[MikeMcMo]

Alright, everybody, thank you for your input.

Here's where things stand at the moment: I called 7 or 8 locksmiths and a car audio place. Nobody wanted to get anywhere near a Porsche key situation. (Anybody know a place in the Chicago area that isn't chicken, or has the software to program a key/transponder?) The car audio guy said for $265 he can put in a remote system, providing an alarm and keyless entry with two fobs, but I'd need to continue using the existing ignition key. No way- I don't want a bunch of aftermarket crap in the car and a cheap alarm that's going to go off in the middle of the night, and I would still only have the one ignition key. Carfax report reveals that the original owner may have been a spaz: keyless remote replaced three times in one year. Then, the ignition switch was replaced, then a few months later the ignition lock cylinder was replaced. The best guesses with people I've spoken with is that the doors and storage compartment locks are still original, and then somebody along the way lost THOSE keys too. WTH?

Funny thing is, I'm starting to like having a car that you can't lock. You never have to worry about whether or not you remembered to lock it. The only thing easier than using your keyless remote is NOT having to use it, and you just walk up and open the door. I could get used to this!

So, today I went to the Porsche dealer and got 2 guys involved in this headscratcher. What I decided to do is order a new key blade from the VIN and we'll see where it works, if anywhere. Could be an expensive gamble ($130) but it might tell us #1 door locks are original, and #2 ignition is not. If so, I will get two new keyless remotes and one new ignition key blade. That way, I will have two remotes/ignition keys for everyday use, and with the VIN key blade, I will have a mechanical backup to get in the car should the battery die.

btw, The Porsche guys say that you cannot reverse engineer a key from an existing door lock. Really? Woody says you can. We once put a man on the moon, so it seems like making keys ought to be within our reach. It sounds like, at the dealer, getting all new matching tumblrs and two keyless remotes/ignition keys would cost $1,000- $1,500. Gulp. Looking for other (cheaper) alternatives that will protect me from losing a single key and getting locked out with a dead battery.

The car has the M531 immobilizer. (Does this mean it automatically has an alarm?)

Meanwhile, the car is a total rush to drive. Feel like I'm 18 again behind the wheel of a 280Z, but instead of being in a mealy front-end-heavy car with skinny tires I'm in a go-kart with a 2.5L Space Shuttle engine 6" behind me, singing in my ear, and now I've got 40 years of driving experience to keep me safer. The car was cheap enough to catch my eye, but not crazy-stolen cheap. 1999 base, 51K, 2 or 3 dings, 19" rims, for $9,500 and the PPI checked out fine (though he missed the key thing and will be hearing from me) and no other issues...

TIA for any insights.