URGENT HELP NEEDED!!!

[Sam]

Some of you may know from earlier posts that when I purchased my Bravo I was conned out of a red key. Well now I have proved that no red key was provided and have asked for one to be provided free of charge. The garage have offered me £500 in lieu of a key. What I need to know before I can say yes or no is:
1) How much is the cost to a garage for a red key. I know the retail is £800+ but if the cost to the garage is less than a £500, I will turn them down.
2) How much less is my car worth if I sell it without a red key, the garage suggest £500.
3) What is the cheapest red key anyone has seen?
4) Is £500 good compensation.

Cheers lads (& girls) and replies from those in the know at a Fiat dealership would be appreciated.

p.s. When I talk about a red key, I am also thinking of ECU, locks etc

 

[Chris B]

not enough

When I bought my Bravo I was told that replacing the ECU, locks etc would cost around £1,000. £500 is not enough. On the positive side, Red keys can (allegedly) be copied. I'm sure someone on here will provide you with info, but in the intrim - no, £500 'aint enough.

 

[Barakka]

Re: not enough

Personally I wouldn't even accept £1000 I'd want a valid red key. If that means them replacing the locks and ECU then so be it.

Think of it this way... they give you £800 which is what it would cost you to get it done. Would you keep that £800 in a bank account in case your ECU goes boom in the future... doubt it! So if in two years time your ECU cocks up you're looking at an £800+ bill to fix it... and if it doesn't but you decide to sell the car would you want to be limited with sellers as I know I wouldn't touch a Bravo without one !

Give 'em hell!

Barakka

 

[Ph1l]

Red Key

A lot of people probable wouldn't even know about the red key - if they do then you could knock a bit off the selling price, but I wouldn't bother spending the money on it unless you really have to.

 

[Nick]

Re: Red Key

Best thing to do is ring round a few Fiat dealers and ask for a quote, then go and renegotiate with the garage.

 

[Nick]

Also...

Also if you have a 1.4 or 2.0 you can get a doctored ECU from here
http://www.atpelectronics.demon.co.uk/Catalogue/fiat.htm
which doesn't need a red key. Give them a ring for cost/details etc. May be cheaper than the £500 and so then it might be better to take the £500 and run!

 

[patrick]

Red key cost

My son needed a new red key last year for his punto...total cost including new locks and everything....£800 from fiat in Manchester