I have only one KEY
 

When I bought my 03 Boxster S from a bank it came with only one key/remote. Needless to say I would like to have a backup.

My local dealer wants a total of $410 for a second working key. It breaks down about like this: $230 for the remote key, $30 for the blade, $70 to cut the blade, $70 for programming, and taxes.

A lot of things are going to happen but my paying $410 for an extra key isn't one of them.

If I go online and buy a "handsender" 986 637 244 18 at Pelican for about $170 and get a local locksmith to cut a blank blade that I already have what is left except programming?

I can handle the dealers $70 for programming. That would bring the total key to about $270. Still about $200 more that it should cost in my mind.:(

I'm in the same boat.

Try this link... The key is only 15$
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cafr.ebay.ca%2Fulk%2Fitm% 2F291996319691

If cut properly, that would work for the door locks, but won't start the car without a proper transponder pill. No remote functions, either.

As long as your dealer will program a key that you didn't buy from them, that's the way to go. You can get an uncut, unprogrammed key for closer to $130-$150, though.

^^^ What he said! ^^^

My local dealer wouldn't program a key purchased elsewhere so I had to spend $370 at the dealer.

Three years later, I'm still mad about it.

I'm in a simular situation here with 1 functional key. I do have another key but the electrics appear to be fried or something. I soldered on new buttons too but it just won't work. It'll open the door but not start the car so I guess the car doesn't recognize the RFID chip.

For reference, on a 2004 Honda we had to get a second key that was about $100 from a local key shop. A remote fob was about $20. At least you can program the Honda fob yourself.

Key
 

How luck I feel to have both keys and the valet key for my recently acquired 97!
my last one I did loose a key and our local dealer, if you are a PCA member it was under $250 for my key and programing- same at the Audi dealer for my TT at the time. shop around I know this can vary from dealer to dealer.

Ten thousand for the Boxster S and $597 for the spare key!!http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1508878348.jpg

Soooooo happy mine came with 2 keys!

Honda and Chrysler were both $135 for a spare key back in 2000, so $470, while somewhat outrageous, is not as bad as it may seem. These things are expensive for any car, not just Porsche's.

My Box was a trade, what the hell are people doing with their spare keys. I haven't received a ransom note from the PO asking for anything to release the spare key.

I guard my 1 key with my life.

This option isn't for everyone, but I'm cheap and consider my 2001 and older Boxsters to be depreciated toys rather than special treasure (not saying I don't love my toys). I put the immobilizer transponder by the ignition switch rather than in the key fob. That way I can cut plain key blades and have multiple keys that operate the car. Cost is about $7 for an eBay Audi/VW key fob and $30-$40 for a locksmith to cut.
http://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/56448-diy-making-cheap-spare-keys.html