When I purchased my car from a dealership, I thought I was getting a great deal. However, there was a catch I didn’t fully understand until later. They told me, “Because we’re giving you such a fantastic price, you’re only getting one key. You can always buy another one at any VW dealership for around $50.” At the time, it seemed reasonable. I had secured a good price, so a single key was a minor detail, or so I thought. It wasn’t until I started using the car that I realized the key I received was just a Valet Key Vw, and my troubles began.
The limitations of a valet key VW became quickly apparent. I couldn’t access certain features, and the convenience of having a full-function key fob was missing. Discovering the actual cost of obtaining ‘real’ keys from a VW dealership was shocking, far exceeding the initial $50 estimate. I felt misled. I even dug out the original newspaper advertisement for the car, which clearly stated “two fobs and a valet key” were included in the package. Armed with this evidence, I returned to the dealership, hoping to resolve what seemed like a clear misunderstanding. Unfortunately, the dealership stood firm, pointing to the sales agreement where the reduced number of keys was noted. They wouldn’t budge.
Refusing to give up, I contacted a sister VW dealership. I spoke with their service manager, explained my situation, and presented my case. He was sympathetic and agreed that I should have received a proper set of keys. He even contacted the original selling dealership on my behalf to advocate for me. Regrettably, they refused to cooperate, giving him the same dismissive response they had given me. The service manager from the sister dealership called me back with the disappointing news, but he also offered a glimmer of hope. He knew of another, closer VW dealership and said he would make ‘arrangements’ for me to get a key made there.
This local dealership, Beaudry VW, had a less-than-stellar reputation in the area, and I was hesitant. However, desperate for a solution, I decided to visit them. To my surprise, the service writer was already aware of my situation and ready to assist. He offered to get me a key and fob, including programming, for a surprisingly low price of $70. When I inquired about a second key and fob, he quoted an additional $50 or so. He explained that the originating dealership would be billed for the remaining cost. They proceeded to order the keys and fobs directly from Volkswagen of America (VWoA). About a week later, I received a complete set of keys for my car. The service writer at Beaudry VW didn’t ask for immediate payment, explaining that it would be easier to collect the full amount if the other dealership paid their share first.
Months passed, and I heard nothing. After three months, I contacted the service writer at Beaudry VW to inquire about the bill. He informed me that the original dealership had never paid a cent, and unfortunately, I was now responsible for the entire amount. However, he assured me that I would only be charged the dealership’s cost for the keys, fobs, and programming, which still amounted to around $250, as I recall.
Slightly frustrated, I used the service writer’s phone to call the service manager at the sister VW dealership, the one who had initially tried to help. He remembered my case and was furious to learn that their sister dealership had not honored their agreement and paid their portion of the bill. He asked to call me back. Fifteen minutes later, he called back and declared the matter resolved. He provided a purchase order (PO) number to the service writer at Beaudry VW right then and there. I’m not sure what exactly was said to the original dealership, but the result was that I ended up getting the entire key set for free. I did, however, express my mild displeasure to the service writer at Beaudry VW for not informing me sooner about the non-payment situation.
Alt text: A Volkswagen valet key and a standard key fob are shown side-by-side, highlighting the difference in functionality and features for VW owners.
Since this experience, Beaudry VW in Tucson, AZ has become my go-to dealership. They have consistently provided exceptional service, always going the extra mile whenever I’ve needed anything. I must also commend the service manager from the sister VW dealership; his intervention was crucial in resolving the key issue. Without his determined attitude, I could have ended up paying a significant sum for my VW keys.
While my story might not directly solve everyone’s valet key VW issue, it highlights the importance of persistence and finding a trustworthy dealership. If you are facing similar problems, putting pressure on the selling dealership and involving other VW dealerships might be worthwhile. Inquire with any VW dealership to confirm the standard key provision for your car model. If you’re dealing with a VW dealership, be assertive and insist on what you are entitled to.
Your mileage may vary – and so may the cost of keys.
- Mike
