Why Do Used Cars Only Come with One Key?
4 Answers
If a used car only comes with one key, it indicates that the seller may be hiding something. In such cases, consumers should promptly clarify the reason and request relevant documentation from the seller. Otherwise, it is advisable to be cautious about the purchase. Here are some considerations when buying a used car: Documentation: Ensure the vehicle's documents are authentic and complete. Verify that the engine number and chassis number on the documents match those on the vehicle. Check if the vehicle can be transferred, whether it has any liens, court seizures, financial disputes, or unresolved violations. Also, confirm whether the inspection and insurance are up to date. For company-owned vehicles, check if there are any specific local transfer requirements. Vehicle Condition: Be cautious about purchasing a car in poor condition, no matter how cheap it is. After identifying the desired model, if the budget allows, opt for a vehicle with a more recent manufacturing year whenever possible.
I've encountered many cases in used car transactions where only one key is provided, mainly because sellers want to save some money. Getting a replacement key with an electronic chip can cost several hundred dollars, and some car manufacturers require specialized programming tools, which adds an extra burden for the seller. Additionally, losing keys is quite common, and many sellers don’t want to bother with the details after selling the car. Buyers should get a spare key made as soon as possible after purchase—otherwise, if the key is lost, even unlocking the car can become a hassle. Many owners hand over just one remaining key to the dealer when selling their car to save trouble. It’s advisable to ask the seller about the key situation before buying and negotiate a price reduction to offset the cost of getting a spare key. After all, safety comes first.
Last time I bought a used sedan, the seller only gave me one key, which was a bit surprising but I got used to it. He said the previous owner had lost the other keys, and getting new ones was too expensive and time-consuming, so they just sold it as is. That’s how it is in the used car market these days—missing keys are quite common. I can understand it, but it’s definitely inconvenient, like when family members need to use the car or if I forget the key myself. Fortunately, getting a spare key isn’t too hard—I went to an auto repair shop and spent a little over 200 yuan to get it sorted. Used cars already come at a discount, so the key issue is a minor one. I’d suggest checking all the keys when buying a car and discussing solutions on the spot if there are any issues.
From an auto repair perspective, I often see used car owners coming in with just one key to complain. The reason is simple: the key has a chip system, and matching it requires professional equipment and software programming, costing over 300 yuan for the whole process. Sellers often don't want to invest this money when selling the car, or if the key is lost, it can't be replaced. Buyers should be careful to find a reliable shop when getting a key made to avoid the risk of fraud. Modern car keys are complex and can't be duplicated casually, a point often overlooked in used car transactions.
