>>For a fact he had no other choice or reasonable option.<<
In CA his simpler and easier choice is to submit his "notice of release of interest and non responsibility". Belated submittal is still accepted and valid.
Leaving the car in impound allows the title to be acquired by the tow co thru the lien sale process.
Seems like neither the buyer nor the seller followed the laws.
Prudent thing to do is see an atty.
I actually described this whole thing to my bro, who IS an atty, yesterday. His comment was that "this is a real mess, that could get ugly if the buyer shows up in the next year". There, that is free, third hand legal advice, FWIW, u get what u pay for....LOL
Plastic trucks suck...
Iron trucks rule...