How much is too much to pay for the switchblade key & remote?

I just bought an '05 RX-8, and it only came with one (busted) switchblade key, which my fiance' and I are using for the remote. (It also came with one standard key, which we use for the ignition.)

I went to the local Mazda dealership on Saturday and order a replacement. They quoted me $224. (I can't believe that a key would cost that much?! It's just a flippin' key and a transmitter!)

They called me today to say that it had arrived, but when I got there, they only had the remote base. $224... for part of a key?! They said it would be another $56 for the actual key -- and said that it'd be another $100 for the programming. So, after tax, I'm looking at more than $400 for a key!

I don't feel like that's reasonable -- but maybe I've just been out of the game for too long...? Does $400 fall in line with what you guys paid for a spare? Is there a better way to go about it?

(I searched the threads, and I've seen that I can probably program the key on my own and save $100... but that's about all I was able to find.)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

yeah, that's what the dealer will charge.

Fortunately for you, you can buy this stuff for dirt cheap on ebay, and there is a DIY for programming keys. You can do it yourself provided you have 2 existing keys for your car.

 

I got my key from "transponder island" on eBay for $58. Works perfect. Some of the cheaper ones on eBay are used and already cut, so you'd need to buy a new blade.

Check other dealers. Mine cut my eBay key for free and I programmed it myself. I felt guilty so I bought a couple extra oil filters/crush washers from them.

 

I also got my switchblade key off eBay for ~$52 (including shipping). I got it cut for free at a local Home Depot. The dealer charged $56 to program both the key and the remote. The whole key ended up costing me less than $110. Still a little pricey (to me), but waaaay cheaper than the rip-off price the dealer gave you.

The dealer I go to quoted me $275 for everything (complete key & programming) and I still didn't get it from them.

I'm thinking of buying another switchblade key and programming it myself (now that I have two working keys).

 

I just bought a 2004 rx8 and all of the switchblade type keys on ebay say 2005 and up. Is there any chance that it will work on an 04? Thanks

 

Worked on mine.

 

I bought a used 2006 MT Sport from a Nissan dealer and it came with two switchblade remote keys. I had no idea they were so expensive from Mazda dealers. Did these come standard with the car or were they an accessory? Ridiculous price from the dealer!