Need a new key..don't go to Tysons

Counselor · 03-04-2009, 05:28 PM

I just thought that I would pass this along for what it is worth. I bought my SMART recently in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The car dealer only had one key for it. When I went to the SMART dealer in Tysons to order a 2nd key I found it to be expensive, but, it might have been much worse except for the strange unfolding of circumstances.

I ordered the key fob $107.16, and the key blades (two to a package) 49.53, waited about a week and a half for them to come in (blades were already cut by VINN) and made an appointment to have the key programmed. I was informed that it would cost me $114.00 to get the key programmed. I had to take a day off from work (they can only get the code on a weekday , I was told) and drive an hour and a half to get back to the dealership. When I arrived at the dealer in Tysons at the apointed time, the service manager looked at me after I introduced myself and said oh no, I forgot to call you. I was then told that the technician was out sick and no one else could program the key. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. After a few awkward minutes, I asked him to call the dealership in Alexandria to see if they could do it. They said yes, I drove over and they programmed the key for $20.00....WHICH WAS THE REGULAR PRICE THEY CHARGE. Total savings...$94.00. I guess you know where I will be taking my SMART for service in the future.

HGB · 03-04-2009, 05:34 PM

Sorry that you had find out about your dealer the hardway. At least you've made a good new connection.

Godfather · 03-04-2009, 05:42 PM

If this isn't a new smart I'd be seeking the original owner and inquiring politely about the other key. Might be a chance to pick up the key and some peace of mind.

Counselor · 03-04-2009, 06:13 PM

The car was sold to me by the local Volvo dealership. The fact that they could only produce one key, did not come up until I was walking out the door. If I had realized how much trouble this key thing was going to become, and how expensive it would be, I would not have completed the deal. One more thing to know is that any existing keys that were not programmed at the same time my new key was programmed will no longer work . When you get a new key you must bring all of your keys to be reprogrammed to the cars computer at the same time.

Karl Roth · 03-05-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godfather

If this isn't a new smart I'd be seeking the original owner and inquiring politely about the other key. Might be a chance to pick up the key and some peace of mind.

It will no longer start the car
karl

chieftmc · 03-05-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl Roth

It will no longer start the car
karl

But, it WILL unlock the mechanical lock

Godfather · 03-05-2009, 10:23 AM

Thanks, Chief, at least someone is thinking.

faith in dc · 03-05-2009, 11:40 AM

wow that is a huge difference in price. What a pain and a good lesson for me for the future. If I ever buy a car with these weird keys which I guess is the new thing, and I don't get two I will work that in the price of the vehicle. Not that I'm buying any new vehicle cause I love my smart so much.

Karl Roth · 03-06-2009, 09:16 AM

Just because you are paranoid does not mean "they" are not out to get you.
karl

LittleDeuceCoupe · 03-21-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Counselor

I ordered the key fob $107.16, and the key blades (two to a package) 49.53, waited about a week and a half for them to come in (blades were already cut by VINN) and made an appointment to have the key programmed. I was informed that it would cost me $114.00 to get the key programmed. I had to take a day off from work (they can only get the code on a weekday , I was told) and drive an hour and a half to get back to the dealership. When I arrived at the dealer in Tysons at the apointed time, the service manager looked at me after I introduced myself and said oh no, I forgot to call you. I was then told that the technician was out sick and no one else could program the key. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper. After a few awkward minutes, I asked him to call the dealership in Alexandria to see if they could do it. They said yes, I drove over and they programmed the key for $20.00....WHICH WAS THE REGULAR
PRICE THEY CHARGE. Total savings...$94.00. I guess you know where I will be taking my SMART for service in the future.

Ouch! It sounds like Alexandria gave you a great price. My experience has been ith VW. Replacement and re-coding a single key was just over $200. My buddy lost his 07 Tundra key and the dealership charged him more than $200 (and told him that he got the good customer rate

). I hear that the Mercedes dealers charge $300 and up for the new electronic fob. I understand the need to charge for the service, but frankly there is NO reason for these outrageous prices. My 2 cents.