Programming a plastic key

[HoustonXKR]

I need a plastic key replacement for my Vantage. So spoke to the dealer in Houston who wants $1250 + tax for a key and programming.

Surely there is another way to get this done? They also wanted $500 for the emergency key. I am less concerned with this. They will not program a key unless they sell it.

Can I buy a key with the programming codes of eBay and get it done somewhere else?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[JonnyCJ]

And whilst on the subject, can the buttons be from a glass key be used to replace the rubbish rubber ones and if so, are they available anywhere ?

[BlackTails]

If you buy a key from eBay, make sure you get one that comes with a key code number (I can’t quite remember the exact name but it is something like that). If you don’t have that, you can’t program the key to work with the car, nor can an AM dealer, and the dealer can’t get the key code number either.

If your dealer says that they won’t program a key even if you have the key code number, then it sounds like you are stuck.

Do you have just one functioning key?

[HoustonXKR]

BlackTails, yes I have only one functional key. It was all there was when I bought the car.

I guess I am going to be $1250 poorer then.