Dolphin Automotive Wholesale Sold a car that needed $7000 in repairs Pompano Beach Florida

Florida laws allow Used cars to be sold AS-IS. As you said buyer beware. This should apply to any purchase whether on Ebay or anywhere else.

True you were screwed but you should have personally travelled to the dealership to look at the car or worked with a friend nearby to have him drive it for a road test and to stop off at a mechanic to have him look at it.

Also info from FTC:

BEFORE YOU BUY A USED CAR
Whether you buy a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a
neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the
car:

Examine the car yourself using an inspection checklist. You
can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books
and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.

Test drive the car under varied road conditions on hills,
highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't
have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most
of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is
unfamiliar with the car's history.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.