key cost??

**bryanf** · #1: 05-29-2007, 10:57 AM

Just bought an 05 LGT, but it came with only one key. Carlsen Subaru in Redwood City said it will cost something like $120 to get a second key (key is $40 and then $80 to reprogram)...does that sound right?

There has got to be a cheaper way...

**MangoGT** · #2: 05-29-2007, 11:01 AM

$120 is right.

**bryanf** · #3: 05-29-2007, 11:05 AM

so what exactly was wrong with the old way of getting a spare key cut for $5 at the hardware store...besides the obvious additional $120 in revenue for Subaru?

(rhetorical question)

**iyalla** · #4: 05-29-2007, 11:22 AM

Transponder embedded in key is the difference.

**Scotty** · #5: 05-29-2007, 12:12 PM

The only difference between the key you get at the hardware store and one from Subaru is the ability to start your car. If you don't need that ability, you can just get a key from the hardware store. A non-coded key can open the door and turn the car on, but it won't let you start the engine.

If you are going to get a key, make sure you buy all the keys you want and have them all present as they initialize it. All the keys registered to the car must be programmed at the same time. Say you are on vacation and you lose your key and get the local dealer to program a new one, now the keys at home won't work and you will need to get them all programmed again. PITA.

**Underdog** · #6: 05-29-2007, 12:22 PM

Alternatively, you could gouge the transponder out of your good key and tape it to the steering column... Then you can use all the cheapo keys you'd like... and so could a car thief.

**one69chev** · #7: 05-29-2007, 12:31 PM

the ford service dept i work in charges $105 for a programmed spare key, unless the person has 2 keys. the ford system can be programmed by the customer, but only if the ignition system sees 2 keys first.

**km580** · #8: 05-29-2007, 06:24 PM

There are venders on Ebay that are pretty good. I have bought a few keys from Ebay before..And if you have a decent dealer, they may program it for free.

**bryanf** · #9: 05-29-2007, 06:25 PM

Thanks for the input...I guess I'll head over to the dealer and take my lumps.

**pillboy** · #**10:** 05-29-2007, 07:58 PM

The cheap a$$hat that sold you the car should cough up the other TWO keys the car came with from Subaru...especially if it was a Subaru dealer you bought it from.

**Bdubs** · #**11:** 05-30-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pillboy

The cheap a$$hat that sold you the car should cough up the other TWO keys the car came with from Subaru...especially if it was a Subaru dealer you bought it from.

Thats what I was thinking, to hell with paying for new keys. Car should have come with them in the first place.

**Abandonhope16** · #**12:** 05-30-2007, 02:01 PM

Where's The Collector when you need him

**SLegacy99** · #**13:** 05-30-2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pillboy

The cheap a$$hat that sold you the car should cough up the other TWO keys the car came with from Subaru...especially if it was a Subaru dealer you bought it from.

Yeah! My first LGT came with 2 keys and 4, yes 4! valet keys. Who goes out that much that they need 4?
My current LGT came with one key.

**Powerman** · #**14:** 05-30-2007, 04:43 PM

I just got another 05' and the dealer handed me one key. Made him get me another one. They sent me to their Subaru dealership in that chain. $50 for the key. $30 for the fob. $75 for labor. They already got enough money from me. I wasn't going to give them another $150

**2006Specb122** · #**15:** 06-04-2007, 05:54 PM

Hey..I've been searching but can't find...
Anyone know if the 2008 key system will work on the 06?

They finally integrated the key and remote into one key fob.

Dont' know if anyone has tried yet.

Thanks