Let me start by saying that I totally had this coming. Found a Diablo tuner on CL for $350. I debated it for 2 days and finally decided that this was a good deal and was going to pull the trigger. When I looked it up to contact the seller, he had dropped the price to $250. What a steal, right??? Well, you guessed it, after texting and then asking him to his face if it was unlocked and being told absolutely yes, got it home and it was locked. Of course. I guess this isn't a total loss seeing that if I'd bought it new, it would cost the same as it's going to cost me now. Diablo wants $159 to unlock it for me. This is totally understandable seeing as how they have to make their money too. I just wish i had checked the thing out before i handed him my money. Some people are just unscrupulous. Beware. If it sounds too good, it probably is.

 

Same problem we have been warning people about for years now. Much better off with a local face-to-face sale where you can plug it in on the spot.

And not to add more salt to the wound, but you can get new ones for $309 with free shipping on amazon.

 

Take him to small claims court.

 

better yet give him a black eye then take him to court.

 

Yep, live and learn. Really thinking on going the black eye/court route though. Problem is I only have the vin number of his car...no last name, so I don't have any way to find out who he is. I know where the car was purchased, but i'm assuming that they won't release that information to me.

 

Get a car fax report. It will say who bought it, sold it bough it sold it etc. it will have the current/last owner on the report.

 

Unfortunately when you buy anything over the internet it's buyer beware, especially when buying from Craigslist or eBay. But it sounds like you actually met up with this guy locally. Should have checked the status before handing him the cash, although I am sure you know that now. I know occasionally I have taken sellers on their word too and luckily haven't been burnt yet.

Sucks you got taken! On a positive note the Diablo is a great tuner!

 

I bet he bought it used and locked too, and was simply passing his troubles on. That's a tough one id try and get my money back, or take it back to him and say unlock it or delete from his vehicle- unless it was the first scenario I mentioned.

 

Here in sc, I can go to he local county website, type in a vin # and get the owners tax records, address... It's all public record.

 

Glad I don't live there, VIN is too easy to see/get.