Archived Buying a used car

[pellinore]

I just bought a used car (Monday afternoon) and once all the paperwork was done they gave me the "keys" to my car.

Well, I only got one key. Does anyone know if, when buying a used car, if the company has to provide you with more keys?

the key I have has a computer chip in it so that the car can't be started without the key. If I lose my one key then I'm screwed because the whole security immobilizer has to be replaced......and I'm sure that doing this is expensive.

The dealers told me that, if I wanted another key it could cost "quite a lot of money." So, what would I do if I lost the key or if it gets deactivated...what happens?

My second question is also about the safety security feature of the car........when the key is in the ignition there's this little red light that is supposed stay on.......and when the key is out the light is supposed to blink.

Well, it blinks and it stays on this but it is the opposite way it should be. Shouldn't the dealer have to make sure that these security features are working properly?

On Tuesday morning I plan to call the toyota company and see whet they have to say about someone selling their cars without the correct numbers of keys.
I hope that this is able to be fixed without any problems.....or I might be looking for another car!

 

[catrainer]

I only got one key with my car. You can get a new key made for about $50-$100

 

[whippingboy]

The new cars I've had always gives two, used cars give whatever they have. You might want to check Lowe's to see if they can make you a key. I was lucky enough to have them make a copy of a high security key fairly recently. It is pretty pricey, though.

 

[SFSFun]

Used cars come with however many sets of keys the dealer has. They aren't going to spend money on an extra key because they know you won't ask until after the deal is done and your mind about wanting the car is already made up.

Depending on the model, extra keys can be very expensive. A friend of mine bought a 10 year old Honda (loaded with all the options), and the dealer recommended he get the key replacement warranty and just use that to get a second key. Otherwise it would cost over $200.

 

[buliSBI]

I just bought a used car (Monday afternoon) and once all the paperwork was done they gave me the "keys" to my car.

Well, I only got one key. Does anyone know if, when buying a used car, if the company has to provide you with more keys?

the key I have has a computer chip in it so that the car can't be started without the key. If I lose my one key then I'm screwed because the whole security immobilizer has to be replaced......and I'm sure that doing this is expensive.

The dealers told me that, if I wanted another key it could cost "quite a lot of money." So, what would I do if I lost the key or if it gets deactivated...what happens?

My second question is also about the safety security feature of the car........when the key is in the ignition there's this little red light that is supposed stay on.......and when the key is out the light is supposed to blink.

Well, it blinks and it stays on this but it is the opposite way it should be. Shouldn't the dealer have to make sure that these security features are working properly?

On Tuesday morning I plan to call the toyota company and see whet they have to say about someone selling their cars without the correct numbers of keys.
I hope that this is able to be fixed without any problems.....or I might be looking for another car!

It really depends on the key, if it is an encoded key, some key cutters can copy them. Usually runs $40-50. If its a laser cut key, then you will have to go to a Toyota or whoever dealer to make a new one. That can run about $100.

Save some money and see if you can just get a door key made, or a non remote key made.

 

[TGT Minion]

Good luck with that, I ended up paying $350 to get my extra key made, they did give me a discount on the car to help with the cost since they couldn't do it for us (different dealership). The key was $250 and to get it activated/keyed another $100.

 

[Bosch]

Key blanks - eBay, they usually fit several models. Mopar early 2000's are like that, they just change dodge/jeep/Chrysler stamp on the key. Some locksmiths now have the DRBIII tool or a like tool to copy the programming over and can cut it as well a bit cheaper than a dealer.

Dealers give the keys they get with the car on trade or when they buy them at auction.

Or when totally screwed you buck up and pay the dealer. I can tell you I have never seen in a key in 15 years lose the program, usually it's controller that goes bad. And that is rare.

Been in your shoes, eBay key blank and a very nice dealership only charged the tech time to program my last key for my truck. But in the mean time get a dumb key cut so you can get in the car if you lock your keys in it.

 

[Codeteam15]

Working at a car dealer as a mechanic. To answer your questions. A dealer will only give as many keys as they have. Also if you lose your key you will have to get a new key and it will be coded to your vehicle.