I lost my 2nd set (valet key) Went to Mazda and they quoted $100 bucks for a new one. What's up with that ?

I understand it has a chip inside and needs programming - but a hundy?

They are ripping us off.

 

For that much ya might as well order the cool japanese key.

 

huh ?

 

sorry but it is expensive, but they are not ripping anybody off. it is about $35.00 for the kay and about $77.00 labor to reprogram all the kays to match it is expensive. the dealer is not "ripping you off" thats what every dealer charges.

 

You may want to search this forum for a write-up on how to program a new key. I haven't tried it but it may be worth it to do the search and try the procedure. New Mazda keys (without being cut yet) are about $10-20 from the dealer. Groving it may cost another $2.00 at Home Depot or other places that do keys. Then try the self programming procedure. It may save you $80.

Let us know what you decide.


ps. My dealer only charges $49 including tax.

 

77 bucks labor to put in 3 keys and turn the ignition is a ripoff. Just cause they all charge it, doesnt mean it isnt a ripoff.

 

I had to pay 240.00 for the key, programing and the remote to lock and unlock

 

Are you sure the valet is our 2nd set? You should have gotten three keys: two primary and one valet. If you lost the valet, you should still have two left. And do you really need a valet key?

If you only got one primary and one valet key, the dealer owes you another primary key with remote for FREE.

 

no, I lost the valet, and 2nd set with the remote
costing me 240.00
such is life

 

Sounds like keys for our RX8's are reasonably price, compared to the $160 I had to pay for my daughter's VW New Beetle key. Another VW dealer had quoted my $235!

 

The RX-8 remotes are showing up on ebay. They cost $15-25 including shipping and the programming is simple. I haven't seen any key blanks on ebay yet.

 

bernieunger, did you get one off ebay? If you're testimonial is authentic, then it may be worth the purchase.

 

I got an extra remote off of ebay. It worked fine and was identical in every way to the ones the dealer gave me. BTW, the instructions for programming it to my 8 were a bit off and didn't work. The instructions posted on this forum worked fine.


There's one being auctioned right now. If you don't get any competition for it it's yours for under $15 at your door. A no-brainer. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2467268386

 

For a third key to be "self-programmed," at least two already programmed keys must be available. In other words, if you are down to just one key, you're screwed. The dealer has to program any additional key you purchase. If you have all of your (programmed) keys, then you can "self-program" by first turning both programmed keys, then turning your new key. The immobilzer should then recognize the third key as now being programmed.

Again, this procedure requires two already programmed keys to initiate!

 

DIY: Code your NEW key yourself .