salvage title purchase

I'm located in California. Approximately 5 months ago I purchased a 1998 Honda Civic from a private seller. I remember specifically asking him if it was previously crashed or salvaged and he said "Not that I know of." But a few months ago I had to have the radiator replaced and the mechanic said that my car had been in a major accident. I checked the CarFax report and found out that my car had received a junk title in Pennsylvania and a salvage title in Colorado. I tried to contact the person I bought the car from but found out that he had mysteriously moved away. Is there anything I can do? Can I sue him? How can I find him? Is there anyway I can get my money back since he obviously lied when he said "Not that I know of."

hello? can someone please help me on this matter? i would be forever grateful for any advice i can get...

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

You're out of luck.

California, like most States, follows the rule of Caveat Emptor ("Let the Buyer Beware") in a private vehicle transaction.

You had a duty to yourself to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic prior to your purchase. Since you failed to do that, you have no recourse.

IAAL