Um. She's only got one key. There *will* be a disaster. The
garage (yes, that expensive one) has estimated 130 for a
new one. Are there cheaper workable alternatives?

"Chris Bacon"  wrote in message 
news:42d793cd$1_2@x-privat.org...

> Um. She's only got one key. There *will* be a disaster. The
> garage (yes, that expensive one) has estimated 130 for a
> new one. Are there cheaper workable alternatives?



I would doubt it.  The immobiliser is in the key you see.

For my R plate Astra you can get them for 30 or so from Timpsons. Maybe the 
later model has the Texas chip, for which you need a dealer (and they need 
to reprogram the car)

"Chris Bacon"  wrote in message 
news:42d793cd$1_2@x-privat.org...

> Um. She's only got one key. There *will* be a disaster. The
> garage (yes, that expensive one) has estimated 130 for a
> new one. Are there cheaper workable alternatives?


You're not having much luck with this car!

It all depends if you want a full key with the remote locking on i,.or just 
a basic key.

For the full key, retail price is 60-80.
The basic key is less than 30.

Plus you've got programming, which will vary greatly between places.
From memory, the time allowance is half an hour to program a key.

Chris Bacon wrote:

> Um. She's only got one key. There *will* be a disaster. The
> garage (yes, that expensive one) has estimated 130 for a
> new one. Are there cheaper workable alternatives?


Just had the same with a '01 Omega (also VX).

Perry's (VX) wanted 95 and car-pass to order a key cut, then would 
require to book the car in to program the immobiliser and RCL transponder.

Local locksmith wanted 25 to cut a laser key, 30 to program key / 
immobiliser. They couldn't supply the RCL transponder (it's a composite 
construction - key element and RCL fob), so in the end I bought that 
from Perry's for 22. Locksmith then "cleared the codes stored in the 
car", married the transponder to the car and the RCL component of the 
key. So, all in all, 77 for a new key. Still expensive, but close to 
1/2 the price you've been quoted. Shop around!

Mike.