Cheap 2012 Subaru Impreza key replacement?

October 15, 2015 2:49 PM

We just got a used 2012 Subaru Impreza hatchback that only came with one key. We'd like another one, but we don't really want to pay a Subaru dealer $250 to make it. We're looking for a "valet key," not necessarily the remote entry key—no schmancy fob necessary. I did a little googling and it looks like you can't simply take your key to the local locksmith. The key blank contains a chip that requires programming to match your vehicle, so it's not a simple fix like I thought. Is there a way to do this that's cheaper than just having the dealer handle it?
posted by lieber hair to Technology (6 answers total)

Home improvement stores and other places advertise that they can handle the more complicated keys. It should be in the $35-$50 range. Make sure they know it has a chip.
posted by soelo at 2:55 PM on October 15, 2015

Best place to address this question is in a Subaru enthusiast forum. Some quick Googling shows people having endless discussions on this issue. Try "Subaru Impreza valet key copy" as a search term.
posted by killdevil at 2:58 PM on October 15, 2015

Best answer: This exact question was on reddit yesterday!

https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeProTips/comments/3oqjlz/lpt_dont_spend_100_for_a_new_chip_key_for_your_car/
posted by unexpected at 3:05 PM on October 15, 2015 [1 favorite]

Some google-fu led me here:
go to a hardware store!
posted by mfu at 5:50 PM on October 15, 2015

I've gotten a locksmith to do it for me. (The kind who has a stand-alone shop, not the kind that comes out to your vehicle.) I have a Toyota Matrix with a chip that needs to be programmed, and he made me a programmed remote key that works just as well as the one from the dealer. I think it was around $75.
posted by Bella Sebastian at 7:10 PM on October 15, 2015

Just today, we got a Ford key with a chip made at an Ace Hardware for $75.
posted by smackfu at 8:25 PM on October 15, 2015