mrbucket

Quick rehash: Picked up an '09 Legacy 2.5, only came with a valet key. Dealer tried to get me to pay $160 for a master key, I got them to give me one for free. The big delay between placing the order and actually getting the key in my greedy little fingers was because "the key has to be laser cut, in Japan." I get it, I had a VW GTI with a laser cut key, so I wait. This morning I bring the car in, and after waiting nearly 2 hours, they hand me my newly programmed key... Unless they're cutting keys with lasers in a way that make them look just like any other mechanically cut key - I'm ready to call shenanigans on this. It's not that far off of the valet key. Can someone confirm whether or not these keys are in fact laser cut? My biggest gripe in all of this is that I can get the keys for $52 a piece and sync them up with the car myself, so I don't see the point in handing over an additional $110 so that some service tech with a laptop can cut it and sync it up to my car. Can someone confirm whether the keys are in fact laser cut (thus making it impossible to duplicate mechanically)?

Same thought crossed my mind. Dealer in question buys these cars in large quantity, tacks about $1k on average to the price they paid, gives it a quick wash and re-sells it. I don't think anyone would have taken it on the highway up to 75mph to test the brakes. So its really good pricing for the cars, but generally they're selling them 'as-is' unless something is so hosed it won't pass inspection. Cheers, --SJ

Is there a way to install the steering wheel mounted audio controls in my '09 Legacy 2.5i? Figured I would ask before I start taking things apart. Thanks!

Dealership fixed the brakes (cut the rotors) and is ordering me a new key for free. Not complaining. It's a 2009 Legacy 2.5i (no turbo) with a dealership package that gave me leather seats and a moon roof. 18k miles at the moment.

Ran into 2 problems right away - first one (dealership plans to make good on it) is that I left and the brakes were shot. Second one, they sold me the car with just the valet key, no master key, no keyless fobs, and either of the code tags. I haven't actually spoken to anyone at the dealer yet - but i'm essentially stuck at the moment since I can't even create additional keys without the tags. Is there a way to retrieve these codes? The dealer mentioned $159 per key when I initially asked - but I'm trying to see if I can possibly get a better deal. No point in even buying the keyless blank yet since all I have is a valet key to copy. Besides those two hopefully minor issues, I'm loving the car.