Complaint Review: Family Auto Mart

You state in your complaint that you know you bought the car "as is". This means the dealer  assumes no responsibility for any repairs now or in the future. The only person you should be upset with is yourself because apparently you are not happy with the sale terms you agreed with at the time of purchase. Apparently the dealer made a good faith attempt to please you because you state they repaired the transmission even though it was an as is sale. I understand your buyers remorse about your "as is " puchase however after you have been driving the car for a year it's unreasonable to expect any dealer to refund your money. Based on the picture this is an old vehicle and you can safely assume that you will have to spend money to keep it on the road. If the transmission was repaired by the lot what exactly has been you hardship? Were there other repairs or are you just upset that its not a new car?

When a vehicle has been wrecked or damaged so badly that the cost of repairing or rebuilding is 80% or more of the cost to completely replace the vehicle, then it's considered a salvage. Often it's then taken to a salvage yard for destruction.Before getting rid of your salvage vehicle, however, you must apply for a salvage certificate of title. If you're handling the damaged vehicle through an insurance company, usually the insurance company will take care of this for you. If you're not affiliated with an insurance company, please call DMV Customer Service at (850) 617-2000 for instructions on obtaining a salvage title. You can also download theApplication for Salvage Title.To obtain a salvage title, bring the following to your tax collector's office:Completed Application for Salvage Title.One of the following: the vehicle's original Florida certificate of title, the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO), or an out-of-state title.Applicable fees (contact your local office for fee schedule, as it may vary by county).When Rebuilding is a PossibilitySometimes a car has suffered extensive damage, but doesn't meet the 80% rule to be legally declared salvage. In that case, a Salvage Rebuildable title may be issued.The tricky part begins when you wish to purchase a vehicle that has been rebuilt from salvaged parts. This industry has been damaged by too many cases of fraud and dishonesty, so protecting yourself is very important.A rebuilt vehicle should always have a notice on the title stating that it is rebuilt. The owner will also receive a decal that must be placed on the car, signifying its rebuilt status.Buyer BewareIt's a third-degree felony to knowingly misrepresent a rebuilt vehicle to a prospective buyer. But unfortunately, it still happens. You can protect yourself as a buyer by requesting a title search on the vehicle.For a reasonable fee, you can order a vehicle history report. It can tell you where the car was previously registered, whether the vehicle was salvaged, recalled or damaged by flood, and also if the odometer reading is correct.

Your argument is invalid.  

"In the future, I would recommend asking for the Car Fax vehicle history report. It is free for the dealer to provide to you."

  Not a good strategy at all.    If you're car shopping buy your own Carfax.  Unscrupulous dealers commonly show their customers a Carfax for a different vehicle (same model, but different VIN) or an altered (i.e. edited) Carfax. 

  Second, services like Carfax will not always have accurate data on a particular car (see their disclaimer).   If the shop that fixed the car does not report the work, it won't show up.   What you really need to do is have the vehicle checked out by a trusted mechanic.  He will immediately be able to spot things like previous repaired damage and major components that are about to fail.  There's really no substitute for having the vehicle independently inspected.   Anything less is just rolling the dice with your money.

I neither work for FAM or have purchased from them. I am merely car shopping at this point in time, and felt like I needed to respond to this complaint as a fellow car shopper.

The car dealership may have known this car had been in an accident, yes. However, they are not really obligated to tell you that. They are a business and I think most people can agree businesses are about making money. Gone are the days of honest little mom/pop shops and the like.

As a car buyer, you must be proactive! There are commercials on all the time for "Show me the Car Fax" - you have had to of seen it at least once. Or be aware of Car Fax Vehicle History reports in doing your own car buying research.... If you did any.
In the future, I would recommend asking for the Car Fax vehicle history report. It is free for the dealer to provide to you. If possible, take the car to a trusted mechanic, or at least one of your choosing prior to signing anything. And, never agree to any contract that makes you feel like you are "being ripped off" (IE payments too high, car not worth the asking price, unfair financing practices, etc). Maintain your own accountability and people will respect what you have to say. Good luck.