Am I Charged Fairly for Key Duplication?

Lhdesai on 05/03/2016 - 06:32
Last edited 05/03/2016 - 06:35

Hello All,

During my tour of India, I lost my car key for Kia Rio 2008.

So, after coming from India, I ordered duplicate blank key without chip. I asked dealer for key-code after that I got it cut and towed and dropped my car to dealer for key-coding. I had several times chat with dealer that key is without chip, can you provide chip and code it? They told me yes and gave quote of $75.

But, when I dropped my car there, person told me that they will assess car and would give me a call. After half and hour I got call saying that the locks might changed previously so they will need to open door lock barrels and find out a code + need new key as my given key hadn't chip + locksmith cost = $305 total for the job.

As, this didn't sound me good, I argued that previously, I was using same key for open and start car. Also, I can provide them Key with Chip and Key-cut. But they told that, this time it might not work. It would be by all my expenses. As, I hadn't much choice (I have only 2 Kia Dealers in Canberra), I let them go ahead.

When I got my car, I found out that the key code was same. I thought I charged more by them without any reason.

What should I do? Arguing with them is waste as they will not accept their mistakes. Should I go ahead and lodge consumer complaints or can't do much? Or they charged me correctly?

I'll look forward for your guidance.

Thanks.

Automotive

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Comments

  • Geewhizz on 05/03/2016 - 07:27

    "locks MIGHT have been changed previously, so they'd need to get a locksmith to open it up to check"…… and you approved, it, right? They say you coming, didn't they! I guess all you can really do is ask to see the invoice from the locksmith, to prove that it had been done, but I don't like your chances.

    That being said, last time we got a Mitsubishi duplicate key done it cost somewhere in that vicinity.

    • hdesai on 05/03/2016 - 11:26

      Thanks for your reply.

      Yes, I did tell them to go ahead, as I hadn't any options there and already had towed and dropped my car.

      My point is, how could they charge me something which is not there. I mean, I told them already that I was using same key for door and start the car. Still, they wanted to open door lock barrels.

      Yes, I haven't much hope, but still I thought to ask it.

  • Ametric on 05/03/2016 - 10:22

    Hi OP, don't you have any local lock smith company in Canberra? They are usually able to do it at your place within an hour and significantly cheaper…

    • hdesai on 05/03/2016 - 11:29

      Hi Ametric,

      It's bad that local locksmith charge more than dealers do. And most of the locksmiths denied to code the key and suggested me to go to Kia dealer. And in Canberra, there are only 2 KIA Dealers.

      • Ametric on 06/03/2016 - 09:25

        that's a a great pity :(

  • oscargamer on 05/03/2016 - 12:06
    +1

    live and learn…..

    you gave them the OK to go ahead

    they went ahead

    they charged you for going ahead, as per your instruction

    what's the issue?

  • Vieira4 on 15/03/2016 - 13:21

    Why did you take your car key to India?

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