Bought a used 2010 Honda CR-V recently. New ones came with two master keys and a valet key, but in this case, the valet key had gone missing. Thought we ought to have a third key in reserve, just in case. Problem: these keys have a chip in it, so your neighborhood key cutter cannot reproduce it.
Took my troubles to Hall Honda (Virginia Beach). Started at the express service desk, got sent to the cashier, who told me a new valet key costs $36.42 and sent me to the service desk to make an appointment (to make a key).
Sigh. Came back at the appointed time, was told I have to pull the car into the service bay before they can make a valet key. Went out, got the car, drove into the service bay, checked in. Was floored by a bill for $108.56, the labor for programming a valet key being $69.95. Finally had the thing an hour later, was glad to leave.
Crazy; and all because of the “progress” of having the chip implanted in the key. Just to make sure the world was still sane, went to my neighborhood key cutter and had a spare key made for my 2000 Dodge Dakota. Total bill: $2.96, and the key fits neatly into my wallet.
Imagine what other “advances” in automotive electronics can do for us (and how much it will cost).
