Losing your car keys can be an expensive mistake

Q: I have a 2010 Mazda CX-9. I recently lost the key (dealer calls it the blank) for my vehicle. We had been using this since the battery for keyless entry was dead. I called a Mazda dealer to replace my blank and he said the key costs $300 and it is another $100 to program. I was shocked! I called another dealer and he quoted $30 for the key and $40 to program. I also heard that it only takes a few minutes to program. Based on my phone calls to a few other dealers I believe they all try to get around $400 from you. Years ago one could go to the hardware store and get two keys for a few bucks. I don't like the new trend!

Bob Weber: Motormouth

March 7, 2013