My question involves an auto loan or repossession in the State of: California

My mother helped a friend get a car. She was suppossed to be a co signer but ended up being the buyer. The person who she bought the car for never made a payment in 8 months and we could not find them. The car has since been charged off by Toyota financial. She received phone calls but she is 74 years old and never talked to the finance co. cuz she was all stressed out and thought that they would pay. I finally found the car brought it to her house and before we could do anything it was repo'd. I want to try and save her credit can a charged off car be reinstated?. Anyone know the laws in Ca?