How many keys should I get?

[hondy]

Can anyone tell me, if I bought a second hand Mazda from a Mazda dealer but they only had one key, should I have to pay for a spare?

I asked if I could have a spare key when I bought it, they mentioned no cost, then sent me a bill for £60 a month later.

Can they do this?

[WhipLash]

Ouch! Thats a hard one to call, but what a nerve they have anyhow!

IMHO:

Anything you ask for at time of purchasing the car should be included in the deal. If you asked for the spare key before paying over your money then I'd have imagined that anything agreed on before the actual transaction occurs should be included in the final purchase price.

Anything asked for after paying your money over I'd expect to pay at an additional cost. Even if it was this scenario then at least they could have informed you about the cost, otherwise you might be left with the notion that it was going to be free complementary. If they had of quoted a price then you could have at least shopped around elsewhere to see if you could get it cheaper. Nasty!

Which case was it anyhow?

Here’s an idea you could try. Complain to the manager of the dealership (in person would be best during a busy time) and say that you’d be going elsewhere to get the car serviced if he still insists that you pay it over. Sending a registered letter might also add some weight.

If you still reckon that you shouldn’t be paying for the key, then you need to complain ASAP otherwise you’d be perceived as accepting the charge.

What do you think?

[hondy]

Thanks for the response whiplash, you've got it in one.

I asked about a spare key when he handed over 1 key when I was signing the finance, no mention of cost.

The thing is I live on an Island and they ARE the Mazda dealer, so as long as I want my FSH stamped I must go there - sucks heh (I also have a similar problem with my Honda CBR which I'm now selling to get more competent dealer- extreme measures but the only course of action left)

The thing with the key is, I only wanted 1 spare but they claim it must be completed in a batch of 3, so they made me get 2 spares.
I feel the dealer is taking advantage of this too.

At least by posting this I may have put 1 person off buying a Mazda, in which case it cost them more than the £60 it will cost me to keep my FSH, although my dealers will still get their stinkin money from the keys.

This is tainting my already suspect opinion of dodgy car dealers to say the least, maybe why this is why you pay so much for a Porche or Ferrari, I bet those customers don't get Jerked around!!

[WhipLash]

Originally posted by hondy
The thing is I live on an Island and they ARE the Mazda dealer, so as long as I want my FSH stamped I must go there - sucks heh (I also have a similar problem with my Honda CBR which I'm now selling to get more competent dealer- extreme measures but the only course of action left)


That really sucks. And I suppose without the local competition then their customer care might also suck likewise and they can get away with it too to a degree.

Still, it would be interesting if you phoned 1 or 2 other Mazda dealers in the UK and enquired about the price of getting a spare cut and also if it would need to be completed in a batch of 3 like you were told – remember it might have been possible to get a spare cut and delivered from another dealer by quoting the key code.

If this turns out to be one big lie then you can still suggest that you've looked into the matter further and that you were informed otherwise. If they are telling the truth well then at least its only £60 and not something like £600; but it stills leaves a bitter taste in the mouth anyhow. :rolleyes:

It would be interesting to hear back if you do look into the matter further - keep us posted. :)

[hondy]

Thanks for the suggestions whiplash, I think I might just try that.
I have left a message for the guy to get back to me for now, it may have just been a mistake, an automatic billing process. I'll see what he says then phone UK, thanks for the suggestion!