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Eddie RU Kidding's "New" 2000 Model Beetle
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Thanks, its a 2.0 petrol (gas), best thing about it is the paint must have been garaged its whole life here in Oz. Red cars usually get sunburnt very quickly. This one was originally purchased in Alice Springs (still has original owners manual). Worst thing about it is the remote no longer works but you can't have it all in a 22 year old car. Only has 220,000Km's (136,700 miles) on it. Did 250Km (155 Miles) in its first run the other day and used just over 1/4 tank. Just gave in oil change- damn that oil filter is in a bad place, those 3 hoses are a nightmare!
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You have picked a sore point there - replaced batteries no go, so I drove 3 Hrs to my nearest VW dealer in Ballarat Victoria Australia asked for a replacement key and remote- with remote they said no can do and then charged me $240 for an extra key plus $10 postage, $250 total- to get key from Germany and then I have to drive 3 hrs back to the VW dealer to get the thing coded so it will work with my car. I told them this was unsatisfactory and then they (Sale Manager- Ballarat VW ) asked me why did I bother buying a VW, WHAT THE HELL- I can tell you this is the last VW I buy in Australia they can go and whistle dixie - the New Beetle maybe nice to drive but with Australian VW service like that - VW can get notted. I'll be selling it at first opportunity.
I understand your frustration...but if you really like your car - then it would be a shame to let one jerk (who doesn't represent every other VW employee, and the better ones you can come across) ruin your view on, or overall experience with your car.
So...did the new key fix the problem?
You can get aftermarket keys really cheap on eBay (like under $30)...and some locksmiths can program the new aftermarket key if you have your old key (usually for under
$150 from memory).
Maybe you could instead keep your car...and instead seek help or tips on this forum in the future before taking the financial plunge on a repair - and we might sometimes be able to help you save money!
So...did the new key fix the problem?
You can get aftermarket keys really cheap on eBay (like under $30)...and some locksmiths can program the new aftermarket key if you have your old key (usually for under
$150 from memory).
Maybe you could instead keep your car...and instead seek help or tips on this forum in the future before taking the financial plunge on a repair - and we might sometimes be able to help you save money!
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I went to automotive specialist locksmith in Ballarat first (note I still have the original key but want second key), and they looked up on their database and said they can not supply a key for VW models post 1997- as VW keys now have a chip in them which can only be purchased from VW. So that's why I went to VW Ballarat. Now I have to wait 3 weeks for the key to turn up in hte post from Germany and then I have to take the car to a VW dealer to get the key activated.
Maybe things are different in your part of the world - but I doubt it.
Maybe things are different in your part of the world - but I doubt it.
I'm also in Australia...and recently got a spare key (from a locksmith in Melbourne) made for my 2004 Honda CBR600RR. It was an aftermarket key...and he used an electronic device to clone the signal from my original key - and then transfer the information onto my new blank key (which they also cut).
I rang that same locksmith today (out of curiosity)...and he said it's possible they can do VW keys from the 2003 era - if it was bought into their store to check if compatible with what they have on their system.
Maybe you could find a place that can do it...then get a refund on your OEM key you've requested?
You might have to ring several locksmiths...and avoid the small one minute style key places - that often don't have the equipment that's required for key programming.
Kind regards!
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Thanks but check out where Cohuna is and you will see I'm 4-5 Hrs from Melb, I tried the largest locksmith in Ballarat -I'm also in Australia...and recently got a spare key (from a locksmith in Melbourne) made for my 2004 Honda CBR600RR. It was an aftermarket key...and he used an electronic device to clone the signal from my original key - and then transfer the information onto my new blank key (which they also cut).
I rang that same locksmith today (out of curiosity)...and he said it's possible they can do VW keys from the 2003 era - if it was bought into their store to check if compatible with what they have on their system.
Maybe you could find a place that can do it...then get a refund on your OEM key you've requested?
You might have to ring several locksmiths...and avoid the small one minute style key places - that often don't have the equipment that's required for key programming.
Kind regards!
Rodd Locksmiths - But better news I complained to VW Aust (who obviously didn't read my complaint) who passed on my details to the VW dealer in Bendigo (Poyser Motor Group ), as a parts request. After a quick chat with them they have agreed to activate my key (ie I drive 124 Km to Bendigo) once it arrives in the post from Germany at no cost. Someone really needs to have a lengthy discussion with VW Germany about this intolerable situation, as most of the dealers here in Australia don't give a toss about their rural and remote customers.
Here's some info from the Echuca Locksmiths website:
"Automotive security has changed dramatically in the last ten years. Today just to obtain a duplicate key for your car, can be difficult and expensive, by specializing in Automotive locksmithing we strive to be your best choice for Automotive locksmithing in the Echuca Moama area. We are continually upgrading our equipment and automotive technician training to ensure we are able to meet all your automotive lock enquiries. With all the new cars, with keyless entry and transponders, we have the majority covered, with a competitive price."
It looks like they can perhaps help you in the future?
"Automotive security has changed dramatically in the last ten years. Today just to obtain a duplicate key for your car, can be difficult and expensive, by specializing in Automotive locksmithing we strive to be your best choice for Automotive locksmithing in the Echuca Moama area. We are continually upgrading our equipment and automotive technician training to ensure we are able to meet all your automotive lock enquiries. With all the new cars, with keyless entry and transponders, we have the majority covered, with a competitive price."
It looks like they can perhaps help you in the future?
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Maybe with Honda but not VW, I suggest you try and get an extra key for one of your VW cars......
I rang Echuca Locksmiths today out of curiosity for you...and he said it's $275 to supply the key for a 2003 VW Beetle, cut it , and program it.
Their number on their website is (03) 54 80 1750.
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Thanks but mine is only costing $250 from VW and I can't readily get to Echuca as I work in Cohuna.
This time it is...but VW won't give it to you again at that price if there's a next time. After mentioning Bendigo and Cohuna...I assumed you had ways and means to travel
around for a key.
I still think you might be able to find a cheaper one within reach of you if more time was spent on it...or if you had to.
Anyway...as long as your happy now - and you have more information and options for the future now.
Kind regards!
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What am I on VW's hit list on something, as I got the key for list price.
I will check out your key guy in Echuca sometime but most shops there close at 12 noon on Saturdays, so not really a good option when its 65Km drive might as well go to Bendigo, I still trust the advice I got from Rodd Locksmiths https://www.roddlock.com.au/
I will check out your key guy in Echuca sometime but most shops there close at 12 noon on Saturdays, so not really a good option when its 65Km drive might as well go to Bendigo, I still trust the advice I got from Rodd Locksmiths https://www.roddlock.com.au/
Hi from another Aussie
I avoid the dealer (stealer) at all cost. Even when I bought a new T4 in 2004, I only went to the dealer for warranty work and every time it went in, they broke something else which meant it had to go back. I hope you don't get rid of your new beetle just because of your bad experience with getting a key.
I avoid the dealer (stealer) at all cost. Even when I bought a new T4 in 2004, I only went to the dealer for warranty work and every time it went in, they broke something else which meant it had to go back. I hope you don't get rid of your new beetle just because of your bad experience with getting a key.
I thought you said that this time you only had to pay for just the key itself (and not the programming/coding) which was $240 plus $10 to buy. I assume you also have to get the key part of it cut yet and pay extra for that also?
Do VW normally do the programming part for free...or what do they normally charge?
Not all Locksmiths can do automotive key programming - and just because Rodd Locksmiths can't or doesn't do it...this doesn't mean that no other locksmith can either.
I don't know what hit list you think you're on? I've only tried to help you with alternative information that might be helpful...and you've way misunderstood if you feel
a victim of something here?
Kind regards!
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Rodd Locksmiths are a specialist Automotive locksmith and key provider. The $250 (including $10 postage to Cohuna) covers all key and programming costs. My issue is that I didn't want to have to drive back to Ballarat just to get the Key activated, which is something that Bendigo VW have offered to do at no charge. My complaint with VW Ballarat is the rude behaviour of the salesman who questioned why I brought the VW and thought it ok that his customers to the west of Ballarat (South Australian border etc), have to truck there VW's with lost keys back 250-300km to Ballarat to make their cars operable again. this is clearly not a satisfactory situation.
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Went to Echuca today (Sunday) to do some shopping at Woolworths, one of the few shops open on a Sunday there and found Echuca Locksmiths but they are only open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm so that is no good for me even if they could do a VW key.
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