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EMaryB

Yesterday I bought an imported Honda Fit, I had asked for 2 keys and they said they "would look around for a spare" but a 2nd was not provided. Today I find that a spare will cost $160 ish as it has a microchip! Should I expect them to provide a spare?

jbiddle

A spare key is not something a Dealer must supply. They often inherit their stock with only one key supplied and sometimes conveniently avoid bringing this to a buyers attention because of the high replacement costs involved.

The reason the keys are so expensive is because the microchip connects to the engines immobiliser which allows the engine to start when the key is turned to the start position.

Something which is very easy for a prospective buyer to miss unfortunately.

I would have thought the Dealer concerned would arrange a favourable price for a new key or even meet you halfway at least on the cost to be honest.

2042daryl

I would make sure that a working key is supplied before purchasing the vehicle or taking the vehicle off the car yard. eg a honda can cost around a thousand dollars if the only key is lost. The first issue if the key is lost is getting the physical key cut. There is no code number on the door barrel. It usually takes me half a day to decode that alone, after doing this I need to program 2 keys into the car that requires a bit of know-how and authorised diagnostic gear.