“total loss” is not a real good term.

I have sold probably a dozen previous salvage cars over the years. I disclosed it to every buyer. Most reputable dealers will because if they dont, they can get sued and a car dealer does not want to go in front of a judge because judges tend to side with the buyer in matters of disclosure.

The seller of the car SHOULD have told you, indeed had you sign something that says he told you. Thats the right thing to do.

That said, its possible the seller didnt know.

Its possible, but not likely the finance company did not know.

Any car that goes to any kind of even half-assed dealer auction has every car checked and if it has a previous salvage title, its written in big letters on the window.

If by some chance, its not, the dealer can & would return the car for a full refend. Retail buyers should get the same.