HELP- Trying to Locate the Previous Owner of My Truck

I agree with 90% of that. I will point out that I bought the truck from a large and well-known BMW dealership, not Jerry's Car Lot, so I don't think it's fair to say that I should expect less than standard treatment. Also, I am not asking them to move the earth, I just wish they would call the guy. I agree that most of the suggestions are extreme. That being said, I didn't buy some beater off their lot, it was an expensive vehicle, and I think I deserve a little customer service in return. I know they're not obligated to do anything for me, and I am not laying awake at night wondering about this key. I posted on here wondering if anyone had a creative solution that would let me circumvent the dealership. Oh well.

 

My wife and I bought a 2016 Highlander and sure enough they only had one fob. So I asked them for the 2nd one and they said "the previous owner forgot to bring it in". Before I finalized the deal I made them give me one of those "I Owe You" forms and include a working fob and key. After a week of them saying they were trying to get ahold of the prior owner I raised hell and they had me go in by appointment to get a new key and fob. Depending on the market there is only one authorized Toyota locksmith going from dealership to dealership.

The fact is that it is very common to have people trade in a vehicle and forget to bring their 2nd fob. Heck I have forgotten in the past because my wife carries it. But I have always made it a point to drop it off later.

Just as common is for the dealer to hope the customer buying the vehicle doesn't notice. That's why those I owe you slips are super important, as they are part of a contractual agreement.

Lastly, as soon as you get your fob, test it AND test the physical key. They did not get my physical key correctly made the first time.

 

Bought a used Jeep Liberty and encountered the same thing. I had the dealer put in writing that they would go next door to Jeep dealer and get replacements if previous owner did not get the keys to them as promised. Fortunately the dealer got the FOB and key and mailed to me. Dealer was across town and getting over there would have been a pain. I will not buy without 2 sets of keys. I have key tag and laminated window sticker for my Tacoma. I told dealer I traded with that I had them but they had no interest in getting to the new owner.