A DRIVER has slammed her dealership after being charged nearly $200 for a common auto issue.
The driver could have gotten the problem solved for a fraction of the price using a $38 fix found online.
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TikToker Emma Aphaea (@aphaea_2nd) posted an 11-second video showing viewers a broken key fob that belonged to her Honda.
Honda told the driver that it would cost $175 to repair the damage to her keys.
She captioned it: “to be clear i will NOT be paying that…”
The TikTok video has already amassed 650,000 views and over 25,000 likes on the social media platform.
TikTok users have sounded off in the comments section of the video, claiming there are cheaper ways to get a key fob repaired.
“I just bought a new shell off amazon unscrewed it and put it into a new shell,” one user wrote.
“$10 for a pack of 2 keyfob shells from amazon,” another echoed.
Some TikTok users agreed with Aphaea that prices at the dealerships are on the rise.
“Toyota quoted me over $300,” one social media user said.
“Car dealerships are the filthiest scammers,” fumed another.
There are websites like Keyless Remote Entry that also sell replacement car key fobs like the one Aphaea uses for a lower cost.
For instance, the retailer says it sells an OEM 2019 Honda Civic remote fob for roughly $72.
For a 2013 model, which appears to be a key similar to the one shown in Aphaea’s clip, it’ll cost shoppers only $38.77.
Depending on the vehicle model, drivers could also consider buying a budget-friendly key fob replacement from Ace Hardware.
Dealership Tips
Here are some expert tips when purchasing a car from a dealership lot:
- 1. Set your price: Ensure you’ve calculated your monthly budget before going to the lot. You should include the car’s loan payment, insurance costs, fuel, and regular maintenance.
- 2. Research: Make sure you know which cars you’re interested in test driving before you reach the dealership.
- 3. Pre-approval: Secure financing before you go to the dealership. Dealerships may give you a better interest rate if they are competing with an outside bank.
- 4. Test away: Get behind the wheel before making any payments. A car purchase will be worth thousands of dollars – drivers should ensure they like the drivetrain, steering feel, and comfort of the car before taking it off the lot
- 5. Haggle: Drivers should always try to negotiate the price. There are so many good cars on the American market – buyers have a strong hand when negotiating price.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Another user recommended that the Honda driver visit a local locksmith instead of going to an official dealership.
“Go a local lock smith they fixed mine for $40,” they commented.
However, Honda warns drivers that getting a key fob through a third-party seller could result in more damage to the vehicle.
“If you need to get a new key fob, it’s important to search for a genuine parts provider like Honda Parts Connection,” as stated on Honda’s website.
“While it may be tempting to buy a cheap aftermarket fob, a low-quality key fob may leave you waiting for assistance in front of a closed vehicle, or worse, wreak havoc with the car’s electronics.”
“A used key fob may need reprogramming, which could cost you more than a new remote purchased from an official dealer,” it continued.
Honda does make it clear that different vehicle models require different key fob assemblies.
Drivers should note their car’s model, build date, and age before purchasing a new key fob.
Drivers might need to replace their key fob if their vehicle exhibits a poor signal strength, shows a low battery warning light, or takes multiple clicks to unlock.
Honda also recommends keeping a spare key fob battery in your bag, glovebox, and at home.
Content shared from www.the-sun.com.