Replacement Mitsubishi Keys: Cost to Buy and Where to Get Them!

Are you the proud owner of a Mitsubishi but have recently damaged or misplaced your key? Don’t worry—this is a common problem, and it’s got a simple solution.

Where can I get a replacement Mitsubishi key and how much will it cost?

If you need a replacement or a spare key for your Mitsubishi, you can pick one up either at a Mitsubishi dealership or almost any locksmith. Depending on the make and model of your Mitsubishi and the type of new key you want, the price may range from as low as a few dollars to up to $800.

Many people don’t realize that it’s possible to purchase replacement car keys directly from the dealership where they bought their vehicle. 

There are also third-party vendors that stockpile and sell replacement keys for various makes and models on the cheap. 

Both options come with pros and cons, which I’ll lay out for you later on to help simplify your decision.

By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have all the info you need to get yourself hooked up with a new entry key or electronic key fob for a price that works for you. 

Where to Get Replacement Mitsubishi Keys

First of all, try not to kick yourself for ending up keyless. It happens to the best of us.

Maybe you went off and left your keyring somewhere and have no way of tracking it down, or maybe you dropped your fob in a crowded place, and someone stepped on it before you could pick it up. 

Regardless of the specific circumstances, there will almost certainly come a time when you find yourself in need of a replacement car key. 

In these times, you have a couple of options available to you: either bum a ride to the dealership where you got your vehicle originally or seek out a third-party retailer that carries the type of key you’re looking for.

Purchasing a Key From a Mitsubishi Dealership

The first and most straightforward course of action is to simply visit your local Mitsubishi dealership and tell them that you need a new key.

Nine times out of ten, they’ll be able to furnish you with a new, fully functioning key within minutes (or hours, at the longest).

The catch? You can expect to pay a premium for this kind of convenience.

While traditional car keys cost next to nothing to cut (less than $10 on average), these simplistic accessories have been gradually disappearing over the last decade or so. 

Most dealerships charge somewhere in the neighborhood of $100-250 for the kind of technologically sophisticated, transponder-equipped remote entry devices that are the norm nowadays.

Depending on the year and trim level of the model you drive, the price can climb as high as $600-800. That’s not chump change, no matter who you are.

What’s more, some dealerships consider key replacement a service rather than a transaction. 

That means you may be charged for one or more hours of labor in addition to what you’re already coughing up for the key itself. 

As you can see, expenses can mount quickly when proprietary automotive products are involved.

Even so, if you desire the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you obtained a reliable, name-brand-backed accessory through official channels, your best bet is to head down to the dealership.

Pros

• It’s fast, easy, and virtually hassle-free. Unless there’s an unprecedented lack of stock, you’ll get your replacement key on the same day that you stop in.
• The dealership will program your new key for you on the spot at no extra cost.
• Dealerships typically offer generous warranties on new automotive accessories that cover mishaps and malfunctions of all kinds.
• You’re far less likely to end up with a dud or mismatch than you would be by doing business with a third-party seller of questionable repute.

Cons

• New keys often come at a steep cost, even before you factor in related fees.
• Your dealership may charge you for labor on top of the already inflated ticket price.

Ordering a Key From a Third-Party Seller

Alternatively, you might consider picking up a replacement from an aftermarket retailer or automotive locksmith.

The market is flush with companies that turn a tidy profit solely by selling new and refurbished car keys. 

Chances are, you have at least one such business in your neck of the woods. If not, a quick search should be all it takes to turn up one that can deliver the goods.

Should you choose to go this route, you’ll need to provide a few important pieces of information, including your vehicle’s make, model, manufacturing year, and VIN number.

You might also be asked to show proof of ownership or insurance, so make sure you have these sorts of documents on hand.

Then there’s the matter of ensuring the key’s compatibility with your vehicle.

Certain types of remote-entry keys can be programmed manually using a series of button presses or similar procedures. 

However, you may still be forced to make a trip to a Mitsubishi dealership to have your new key activated if you’re unable to find accurate instructions online.

It will also be necessary to have the key itself precision-cut by a locksmith, adding one more errand to your ever-growing list.

In other words, what you stand to save in dollars by eschewing the dealership, you’ll pay for in time and inconvenience. It’s up to you to determine whether or not such sacrifices are warranted.

Pros

• It’s extremely affordable because most third-party sellers charge a fraction of what the dealerships ask for.
• You can frequently find refurbished key fobs that look and respond just like new. Opting for one of these devices could save even more moolah.
• These days, most larger sellers operate online stores, affording you the luxury of having your new key sent right to you. You don’t even have to leave the house.

Cons

• Shipping delays may prevent you from getting your key in a timely fashion if you order online.
• There’s no guarantee that the key you receive will be the right one or will arrive in good condition.
• Aftermarket keys are often difficult or impossible for the average car owner to program manually.
• Regardless of where you buy your replacement, it will have to be modified by an automotive locksmith before it can carry out its intended purpose.
• Not all retailers offer warranties, guarantees, or returns on the items they sell. If your new key doesn’t work as advertised, you may be right back where you started.

What’s the Best Option for Me?

When it comes to sourcing spare automotive accessories like car keys, no one supplier is inherently superior to another. 

It all comes down to how soon you need the replacement, how much you’re willing to drop on it (or how much trouble you’re willing to go to in order to save a buck), and what your attitude toward aftermarket sellers is.

If priority number one is getting back behind the wheel as soon as possible, skip the deliberation and go to a dealership.

If budget constraints are a factor, it may be worth the extra runaround to try to score a discounted key from a third-party seller.

Where your new key comes from ultimately matters a lot less than having one at all, and you’ll no doubt agree if you’ve ever been without your vehicle for an extended period.

As you weigh the various options, keep in mind that it’s not just a hunk of plastic and silicon that you’re spending your hard-earned money on, but the freedom to go where you want when you want.