Sorry folks if this has been covered a hundred times.

it seems that there is a difference between Fabia I and Fabia II key/security systems.

For a replacement key for the Fabia II I have been quoted £116.57 for the key and £40.00 for coding (inc VAT). All from the local Skoda dealer.

Is this really the only way for the technically challenged? I have one key that works fine.

(I did buy another key off Fleabay for a couple of quid but understand that although it can be re-cut it cannot be re-coded if it has already been coded...one learns!)

Michael

Tbf thats an average price for a modern key.

Id personally go down the skoda route sure your paying a bit more then you'd prefer but you have the piece of mind that you have a fully functioning spare key.

Cut corners now could let to more expense in future that may out weigh this initial cost.

Look here first.

http://www.keypit.co.uk/autolocksmith/skoda.html

I had a replacement key cut from www.carkeyhelp.co.uk

Cut the key off a photo of the original for £20 - also provided the key code for £2.

A friend of mine has a tuning company, so offered to have a go at coding in the key (normally £30).

Unfortunately the key code turned out to be wrong. However the key does open all the locks and turns the ignition, just won't start as not coded in.

I had the quotes of £130 for a key cut and coded at main dealer, or £95 from the Timpsons for my Mk1 Skoda Fabia.

Was thinking of getting a key made at Timpsons, as long as they provide me with the key code - it was not in the pack I got with the car.

If this is the case I'll go back to my mate for coding in the third key.

Could work out £20 + £30 + £95 = £145 for two keys :-)

The key code he gave you will have been the "mechanical" key code which is the cutting pattern for the blade. What you need to program the electronics part of the key is the SKC(security key code)

These are 2 totally different things for 2 different parts of a key. The SKC has to be obtained by using software/equipment connected to the car that can read it from the cluster/immob/ECU depending on what model/year car it is

Were the quotes of £130(dealer) & £95 (Timpsons) for a manual or remote key? i hope it was for a remote key as those prices would extortionate for a manual key. Can get them done a fair bit cheaper if you shop about

I like your prices in GB, I checked what a key would cost for me here and it ended up near 500£...