Dealer sold me a 2016 car as "Quality Verified" - engine died ~6 months later. Worth taking to VCAT?

Oct 2025: bought a car from a licensed used-car dealer in Victoria around 94,000 km, advertised as "Quality Verified."

About 2 months in I got a "low oil level" warning. I topped it up, then brought the service forward when it warned again.

About 6 months in (and ~13,000 km later), the engine blew smoke and lost power on the highway. A mechanic found a misfire and a compression test of 40 PSI on one cylinder (should be ~120) — says it needs a replacement engine.

Turns out this engine has a well-documented oil-consumption/piston-ring design fault, and mine was built in the period commonly affected.

The dealer refused any remedy. Consumer Affairs got involved; still refused. Manufacturer says my VIN isn't in any campaign and won't comment without a paid inspection.

The 3-month statutory used-car warranty had expired, but I'm relying on the ACL (acceptable quality / major failure) and want a refund/remedy.

Anyone run a similar ACL/VCAT claim on a used car? Realistic chances? Refund vs repair-and-claim?