Potential used car sellers might have to cough up an eye-watering £252 if they’re without an essential bit of kit that’s usually tucked away in every motor. For those not in possession of a spare set of keys, selling their vehicle might become quite the challenge as lack of an additional key can deter potential buyers.
Having a backup pair of keys is deemed “valuable” and it can substantially boost a car’s resale price. Steven Edwards, editor at the used car trading site MOTORS, warns that missing a spare key might suggest the vehicle hasn’t been kept in good nick.
Consequently, vendors could be forking out significant sums for replacement keys to fetch a good price on their cars. He laid it out plainly: “If you are missing the extra set of keys for your car you’ll want to get them replaced to avoid missing out on hundreds of pounds.
“New buyers are likely to be put off by the prospect of having to buy a spare pair of keys themselves, decreasing the value of your vehicle. Having a spare pair of keys is valuable for many reasons, not least if you go on to lose the original key.
“Missing keys can also give the impression that a vehicle hasn’t been well maintained, making it worth contacting the car manufacturer to ensure you’re selling a car with a spare pair of keys.”
Car valuation experts at WeBuyAnyCar have indicated that not possessing either or both sets of keys can “significantly hurt” the sale value of a vehicle, reports the Express.
Sellers attempting to flog a car with just a sole key could struggle, experts warn, suggesting it might “takes longer” to attract a buyer.
And if you’ve lost the keys altogether, be prepared for buyers to haggle down the price, eyeing a “significant discount”.
The pros advise: “Unless the cost would make the sale unprofitable, obtaining replacement keys should be worth your while.”
According to BookMyGarage, the top comparison site for car services and repairs, getting a new key can hit your wallet differently based on the car model.
It typically costs drivers between £100 and £350 to get their hands on that essential spare key.
Folks needing a remote key fob will cough up even more dough, as these gadgets are pricier to produce.
They caution: “As a new key fob is not an inexpensive job, we would recommend comparing your options thoroughly before choosing a local locksmith so you can ensure you get the best deal.”
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