mkyms

I'd like to know what other people think of the smart key.

In my opinion: it stinks. Here's my little review/rant. I don't have it on a key chain because it's too big and looks ridiculous with my other keys. It's the size of a credit card, but it's too thick and doesn't fit nicely in my wallet. Usually I keep it in my pocket on it's own, but since it's so flat I'll sometimes forget about it. I've sat on it countless times and I'm always worried about breaking it. I accidentally ran it through the washing machine after forgetting about it in my pocket... oops.

So since my only complaint about the RX8 is this stupid little key, I wanted to see what other people think and find out if I'm not alone. Or does anybody out there actually love the smart key?

My biggest question though: Is it possible to get a different style smart key?? Preferably one that I can use on a key chain like an actual car key!

Thanks!

Slidin8

Art L

I've got one, and although I didn't like the idea of it when I first got the car, I've grown accustomed to it and now rather like it. I like the push button opening and closing of the doors and not having to put a key in the car to start it. It would be better if there was another push button for the trunk on the outside, as you do have to dig into your pocket and use the "key" itself. But, overall it's working out OK for me.

As far as sitting on it, just put it in your front pants pocket like I do. The washing machine thing can happen to any sort of key, or even your cel phone, so that's not a complaint of the key. That's just your own negligence.

Of course, you can always use the actual key that's in the smart key and get back to basics. I guess you'd just have to drill a hole in it to put onto a key chain.

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

umm maybe thats cause youre supposed to leave it in your pocket ..

I actually like the convenience. Sometimes when your hands are full its hard taking out a valet key and unlocking the door when you can press a little button on the door handle. Only issues is theyre crazy expensive ... i dropped my only one and it decoded everything had to pay for 2 brand new ones and get them programmed ... wasnt cheap

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

There is a button.... near the license plate housing at the top.

200.mph

iTrader: (9)

theres a button to oped the trunk besides the one inside the car?

Art L

Just looked...you're right. How did I miss that in the owner's manual???

Thanks.

HiFlite999

iTrader: (2)

Besides the cost, it's quite easy to lose. Putting one's cell number with a sticky label on the back of the card is a good idea. I was fortunate enough last year, that, after dropping it while digging out my wallet at a theater box office, someone found it, called the number and returned it to me. Expecially fortunate because I was a 150 miles from home!

I do like the door and trunk button access though.

Gerald Nunn

I must be fortunate, mine fits in my wallet just fine and since I always have my wallet with me I never have to worry about forgetting the key to the car. It does make my wallet a little thicker, but being so rich the increase is barely noticeable next to the large wad of cash that is usually in there. (Just Kidding!)

Mr.ThunderMakeR

I love it and don't really have any problems with it. I keep it in a front pocket on its own so I don't have to worry about sitting on it. I don't even carry a normal set of keys now, which is kind of nice (I use the garage to go in and out of my house). Being able to open the doors/trunk when your hands are full is super convenient. I am so accustomed to it that I get pretty annoyed when driving another car that doesn't have it.

I did jump in the pool with it in my pocket once. But I took the battery out right away and let it dry for a day or two and it works perfectly fine.

My only gripe is the annoying beeps the car makes when you get out with the engine running, and the fact you cant lock the car from the outside with the engine running.

HiFlite999

iTrader: (2)

That's why it's called a Smart key?

Mr.ThunderMakeR

What is smart about that?

HiFlite999

iTrader: (2)

Leaving and locking a running car is never a good idea.

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

^ i do it all the time when i need to get out and the cars not fully warmed up ....

Ex. Getting food.

Rotary-RX8

iTrader: (1)

You can lock it while the car is running. take out the little key leave the credit card key inside and lock the doors manually. I do it all the time

Jims5543

iTrader: (1)

I just picked up my 8 a week or so ago. 2 of the 3 smart keys do not talk to the car, and trust me I tried every trick I read on here.

I took them to the dealership and they said the keys themselves are fine, so when it is in for an oil change next week I am having the other 2 keys programmed back tot he car.

The one card that works is a valet one, but, everything seems to function with it. I put it in my front pocket and forget about it.

While weird at first, I am getting used to it and like it a lot.

Sugarfree135

iTrader: (1)

I'm with everyone else, I love the convenience of not having to carry my key all the time just put it in my pocket and leave it. I am although very **** about my key rings anyway so i only have two keys on my card and it fits perfectly in my pocket lol My only gripe is the cost of them since the technology they use is so cheap it's literally given away all over (gyms, electronic gates, etc..) That and the fact that if you don't have two you can't program another one without going to the dealer :-P But overall I love it!

Gr8Bullet

iTrader: (5)

It's a hit and miss for me... There's times when I get in the car and try to turn the ignition but it won't cuz it doesn't read the card is near when it's in the center console.. Then other times it works just fine... I get frustrated after doing this for like 30 sec that I finally take the key out and start it manually... I've had to replace the battery twice and sometimes it's hard to find the battery... Idk lol

It would be better if they had like a flip key kinda fob... My parents have one for there Lexus and its nice...

Mr.ThunderMakeR

Thanks for the tip. I leave the car running when I stop at the gas station near my house, its about 200 yards from my house so it doesn't make sense to shut the engine off. But I don't want someone jumping in and taking off while I'm inside for 30 seconds. I don't get why the car doesn't let you lock it. I mean it knows you aren't leaving the key inside.

Romboter

I love the key, it was one of my reasons for buying. I'm a key hater and this allows me to never carry one.

The wallet I have seems like it was purpose built for this key, there is a credit card pocket on the outside and that's where I put it.

BTW, I'll probably never buy a car that doesn't have a system like this...not that I'm planning to sell my 8 anytime soon.

Corso

Took a little getting used to. I do however LOVE the hidden trunk button under the bumper by the lisence plate housing.

I have to admit, if the previous owner didn't show that to me, I'm not sure I would have known it was there.

OddEclipse

Son of a bitch! I had no idea about the trunk button. I wonder what else I don't know about my own car?

Sugarfree135

iTrader: (1)

Wait so if I leave the car with my key in my pocket while it's running someone can just take off in my car and it won't shut off? That's ridiculous! What is the whole point of the beeping then when I walk away?
Oh and I read my entire owners manual when I got the car and I still couldn't find the exact spot of the trunk button lol I had to actually get down on the ground and look for it as it was not exactly where the manual said it was, so don't feel bad about not knowing it was there :-P

Myardor

iTrader: (7)

So you know about the rotary seal button? located under the car in the bay engine?

ei8ht

Your kidding, aren't you?