Losing or damaging your car key fob can be a frustrating experience, especially when faced with the high costs of replacement. If you own a 2001 Infiniti QX4, you might be wondering about the best and most affordable way to get a new key fob. This article explores your options, drawing from real-world experiences to help you navigate the process of obtaining a replacement 2001 Infiniti Qx4 Key Fob.
The Dealership Dilemma: High Costs for Key Fob Replacement
The most straightforward approach to replacing your 2001 Infiniti QX4 key fob is often through your Infiniti dealership. Dealerships offer the assurance of genuine parts and certified service. However, as one car owner in British Columbia, Canada, discovered, this route can be quite expensive. They were quoted $120 for the key fob itself and an additional $45 for cutting and programming. While the convenience is undeniable, the total cost of $165 plus tax might be a significant deterrent for budget-conscious owners.
OEM Online: A Slightly Cheaper, Yet Still Pricey Alternative
For those seeking a genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) key fob but hoping for a better price, online parts retailers like Courtesy Parts might seem appealing. These retailers often offer OEM parts at prices lower than dealerships. In the case mentioned, an OEM key fob was priced at $68. However, factoring in shipping costs (around $20) and potential import duties when shipping to Canada, the total cost could still approach $100 or more. This option offers a discount compared to the dealership, but the savings might not be substantial enough to justify the extra effort and potential delays.
Exploring Aftermarket eBay Key Fobs: A User Experience
The allure of significant cost savings often leads car owners to explore aftermarket options. eBay is a popular marketplace for aftermarket car key fobs, offering prices significantly lower than OEM or dealership options. However, concerns about compatibility and quality are valid when considering aftermarket parts.
One 2001 Infiniti QX4 owner shared their positive experience purchasing key fobs from eBay seller “carkeysolutions” (also known under other eBay names like “professionalcarkeys”). They found keys listed by this seller through eBay links similar to those provided in the original forum post. These links often advertise compatibility with Nissan models including Pathfinder and Sentra, which share components with the Infiniti QX4.
This user purchased two keys from this seller for their 2001 Infiniti QX4. Crucially, both keys functioned correctly after being cut and programmed. The seller, “carkeysolutions,” is based in Duluth, Georgia, USA, and appears to operate multiple eBay accounts.
Quality and Functionality: What to Expect from Aftermarket Keys
While the eBay key fobs proved functional, the user noted some differences in quality compared to the original Infiniti key. Specifically, the “silver” part of the aftermarket key fob, where the keyring attaches, was made of painted plastic rather than metal as in the OEM key. This suggests that these eBay keys are likely manufactured as cost-effective replicas, possibly produced in regions known for affordable manufacturing.
Despite this slight difference in material, the user rated the functionality of the eBay keys a perfect 10/10. They worked reliably for unlocking, locking, and starting the 2001 Infiniti QX4. They rated the durability and aesthetics slightly lower (8/10), acknowledging they are not 100% OEM but still visually similar and perfectly usable. Overall, they gave the eBay key fobs a 9/10 rating, emphasizing the significant cost savings as a major advantage.
Cutting and Programming: Dealerships vs. Locksmiths
After purchasing aftermarket key fobs, the next step is getting them cut to match your car’s ignition and programmed to communicate with your vehicle’s immobilizer system. The user in question opted to have this done at an Infiniti dealership. They were charged $60 for programming (regardless of the number of keys) and $10 per key for cutting, totaling $80 for two keys.
Interestingly, the user initially attempted to find a local locksmith to cut and program the eBay keys. However, locksmiths were hesitant, citing liability concerns. They were worried about potential issues arising from cutting or programming keys not sourced directly from them, especially those with branding suggesting a specific vehicle make like Infiniti. This highlights a potential hurdle when using aftermarket keys: some locksmiths may be unwilling to work with them. Dealerships, on the other hand, are generally equipped and willing to program and cut keys, even if they are aftermarket, although policies may vary. Nissan dealerships should also be capable of performing these services, given the mechanical similarities between Nissan and Infiniti vehicles of this era.
Conclusion: Weighing Your Options for a 2001 Infiniti QX4 Key Fob
Replacing a 2001 Infiniti QX4 key fob involves balancing cost, convenience, and desired quality.
- Dealerships offer the most convenient and reliable solution with genuine parts but come at the highest price.
- OEM online retailers offer a slight discount on parts but may still be relatively expensive after shipping and duties.
- Aftermarket eBay key fobs present the most budget-friendly option, offering significant savings. User experiences suggest they can be functional and reliable, although they may have minor differences in materials and build quality compared to OEM keys. However, be prepared for potential challenges in finding locksmiths to cut and program aftermarket keys; dealerships are generally a more reliable option for this step.
Ultimately, the best route for you depends on your priorities and budget. If cost is a primary concern and you are comfortable with a slightly less-than-OEM quality key, exploring reputable eBay sellers like “carkeysolutions” for your 2001 Infiniti QX4 key fob could be a worthwhile option. Just be sure to factor in the cost of cutting and programming, and be prepared to potentially use a dealership for these services.
