Re-keying when buying a used car?

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January 13, 2026, 07:21 AM

irreverent

Re-keying when buying a used car?

No. Never even thought about it, but I don’t buy cars that often in the first place, and when I have, it’s been purchased from out of town so unless they wanna stalk me and steal their car back…

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"Trust, but verify."

January 13, 2026, 02:40 PM

sjtill

For anyone looking at getting an extra or replacement key and/or fob, there's a company here in CA that has a van that circulates between Costco stores. They charge about half what a dealer does for a new key and fob (about $150). They program it for you, and we've had good results with three cars.

But no, I've never thought about re-keying. We've seen our old donated cars around town, but never thought about stealing them either.

_________________________
“Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. –Daniel Webster (1782-1852)"

January 14, 2026, 07:23 AM

bendable

At Costco yesterday,
There was a temporary kiosk set up near the entrance.

Two guys were there, making keys and programing them and! Phobs .
Allegedly for half the dealership costs.

My "04" Buick LeSaber chipped key and phob was going to cost me $145.00.

The wander from Costco to Costco, they stay five days and then move to the next.

Safety, Situational Awareness and proficiency.

Neck Ties, Hats and ammo brass, Never ,ever touch'em w/o asking first