Price of replacement keys found to be unjustified.

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Price of replacement keys found to be unjustified.

JaseNZ

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#209055 10-Mar-2017 14:26

Just read this and thought to myself good on you for proceeding with this.

This would have quite an impact on all car dealerships here if people were to follow this route for replacement keys. I know I was quoted $600 to replace mine if it ever got lost.

They must be making a massive margin on these and this is the first time its been queried and exposed.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/90293847/raging-businessman-takes-toyota-to-tribunal-over-525-key

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#1734399 10-Mar-2017 14:40

It's definitely an industry rort. You can often buy the same keys out-of-band for a fraction of the price.

jarledb

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#1734401 10-Mar-2017 14:41

So the tribunal ruled that Toyota overcharged by more than 100% for the spare key.

But does tribunal decisions spill over to other cases as well, that is - does it mean that this would be the ruling on similar cases for other car companies?

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ubergeeknz

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#1734403 10-Mar-2017 14:43

jarledb:

So the tribunal ruled that Toyota overcharged by more than 100% for the spare key.

But does tribunal decisions spill over to other cases as well, that is - does it mean that this would be the ruling on similar cases for other car companies?

It creates a sort of precedent, making it easier were someone else to take the case.

Also the Commerce Commission may choose to take action against Toyota (in this case) and that may be enough to scare other brands into following suit.

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#1734409 10-Mar-2017 14:46

I sure as hell hope so.

I was charged $65 a few weeks ago for VW to retrieve a car stereo pin access code. It took them all of 2 minutes for them to look it up on the computer. That really had me fuming but I was over a barrel with no other options.

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Talkiet

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#1734410 10-Mar-2017 14:47

Very interesting... I bought a 2009 Jap import Nissan with a smart key (only one- Grrrrr Carwebs)... I got a quote from Nissan locally in Chch to get a new key sourced, cut and programmed and it was about $800. Unfortunately ONLY Nissan can program these keys as it requires a code from Nissan in Japan to complete the programming. If you think you know of another way to do it, you don't. Without the code from Nissan you're screwed.

Anyway, I laughed at them and imported the key hardware myself for $90 USD landed in NZ, took that in and asked them to program it and charge me a fair hourly rate for that work. They did so. I then got the key blank cut at a kiosk. End result... under $250 NZD for a fully legit Nissan key with cut blade and programmed through Nissan.

The service staff did look suitably embarrassed when I queried how I could source a legit part for $90 USD they wanted to charge $600 for by itself.

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

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#1734412 10-Mar-2017 14:51

This is a really interesting case, especially when it comes to manufacturers of some prod cuts charging huge amounts for spare parts. So it appears from this case, if the part is considered to very expensive compared to what it is overseas or they are making a big margin on it, that it may mean the part is not reasonably available under the CGA. That could really be significant . Surprised this hasn't been challenged before.

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Shoes2468

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#1734420 10-Mar-2017 14:59

Mspec:
Just read this and thought to myself good on you for proceeding with this.

This would have quite an impact on all car dealerships here if people were to follow this route for replacement keys. I know I was quoted $600 to replace mine if it ever got lost.

They must be making a massive margin on these and this is the first time its been queried and exposed.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/90293847/raging-businessman-takes-toyota-to-tribunal-over-525-key

Was pricing up a key for my Hyundai it was $800, it will be interesting if they change their stance

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#1734443 10-Mar-2017 15:58

I really respect people like this, who do stand up in what they believe in, which has the potential to change the pricing of spare parts in NZ. That could save NZers a significant amount of money long term.

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#1734461 10-Mar-2017 16:52

I wonder what the markup is on ~$3000-4000 estimates for some modern cars for full ECM replacements in some cases to redo keys?

Loismustdye

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#1734469 10-Mar-2017 18:06

Recently had this issue, local Mitzi dealers wanted $550 ish fir a new key for an 06 380.
However, found out my insurance company covered it with no excess and no effect on my no claims discount.

mattwnz

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#1734501 10-Mar-2017 18:57

Loismustdye: Recently had this issue, local Mitzi dealers wanted $550 ish fir a new key for an 06 380.
However, found out my insurance company covered it with no excess and no effect on my no claims discount.

I wonder if insurance companies get a deal with car companies, so it is a lot cheaper for them?

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surfisup1000

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#1734502 10-Mar-2017 19:00

It is not just keys.

My ford indicator stalk cost 6 or 700 to replace.

A plastic tray clip the size of a 50c piece costs around $450 to replace.

Seatbelt was around $400 to replace.

And so on. . .

frankv

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#1734533 10-Mar-2017 20:45

surfisup1000:

It is not just keys.

My ford indicator stalk cost 6 or 700 to replace.

A plastic tray clip the size of a 50c piece costs around $450 to replace.

Seatbelt was around $400 to replace.

And so on. . .

For $450 you could buy yourself a 3D printer to print that plastic tray clip.

Which is why the car companies were keen on TPPA... their intellectual property would be protected, and they could screw their customers whatever they wanted for spare parts.

tdgeek

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#1734541 10-Mar-2017 21:24

On the one hand you can see that some of these parts, sit and sit and sit. But on the other hand if you want it, you have to PAY for it.

Years ago, someone bought a brand new Falcon, took it apart and made a bundle. I can see it from both sides, economically, but it looks lot like printer ink to me.

Buy a base printer. Cheaper to buy another complicated printer than 3 small tubs of ink. Now thats a true Fair Go story

mattwnz

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#1734562 10-Mar-2017 21:54

surfisup1000:
It is not just keys.

My ford indicator stalk cost 6 or 700 to replace.

A plastic tray clip the size of a 50c piece costs around $450 to replace.

Seatbelt was around $400 to replace.

And so on. . .

Wow. Almost cheaper to buy a new second hand car. Guessing it is why some people buy cars and strip them to sell the parts. Hopefully this decision will change the pricing of parts.

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