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From searching this and other sites, I now know that I goofed when buying a V70 last week: Before negotiating the deal, I didn't make sure that I got two working keys and keyless-entry remote fobs. There's still a chance—I picked up the car just as the dealer (also my mechanic) was closing, and there's a chance the extra key and fobs were in the office, but the person closing up didn't think to give them to me. So I might get a pleasant surprise when they reopen tomorrow morning.
Still, this is a question a lot of people might have, at least for 1999 and later Volvos: Can I pay less than the straight-from-the-dealer price and still get a replacement key and fob that work?
To summarize what I've learned:
• These keys and fobs contain a transponder that must be programmed to tell the door locks and ignition cylinder that they are the right keys for that car. As it takes special software, only dealers and a few other shops can do this.
• For 2001 and later models, it's even more difficult to get a working replacement key and fob without going through the dealer.
• The cost of a replacement key and fob at my local Volvo dealer is between $250 and $300—and they don't sell the fobs separately, so the key I have won't save me any money with them. And that price does not include the cost of programming the key and fob.
• From iKeyless, FCP Groton, and Auto Parts Warehouse, I can get a programmable fob for anywhere from $70 to $110. I'll bet other reputable sources have them, too—although IPD does not.
• If those vendors carry the corresponding key blanks, I can't find them on their sites. But other places do offer new key blanks in their original packaging for $15 to $20.
• Others have said that programming the key and fob is about a half hour's labor. One price mentioned was $104, I think.
• I've seen it mentioned that some locksmiths can do this programming and will charge less than the dealer, but so far I've found only one that claims to. They're in the U.K., which is great if you're there but of no help to me. (I'm not sure I've seen these claims anywhere other than the sites that are selling the remotes. Hmm.)
So, since I have to pay for the programming regardless of where I get the keys and fobs, can't I save some money by getting the fobs and key blanks online? I'd get them from reputable sources and check before buying to be sure they're offered in their original packaging. I'd also make sure that they're described as fobs and blanks for not only a V70 but a 2000 V70.
Good idea? Or must I go to the dealer and essentially add $500 to $600 to the purchase price of my car?
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