Euro1000 to replace a car key????

F

fridayguy

Guest
Interesting and cautionary tale here - any comments/advice welcomed.

Friend of my wife's lost the key to her 1999 Fiat Bravo (maybe Brava) at the weekend. I didn't get all the details but - due apparently to a complicated chip/PIN technology in the immobiliser/alam fob - the main dealer is quoting between 500 and 1000 euro to produce a new one. I think the fact that the PIN is unknown has some bearing on this.

I find this incredible. I paid 100euro for a replacement Nissan alarm keyfob recently; even if the Fiat system has some pricier components in it, how on earth can any manufacturer justify putting such high-value stuff into such a tiny, easily-lost box? Or is the dealer simply charging for typing a few details into the computer?
 
In my experience, main dealers are around 100-200% more expensive for anything I've ever wanted done with my car. Try a car alarm specialist, or any other place that my deal with Fiat, either google or golden pages. Only go to the dealer as a last resort.
 
Can't comment on Fiat, but I know (modern at least) Mercedes and BMW are over €500 to replace!
 
how on earth can any manufacturer justify putting such high-value stuff into such a tiny, easily-lost box? Or is the dealer simply charging for typing a few details into the computer?
Click to expand...
The parts (PCB's) are produced for a few cents each, many of them in Ireland. The high price is due in part to the logistical cost of having a small part sent from depot to depot to end user and the chip having to be enabled for your car at the end of the line. There is also a clerical cost for the main dealer (the cost of processing an invoice etc) but 1000 euro is still taking the piss.
 
Replacement key

... 65 for a Mitsubishi ... delivered to door and checked in car.
 
Re: Replacement key

High cost arises because without the code/master key the immobiliser units needs to be replaced.

It's supposed to be an anti-theft device. Seems more like a consumer theft device to me........
 
fiat stuff

... i'm sure you could get a pair of new doors, locks and keys for that price


... come to think of it, you'd probably have your choice of secondhand Bravos/Bravas in that price range as well :p
 
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