Purchased 2001 95! Only 1 Key!

[madmax26]

Hi All!
After much hunting and looking, I found a nice 95 for my friend. It's a really clean car with 97000 miles on it.
The car has only one key, and knowing what the consequence is if that key is lost I want to get a spare. NOW!
Can I purchase a used key on ebay, and then have a new key cut and have it reprogramed at the dealer?
Is this a good way to do it and at the same time try to save some money?

Thanks for your help

Mark

[john]

Not really.  Best way is just to go to the dealer and order the key.  When I did it, it was fifty quid including the programming.  You will need another (your only) key when they come to programme the new one to the car.  All keys for the car must be programmed at the same time.

[phoenix]

I'll disagree slightly.

I believe the mechanical cutting of the key is relatively simple and you can get blanks cut to your existing key profile.

However what you don't have is the transponder part of it.

Two ways around this

a) get yourself a used "banana fob" and get that married to the car with Tech 2
e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SAAB-3-BUTTON-CAR-REMOTE-CONTROL-ALARM-KEY-FOB-/160647937256
b) get yourself a used integrated key/fob and cut the key off it and get it married to the car.

[madmax26]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm just trying to find the best and most economical way to have a second key made. I just don't want her to end up keyless by accident. I know how expensive it is.

Just want to know the cost of new vs old.

I just looked on ebay and can get a used integrated key for around $55.00 usd. Just have to find out if the dealer can add a new key, cut and reprogram it and at what cost.

Make any sense?

Mark

[Audax]

Yes you can buy a second hand transponder from ebay and then just order a key blade from SAAB and have them married to the car with Tech-II. I'd guess at the cost of doing the Tech-II part would be something from $50-$100 but then I have no experience with pricing for car repairs in the USA so I could be well out. I'd suggest that you call your dealer first and ask them how much a key and transponder would cost including programming, it may be far cheaper than you anticipate.

[john]

As per my original reply, weighing up economy versus convenience your best bet is to get the dealer to sort this for you.  Maybe phone round your nearest two or three dealers to ensure you are getting the best price.

[Hamish McSporran]

Mine only came with one key too, the dealer was the easier option. £8 for the key and £45 for the programming (i.e. plug into Tech II, put the key in the ignition and press a button). Minimum labour charge really.