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Thread: Spare fob key (very expensive from dealer - other options?)

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  1. #21
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    computer chip auto key option

    My local ACE Hardware store in Wisconsin will do a key with a computer chip for $40. That price includes cutting the new key & programming the new key to your car in their parking lot. Some of the newer styles of auto keys are not cut completely through all the metal material on both side, & they can't copy those. From my understanding ACE Hardware could cut me a new key with a computer chip for my Mirage, because it's an older style type of key (same type of double-sided cut key that has been used for decades in cars). My Subaru has the newer style key, and they can't cut that type of key with their equipment.

    As everyone knows, dealer charges for key replacement are expensive. Not sure the benefit of this feature is worth the extra cost, but it's unavoidable in today's cars. My experience is based on being a "behind-the-wheel" instructor in my community. Several instructors share a couple cars. Rather than buy several expensive computer chip keys, we have have $2 keys made without chips. We use those keys to access the car. A computer chip key is kept in the glove box to start the car. For years, that has worked for us. The owner of my driving school wasn't going to buy multiple expensive keys. He may have bought the $40 replacement keys, but that wasn't an option until recently.

    Some of our newest cars have the new style of key that can't even be cut by your local hardware store. Thankfully, those cars also have key pay entries. We use the key pad code to enter the car and pull the one key we all share to start that car out of the glove box. Not a perfect system, but it works. Someone could bust a window and drive off with one of our cars, but it has student driver plastered all over it. It would stick out anywhere!

    The bottom line - ACE Hardware in my area could make me a key that would start my 2017 Mirage ES, & it would only cost $40. For my Subaru, I am out of luck. I would have to rely on the dealer, because of the style of key it is.

    I think more hardware stores will have this option as time goes on.

  2. The Following User Says Thank You to Mark For This Useful Post:

    Pryme (02-24-2018)

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