We’ve all been there. You get a new car, and it comes with two keys. One becomes your everyday key, and the other… well, who knows where that second key fob ends up? For some car owners, especially those passionate about their ride like owners of a sporty Fiat, that second key might feel almost irrelevant. But is it really? And what happens when it comes to selling or trading in your vehicle, particularly when it involves a valuable piece of tech like a Fiat Key Fob?
It’s easy to adopt a nonchalant attitude towards a spare fiat key fob. “It’s my car, I only need one key,” you might think. And for daily driving, that’s true. However, the moment you decide to part ways with your vehicle, whether through a dealer trade-in or a private sale, that second key fob suddenly gains significant importance. Dealers certainly understand this value, and they should be upfront about it.
Ideally, when you trade in a car, the dealership should clearly state, “If the second key fob is missing, we will have to deduct from our offer.” A fair deduction, like $350, reflects the real cost and hassle of replacing a missing fiat key fob. This isn’t just about them being picky; it’s about responsible business. The dealer will eventually need to acquire a replacement fiat key fob for the next buyer. Sadly, many dealerships are just as lax as individual owners when it comes to tracking these crucial car components.
Private sales should follow the same principle. As a buyer, you’re well within your rights to request a price reduction if only one fiat key fob is provided. Think of it as protecting your future self. Losing your only key can be a major headache and expense, especially with modern, sophisticated systems like those in Fiat vehicles.
A personal anecdote perfectly illustrates this point. When purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Nissan Frontier, the dealer initially claimed only one key fob was available, promising to mail the second one later. However, by insisting on holding back a portion of the payment until the second fob materialized, it miraculously appeared within minutes! This proactive stance ensured that a potentially missing key fob – a valuable component just like a fiat key fob – was properly accounted for.
So, whether you drive a Fiat or any other vehicle, remember the importance of that second key fob. It’s not just an extra; it’s a valuable part of your car’s package and crucial for maintaining its resale value and your peace of mind. Don’t let the case of the missing key fob become your problem when it’s easily avoidable.
