[daleone3]

I have no dog in the fight either but it has become the way of the world. Buying cars interstate or in this case out of Canada is a crap shoot and you really have no recourse under any circumstances without litigating and any attorney will tell you that you have very little chance of recovery after legal fees.
I had a friend bought a Nova out of mid west and got beyond screwed, was nothing like described, front springs chopped, headers dragging as it came off the truck, gauges did not work body was far worse than portrayed. He called an Attorney and was told to chalk it up to experience. It is unfortunate that you cannot trust people and I understand that after developing a rapport you felt that you had "bonded" with the seller however I would offer that was a tactic and not genuine to draw you in.
I also find it interesting that the posts advertising the car are no longer up, leads me to believe further that the plan was to misrepresent the condition of the car as any posting could potentially be used for litigation.
To the earlier point, get an inspection or view the car in person and assume that no matter what, you are dealing with someone that will take advantage of you. Condition is a subjective thing, I say a car is in excellent condition....what is my measure? My opinion, my experience?
This is a shame but I really don't think you have any recourse that would be less expensive than fixing the car the way you want it and moving on.
Best of luck, sorry to hear this happened.