Nice Family! Now What?

I would ignore the whole conversation. FIL backed out and I would accept that the conversation is over. If the FIL is upset about it, it's his problem.

It's important to have boundaries and let go of things that are outside of our ability to change; to not take on the responsibilities of others.

Is it possible that your father in law didn't realize how much the taxes and title were and he is in a financial bind now? That perhaps he didn't want another ten thousand but just wanted the 1,000 or so for his taxes?

He helped you guys out whether you see it that way or not, you got a car for 10,000 less than it was worth, sure that 10,000 was a gift but still you got that gift. I am only saying this because you may want to reach out and see if he is in a financial bind and needs a gift from you now.

It would totally suck for all involved if he just needs so little from you and the only reason you won't is he stunk at his approach. So maybe just have your husband call his dad and say hey, that didn't come off very well, do you need a bit of help right now?

Don't get involved with family deals. The best policy.

Couple thoughts:
-Maybe he was making a lame joke because he was making a big purchase?
-Maybe this is his way of "reminding" you guts what a big favor he did for you? (It was a big favor, but you prob don't need reminded & I'm sure you both thanked him at the time for his generosity!)
-when pressed, he said he was kidding. Take it at face value! Bad joke? Sure, but very possibly a joke.
From this day forward...NO money deals with relatives!!!

The sale of the tahoe was a done deal 2 years ago for the amount of $10,000.
FIL is not entitled to more money nor is he entitled to the return of the vehicle.
Your husband should tell his father "Sorry, Dad but none of this is based in reality. We bought it for 10 grand and we owe you nothing for that truck.".

No way...I am with you on this one. If you have papers that show that you purchased the car for 10K,then you own it plain and simple. Your FIL cannot come back YEARS later and try to change the terms of the deal that HE signed. I would NOT drop it off at his house...you would be out 10K. I would just let him be pissy if he wants. You say that the relationship is not good anyway, so really what would you be losing?

I would take your FIL at his word when he said he was "just kidding". Then drop it. Don't mention it, just forget about it. Your DH should have responded with a laugh and a "yeah, Dad, I figured you were just kidding!" Your FIL was fishing around to get your reaction...maybe he *could* get another $10,000 out of you. By completely dismissing his comments, your DH would be letting his dad know that paying more is not even an issue...it's simply not happening.

Okay I read your entire post and then went back and read it again...

When you said "Last night FIL called DH and said that he just bought a 2012 Ford Edge and that he could probably use some of the money that we still owed for the tahoe to get his tags and registration for the new car."

Have you paid him the full $10,000 or are you making payments to him until you reach $10,000? If you are making payments, have you been making them regularly or are you in arrears?

I guess that would determine which way my answer goes...

ETA: Thanks for the additional information. WOW...you're not going to come out of this one with the already strained relationship in tact. If he honestly believes that you are indebted to him for an additional $10,000 he is out of his mind. It doesn't sound like you will convince him otherwise because he will always feel you owe him that additional $10,000. If you want to totally get out from underneath 'this' why not offer to sell it back to him for the $10,000 less the depreciation so hypothetically say $8,000 and you go buy yourself a vehicle from NOONE you know...

I would not say another word about it to FIL. Leave it alone. You have all the paperwork. I would get my ducks in a row in case FIL decides to do something stupid. If you can get a copy of the check with his signature on the back that would be perfect. I'm a planner! I'm pretty optimistic but just in case...

Ugghh, how ridiculous! I wouldn't have done the deal in the first place and definitely wouldn't do any more in the future. As far as what do do now, let it go, he said it was a joke. He was probably having sellers remorse or something. If he brings it up again tell him to call Judge Judy!

Is money tight for your FIL?

If so, can you and husband afford to spot him some of the $$ upfront to help with tags, registration, etc?

I think it would be considered an act of good will and honor the fact that you did indeed receive a smokin' deal at someone's expense.

Do the right thing and do not look so black and white at the forms you signed 2 years ago for just $10K. If I were in your shoes, I'd cough up enough to help if that is the problem.

It's the ol' "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine." You and your husband are keeping tabs.

If someone ever offered me such a fantastic deal I would feel a obligated to repay some of the difference at some futre time with some kind of nice favor. Your chance is now. Be nice.

Wow what a mess. I would just show your FIL the paperwork you have showing it was sold to ya'll for $10,000. If he continues to insist, I would then say, I'm sorry but it was a done deal for $10,000 per the paperwork but if you don't agree, you can take us to court. He doesn't have a leg to stand on. He probably won't push it any more once you say that but if he does, then so be it. You've got the proof. Good luck!

Well I would have dropped in when the FIL said he was kidding, and maybe came up with some kinda 'witty' comeback.

You already know that there is nothing he can legally do, so why sweat it? It's your car and that is that.

I would "loan" your FIL another $2,000 to $4,000 and never expect to get it back. That way you will have paid more for the truck and he will have received enough to get him over the hard spot.

If it ever gets brought up, you can say, "But FIL, we paid you what you asked for the truck. Then we loaned you $XXXX and you never repaid us . . ."

Good luck to you and yours.

I wouldn't say or do anything just yet (except for maybe make sure you have all your paperwork). Maybe FIL was testing the waters to see if he could get more or maybe he was just joking. Since you said hubby doesn't have a good relationship with his family, it could be why it is bothering your hubby so much...sometimes a strained relationship can color how we interpret what is said.

If your FIL brings it up again, I would say "Dad, I know you were asking for more but you asked what we could afford and said that was acceptable. We told you to feel free to sell it elsewhere for more and you decided to go forward with selling it to us. We bought that car two years ago and it was paid in full. We are sorry if you are having seller's remorse but we do not owe you any more money. That said are you having a tough time right now? If so, do you need some help paying for something (food, other necessity)?"

If you have the title and paperwork, then you own the car outright.

What a crappy thing to say and do. If your FIL can't afford the tags on his new car, then he can't afford a new car. He's welcome to return the Edge and buy back the Tahoe for the $10,000 + any money you have put into the vehicle.

What would I do? Exactly what I said above. The deal was sealed when he signed over the car. He can't go back now, but he can buy back his old car and try to resell it for whatever it's worth now.

So basically, the sale was good til he wanted another vehicle HE could not afford? Tough. FIL will not like it, but if the Tahoe is in your name, bought and paid for and has been yours for 2 years, don't give it back. Once the ownership has been transferred, it's done. Your DH should not drop off the Tahoe because then you and he will be out $10K AND a vehicle. Say "Sorry, Dad, that ship sailed 2 years ago."

ETA: He may regret taking $10K for it, but if you paid in full 2 years ago, and he cashed it and accepted it as payment in full, he doesn't get to go back now and say, "Well....I don't like that deal." What a jerk!

I agree with Marda P.'s advice . . .

Wow, that's seriously sneaky and conniving on FIL's part.

Just stand your ground. Don't pay another dime.

You signed papers, have the title and registration in hand, $10K was the agreed upon amount and you paid that. There's nothing else owed. It's not your fault that his dad now has seller's remorse.

its a done deal-sounds like FIL is a pretty selfish you know what..it was crazy for him to even call n ask something so utterly stupid.tell him if he calls again-come get the truck with the ten grand.otherwise shut his mouth about it.stupid is as stupid does! plus 2 yrs after the fact..yea ok...unreal avoid all calls for awhile...

If it turns out your FIL wasn't joking and he tries to pursue it again, dig up the contract. Your FIL would have to take you to court to get any more money from you and your husband and he'd have to prove that you owe another $10K on top of what you already paid. You should still have the canceled check, by the way. You're going to need proof that you paid that $10K if he ever does pursue it.

Also, if he says, "But I really need an additional $10K even though we agreed..." you can always offer to sell the Tahoe back to him for what you paid for it. See how he likes having the tables turned.

Chances are he'll just piss and moan for a while, but I wouldn't take it seriously just yet.