That's just crazy-talk .. and with an AX??

 

Man you guys are harsh! I don't know what the laws are in Indianapolis but in Quebec there is a law against "hidden defects". When signing a contract for the sale of the car (even from a private citizen to another) there is a section in which to include parts that need to be repaired. If the seller hides or doesn't disclose major problems with the car, the buyer can sue the seller.

I presume you asked the dealer if there was any damage or that he insinuated the car was in good shape given its low mileage. The dealer knowingly sold you a car with considerable damage and a missing part. If you've owned the car for less than 6 months I would insist the dealer makes the most important repairs if not, just do them yourself and pay for it and take them to small claims court for the price of the work and if the judge rules in your favor, you'll get your money back in 2 years. If you can prove the dealer was deceitful or hid the fact there was preexisting damage, I think you have a case. In my province it would work, I dunno about it 'merica. Good luck

 

Anyone can SUE a dealer - but it can be an expensive process and they are often better lawyered up than a private citizen might be.

I don't know about Indianapolis - or Canada, but there are Lemon laws to protect the car buyer in our area (Md and VA)
In Virginia, for instance -
from the DMV site: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/lemonlaw.html

What is the Lemon Law?

If your new vehicle is a lemon, Virginia's Lemon Law requires the manufacturer of the car to refund your money or replace the vehicle.
How do I know if my vehicle's a lemon?

If you have tried unsuccessfully to have your new vehicle (purchased in Virginia) repaired three or more times for the same problem, or the vehicle has been out of service for more than thirty days in one year, your vehicle may be classified as a lemon under the Virginia Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act.
Filing a Claim

If you think your vehicle is a lemon, contact the Office of the Attorney General before filing a claim under this Act. All claims must be filed within 18 months following the date you first received the vehicle.


In Maryland, its a bit different:

Return Vehicle to Dealer or Manufacturer (Buy Back or Lemon Law)


There are two scenarios in which you may be able to return your vehicle to the dealer or manufacturer. The first scenario, known as a “buy back”, occurs when you and the dealer from whom you bought your new or used vehicle mutually agree to the vehicle’s repurchase during the first 60 days after you take delivery.
The second scenario is when your new passenger car, light truck or motorcycle has repeated or serious mechanical problems. Maryland’s “lemon law," CL §14-1501 through 14-1503, identifies three situations when the manufacturer must replace or repurchase the vehicle:
Return Vehicle to Dealer or Manufacturer (Buy Back or Lemon Law)

 

In quebec (Canada) you can go to small claim court and represent yourself for claims up to around 5000$ (Approx). Since the value of the OP's claim would be well under that, I'd go for it. Send a letter to the dealer through registered Mail requiring he pays for the repairs and then go to small claims court (if he refuses to pay). He might elect to settle out of court and cut a deal.

 

It is YOUR responsibility to check the car over. Just like its your responsibilty to inspect a home before you buy.

I bought my car new from the Honda dealership that my employer also owns. They knew who I was (Master Tech) and still gave me a hard time when I asked to inspect the car before taking delivery. I told them rack the car or I walk.

Cut your losses. Fix it and enjoy the car. It's going last a LONG time.