It’s a common frustration for car owners: needing a replacement key fob, especially for newer models. Dealerships often quote exorbitant prices, leaving you wondering if there’s a more affordable way. If you drive a Mitsubishi, you might be particularly concerned about the cost of a Mitsubishi Key Fob Replacement. One Mitsubishi owner recently discovered a smart approach to get a third key fob without paying a fortune, and here’s their story.
Initially, the owner of a new 2023 Mitsubishi SEL Premium sought a third key fob for convenience, as three people in the household use the vehicle. The dealer’s quote of $600 was a shock. Determined to find a better deal, they turned to online marketplaces and found a blank key fob on eBay for under $40. This aftermarket mitsubishi key fob replacement looked identical to the original and had the same FCC and chip IDs.
The next step was programming. Contacting local automotive locksmiths seemed promising at first, with initial quotes ranging from $120 to $175. However, reality struck when locksmith after locksmith called back, stating they lacked the software for “exotic” Mitsubishi vehicles in the US. This highlights a common challenge: not all locksmiths are equipped for every make and model, especially for a mitsubishi key fob programming.
Dejected but not defeated, the owner returned to the dealership. To their surprise, the service department agreed to attempt programming the eBay key fob, estimating a 50% success rate and quoting a reasonable $95 fee. Interestingly, the sales manager’s curiosity was piqued by the owner’s initiative. Upon learning about the online purchase and price, he checked the dealer’s cost for a mitsubishi key fob replacement, which was around $350. Driven by curiosity, the sales manager offered to program the aftermarket key fob for free.
The gamble paid off. The programming was successful, and the owner now had three functional key fobs for their Mitsubishi! Even if the $95 programming fee had applied, the total cost would have been significantly less than the initial $600 quote. This real-world example demonstrates that exploring aftermarket options for a mitsubishi key fob replacement and negotiating with dealerships can lead to substantial savings. While this particular story didn’t require emergency key cutting, it’s worth noting that this would be an additional, but likely still cheaper, step if needed. This resourceful approach offers a valuable lesson for anyone needing a mitsubishi key fob replacement: do your research, explore alternatives, and you might just save yourself a significant amount of money.
