Key Problem

[Graberhieny]

I have now lost ALL the copies to car. So, basically I do not have a key to my car. I have looked everywhere for this key. It was my only key left and now it is missing. The question is can I go to the dealer and will they be able to give me a new key? Also I do not have the key plate that comes with the car. I did not receive it from the previous owner. I called the locksmith but he told me that it would be around 175 bucks for him to make me a key. I feel so stupid right now for not making time to get a copy of a key made.

Gonna be home all weekend!!!

[allensteiner]

$175!!!??? outrageous. my buddy lost keys to his car and the dealer told him: $11.13 for the key + $2 for mailing it to him. check a diferent locksmith - should be able to make a key from a vin number - and it shouldn't cost that much! i go to an old grandma and grandpa locksmith shop to copy all my keyes and they do it for free.

[ZGadson]

If you've got a newer car, the key has a small chip in it for increased security, hence the price shock.

[Graberhieny]

But I do not think it would that expensive though. I only have a 1995 Nissan Maxima and I am sure that there is not a chip in it. Man, I cannot believe it that I have lost all my copies of my keys. That is ridiculous. Also I think that it is so expensive to make the key, because the locksmith would come to my house and somehow make a engraving from my ignition switch and make a key for my car.

[allensteiner]

i have an 05 bonneville with the chipped keyes - $10 shipped off ebay, cut for free.

[allensteiner]

call a dealership, should be cheap and there's no chip in our year models.

[Graberhieny]

I mean you do realize that I do not have any key for them to make a copy from. I need to have a copy make from scratch. I am not sure if I was clear or not because that seems kinda cheap. I was also wondering does the dealership keep records of the keys for each independent car. Such as if I would give them my VIN number and they can cut my key from that information that I give them.

[allensteiner]

that's how it works, you give them the vin - they give you the key

[Graberhieny]

PERFECT...Thanks for the help man. I am going to be able to take it easy now knowing that it can be done at a fairly reasonable price. It is much much better than $175. I guess I will head out there on Monday and talk to them. Once again thanks.

Hopefully one day I will know enough about these cars and be able to help out other people...lol

[allensteiner]

everyday i learn something new, glad i could help.

[Graberhieny]

Holy Crap!!! These locksmiths are outrageous. I found one that services on Sunday is only 5 miles away from my car and he ended up charging me 120 dollars. It literally took him about 20 minutes to do the whole process. Anyone else pay this steep of a price to get a key made for their car.

I would have going to the dealership, but they were in the process of moving into their new building and today is Sunday so they close. I got to have my car Monday morning. I got training at my new job.

[allensteiner]

$120...wow...better than $175 though