Are they liable for the Damage to my car?

I purchased a used 1992 300zx Joe meyers toyota and when i test drove it it was making a knocking sound. The representative with me at the time told me i had nothing to worry about, it was just lifter tick and needed an oil change The very next day i proceeded with the oil change and still no luck. So the following week i came to the dealership and told them my car still has the 30 day warranty i need to get it checked, its making strange noises and isnt running correctly. The Same salesman went inside and came back 15 minutes later to notify me there was nothing he can do about it and i still had 3 weeks left of warranty. Well a month later im driving on the freeway and my car turns off and smoke starts coming out of my exhaust. I have the engine pulled and checked by a ASE certified mechanic and he told me the car had a bent rod on cylinder #6 (This was supposedly that "Lifter Tick noise the salesman told me about) and a damaged piston on cylinder #5. Why was I told it was nothing to worry about? Was the Salesman ASE certified? How did he know? What happened to "Just one more reason to shop here with us at Joe Myers Toyota where people make the difference!"The only difference they made was neglect my service and wasted my time and money.