Question regarding car keys

wilykit

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question...when buying a used car from a car dealer, do they HAVE to provide you with 2 keys, or just the one?

Thanks x

King_Nothing

If you haven't negotiated, or asked, then I'd say they don't have to; if they've only got one, and it had two when it was first bought, then that's something you could negotiate on; money off for a spare key, or getting them to source you a spare key before buying.

Only problem I could see if they've advertised specifically saying two keys, and you only getting one key after paying.

olias

Last two cars I have bought from dealers have only had 1 key.

Olias

forgotmyname

As above its upto you to negotiate. With modern cars your would be mad not to know how many keys and what type of keys you should have.
Then make sure its got that many or get it done as part of the deal.

I had 2 ones a bit dodgy so i bought 2 spares. Less than £20 spent. Better than a trip to the dealer and £180.

anotherbaldrick

Remember If you dont get all the keys (their should be at least 2 but my Merc had 4) then someone out there probably has a set of keys for your car !

Paperbird

Depending on the make and year keys can be expensive as it's a dealer only job others are diy but need two keys to code another to the car.
Examples. Early Ford Ka you need the master key to get another coded to the car.
2000 Mondeo you need two keys to code another to the car.
2007 Saab dealer only.

ukjoel

The dealers often buy these cars knowing they will only get one key and hoping for a second.

Main dealers often get a second cut onsite (but they are not cheap).

The problem is if you only have the one key and lose it. It can cost hundreds of pounds to get the system reprogrammed and a new key cut.

I believe if its a merc or (possibly VW as well) then the new key needs to be cut over in Germany and will take a week (so no car)

I tend to wait until the point in time at which the deal is agreed and not signed and then ask about steering wheel included (obviously ha ha), both bumpers (of course ha ha) both keys......

It tells them I see this as a given and a NO will kill the deal. Always got two keys (often a second one thats just been done.)

terryw

ukjoel wrote: »

The dealers often buy these cars knowing they will only get one key and hoping for a second.

Main dealers often get a second cut onsite (but they are not cheap).

The problem is if you only have the one key and lose it. It can cost hundreds of pounds to get the system reprogrammed and a new key cut.

I believe if its a merc or (possibly VW as well) then the new key needs to be cut over in Germany and will take a week (so no car)

I tend to wait until the point in time at which the deal is agreed and not signed and then ask about steering wheel included (obviously ha ha), both bumpers (of course ha ha) both keys......

It tells them I see this as a given and a NO will kill the deal. Always got two keys (often a second one thats just been done.)

Lovely. I really like your style.....I must remember that one in any negotiating situation.

forgotmyname

Or a 2nd key that opens the doors but wont disable the immobiliser.

You dont notice untice you separate the keys and one doesnt work.

Hopefully thats before you lose the main key. And actually need the spare.

wilykit

Thanks for the replies.

I only have one key for my car and after Xmas I am getting another one cut (approx £115).

x

chrisw

wilykit wrote: »

do they HAVE to provide you with 2 keys, or just the one?

They don't HAVE to provide you with any keys at all.