My question involves vehicle maintenance laws for the State of: Florida
My wife's mother and father decided to purchase a 2011 mazda3, used. It came with a 30 day warranty. They specifically requested a suggestion for a safe vehicle to road trip their daughter and grand daughter from Fort Lauderdale FL to Lancaster PA, for my wedding. They liked the way this car drove and looked, and decided to purchase it. One and a half months after the purchase, they were mid roadtrip and hit a rain storm. The car began to tail whip slightly on the wet road where they proceed to pull over fearing an accident. They arrived and decided they needed new rear tires. I took the car to my personal mechanic. They lifted the car to change the tires and immediately called me to come and look and the reason for the tail whips. The car had been in a accident and had a fair suspension problem. Specifically, the rear driver sided control arm was bent holding the rear tire at an angle. (it was very obvious) They showed me where the exterior was repaired and re painted and proceeded to show me the internal mechanical issues rendering the car unsafe to drive. They instructed me to drive the car home and park it until we were able to get the part replaced. They explained that the car would not pass inspection in any state requiring inspection and they could not believe the 24 hour road trip did not end in an accident.
They suggested I attempt to sue the dealership for the cost of the repairs and other potential damages. I'm infuriated at the fact that this car was deemed safe by the sales manager for a two year old, 21 year old, and my in-laws. I would like to take action.
Do they have a case?
If so, where do we start?
Thanks in advance.
-Josh

