I suppose depends on state but my state does not have a "grand theft auto" statute. We have unauthorized use of a motor vehicle which is a misdemeanor but that really does not fit and misdemeanor theft and felony theft but again there was a contract entered so it becomes a civil matter. I am sure every state is different. I would think the buyer would have to be advised that they were being tracked (certainly could have been in the contract as many do not read contracts right?) or they might have a civil case against whoever placed the tracking device. Not sure most places allow tracking individuals without some kind of cause or consent. If I were the OP I would read over his/her contract. I would be leery to remove it myself in case it killed the vehicle. Too many unknowns. Is it new vehicle or used? maybe the OP is a 16yoa kid and his parents have installed it to keep track of his whereabouts lol.
(2) A person convicted of unauthorized use of motor vehicles shall be fined not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for any term not to exceed 6 months, or both. It is an affirmative defense that the offender reasonably believed that the owner would have consented to the operation had the owner known of it.
Unauthorized Use Of Motor Vehicles
45-6-308. Unauthorized use of motor vehicles. (1) A person commits the offense of unauthorized use of motor vehicles if the person knowingly operates the automobile, airplane, motorcycle, quadricycle, motorboat, or other motor-propelled vehicle of another without the other's consent.(2) A person convicted of unauthorized use of motor vehicles shall be fined not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for any term not to exceed 6 months, or both. It is an affirmative defense that the offender reasonably believed that the owner would have consented to the operation had the owner known of it.