Dayum! Of course, that *did* include a new remote keyfob thingy.

They're really fond of the keyless remotes, aren't they? I lost one to the ever-indulgent wife's car. Being an inexpensive car it only cost $80 to replace. Found the old one a couple of years later (after we'd traded her old car in). Was glad to find it though - had a nice little flashlight hooked to it.

Just the key is getting both expensive and hard to get. The chips and other theft prevention systems built in to the keys drive up the cost and can mean that your friendly neighborhood locksmith can get you into your car, and cut a key that turns, but not one that starts the car until the factory help desk opens up on Monday morning. Both of our current vehicles have ways of 'introducing' a new key to the vehicle but they require you to either have a dealer's computer interface or another key. Lose your only key Friday or Saturday night on a trip? Better find a hotel in walking distance.

Agh. If I had to pay $194 for a new key, I would be getting out the multimeter and soldering iron. Rebuilding the cars security and half its ignition systems from scratch would be cheaper.