As the technology incorporated into vehicle keys has become increasingly complex in recent years, so has the cost of buying spares. Main dealers and garages invariably charge in excess of £250 to supply a programmed car remote key.

People looking to save money will invariably search the web and they will find websites offering reconditioned remotes at a fraction of the price.

The sellers of these products simply state that the buyer will have to do the following:-

1. Find a locksmith that is suitably equipped.

2. Replace and cut a new mechanical key.

3. Reprogram the transponder and remote to the new vehicle.

All very fine in theory and initially it may seem that there could be a potential saving of up to 50%, when compared to the cost of a remote key from a main dealer. However, buyers should beware of the following facts before acquiring a used/ reconditioned remote key:

Problem 1. The large majority of Volkswagen and Audi keys will be “Locked” and the transponder chip cannot be re-written to another car. This is also true of Mercedes, BMW, BMW Mini, Seat, Skoda, Vauxhall, Fiat & Honda, as well as most Citroen, Renaults & Peugeots.

Problem 2. Buying a remote key because it looks identical to the one you require.

Peugeot, Citroen, VW & Audi all produce remote keys that can look identical, however, the internal components can vary enormously. In all cases for Citroen & Peugeot remotes need to be ordered using the vehicles V.I.N. plate ID to ensure you are supplied with the correct part for your car. The year and specification alone is not sufficient information.

Problem 3. From our experience at Fast Key Services approximately 70% of used remotes cannot be programmed unless the transponder chip is replaced. This is another cost that will not have been factored into the price.

When considering the potential pitfalls and the extra costs involved, most customers would be better off seeking the expert advice of a qualified locksmith before embarking on the internet. They would get a much more certain outcome rather than take their chances on the web. Fast Keys are extremely competitively priced compared to dealerships and in most cases will end up working out cheaper than buying the remote and finding someone that can carry the work out cost effectively.

Please feel free to contact the FKS Trade Counter, should you require any additional information or advice prior to buying a used remote key.

Email: tradecounter@fastkeys.co.uk Telephone: 01268-562592

Here at Fast Keys we have yet another addition to the ever increasing range of vehicle remotes that we can supply & programme at our trade counter in Wickford.

The Renault three button key card was introduced by Renault in 2003 to operate on Renault Scenic, Megane & Grand Scenic models and ran through until 2008 after which they reverted back to a more traditional mechanical remote key.

There is an emergency key blade incorporated into the key card which is located in the battery holder of an existing original key card. The key blade can be used to operate a mechanical key barrel discreetly hidden under a plastic key cab on the passenger door allowing access of the vehicle should the remote facility fail.

The good news for owners of these vehicles is we are able to supply and programme new key cards up to 40% cheaper than a main dealer and we will also complete all the work whilst you wait.