $1k) - especially from just driving down a neighborhood street.

The buyer then contacted me the next day saying the car failed inspection and demanded her money back under the Massachusetts Failed Inspection Law (stating if a car doesn't pass inspection within 7 days the full amount of money must be refunded.)

I asked her to provide the paperwork proving that the car had failed inspection. The paperwork she showed me stated the car failed inspection due to "steering & suspension" (due to the broken axel). Other than that the car passed everything and would have passed inspection if not for the broken axel - damaged by the buyer.

*What laws protect me in this situation? Is there anything that allows me to deny accepting back a, now damaged, car? Is there any legal action I should take?*

You sold as is. The buyer does not have a legal leg to stand on. He can try suing you but you have a solid defense. You just have no way of stopping a law suit.

Why did she get it inspected only AFTER the axle supposedly broke? You did everything right. Relax. They likely can't get a refund IMO Tell them you're very sorry that happened.

It would take 50 years or more for an axle to rust enough to break. It's something THEY did to the car, IMO

Might be the CV joint that broke, not the actual axle.

Back when I was a resident in MA 70's through 80's there was no "as is" sale you were responsible for 30 days after the sale they might of changed it. Have you looked at the RMV website that states a 'as is" sale if so she has no leg to stand on. I know the registry is probably still as bad when I lived there but call the main office for more help

They likely drove it into/over something and broke it. Tell them nice try but if they're being persistent you may need a lawyer to get rid of them.

Blow the dumb beyouch off.

The bill of sale and title is all you owed her. The rest is on her, your just a private seller not a dealer.