Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a stressful experience. If you’re looking into replacing your key fob, understanding your options and the associated costs is crucial. Many car owners find themselves searching for “We Buy Key Fobs Reviews” when trying to navigate the replacement process. This guide will walk you through what you need to know about key fob replacements, drawing on expert advice to help you make the best decision.
Dealer vs. Aftermarket Key Fobs: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to getting a new key fob, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go to a dealership or consider aftermarket options. For vehicles made within the last five years, experts like John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic, often recommend dealerships. This is primarily due to the sophisticated programming equipment now required for modern key fobs.
The Dealership Advantage
Dealerships have the specific tools and expertise needed to program new key fobs, especially for newer models. As highlighted by a service advisor at Hoffman Audi, for brands like Audi, you often must go to the dealer. These vehicles have built-in security chips in their fobs that are uniquely programmed and cannot be reprogrammed by third parties. This security measure, while ensuring vehicle safety, means aftermarket fobs may simply not work. The advisor noted, “If you want a new key fob for your Audi, it has to come from us.” This exclusivity extends to many European brands because their digital key encryption is often only programmable by the manufacturer or select, authorized outlets.
Considering Aftermarket Options: Weighing the Risks
While the allure of cheaper aftermarket key fobs online is strong, it’s important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Some dealerships, like Audi and Subaru, explicitly state they won’t work with aftermarket fobs. Other dealerships, such as Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge and Lexus, might be willing to attempt programming aftermarket fobs as a customer service, but with caveats. A Lexus service advisor explained, “We shy away from working with aftermarket key fobs. We can’t warranty parts or labor, and if we try to program it and it doesn’t work, we still have to charge them for our labor.” This means you could end up paying for labor without a working key fob if you choose the aftermarket route.
Understanding Key Fob Replacement Costs
Cost is a significant factor when considering key fob replacement. Going to a dealer, while often necessary, doesn’t always have to be exorbitantly expensive.
Dealer Pricing: What to Expect
The price of a dealer key fob replacement can vary significantly depending on the car brand. For European brands like Audi, replacements can be pricier. The average price for an Audi key fob replacement, including programming, was quoted at around $500. However, costs can be more reasonable for other brands. For example, a Volkswagen dealer quoted approximately $225 for a new fob with a laser-cut key and programming for a 2015 VW Jetta. This shows that even dealer prices can be competitive.
Saving Money with Certain Brands
Some brands offer more budget-friendly options. General Motors, for instance, is known for having less expensive key fobs. A Chevrolet spokesman mentioned that key fob programming for some models doesn’t necessarily require a dealership visit. For certain Chevrolet models, the programming procedure is even described in the owner’s manual, allowing for potential DIY programming if you have two existing, working keys. This can save you both time and money. A quote of $147.98 was given for a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu key fob with keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start, highlighting the potential savings.
Key Fob Programming: A Quick Process
If you do need to visit a dealer, the good news is that key fob programming is usually a relatively quick process. Most dealers contacted indicated that programming typically takes only 15 to 30 minutes. Even when including the time to cut a mechanical spare key, the entire process rarely exceeds an hour. This means you can often get your key fob replaced and programmed within a reasonable timeframe, minimizing inconvenience.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Key Fob Replacement Decision
When searching for “we buy key fobs reviews,” remember that the best path for key fob replacement depends on your car’s make, model, and year. For newer, especially European, vehicles, dealerships often provide the most reliable solution due to security and programming complexities. While aftermarket options might seem cheaper initially, they come with risks of incompatibility and potential labor costs without guaranteed success. By understanding your options and the associated costs and considering reviews and expert advice, you can make an informed decision to get back on the road quickly and securely.
