Sam was driving when someone ran a stop sign and totaled his car. his car cannot be repaired, so he realizes he's going to have to get another one. what stage of the consumer decision-making process does this represent.

The stage of the consumer decision making process that is represented is needing recognition. When Sam's car was totaled by someone hitting a stop sign, Sam found out his car could not be repaired therefor he discovered that he needed a new car. This was recognizing the need, which was to replace his vehicle.