I'm really sorry to here of your saga. It is really disheartening to have an experience like that and I would be crushed if that had happened to me. Your demeanor and approach to the problem really speaks to your character. GO after that dealership with both barrels blazing...legally speaking. Whether or not the dealer knew about the defect does not excuse there unwillingness to be helpful.
Good luck man!
Sean
Good luck man!
Sean