Is there any alternative to getting a key through a dealership?
 

Sounds like it’s gonna run about $400-500.

Seems ridiculous

Locksmith?

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My answer is based on my experience with a 2003 Boxster. There are two parts to my working keys. 1. Each key has an RFID which is a glass pill looking electronic thing. 2. Each key has a wireless remote (keyless entry) electronic board. The car looks for the RFID each time you try to start it; failing to find it the car will not start. The keyless entry opens the doors, frunk, and trunk, or locks the car doors and sets the alarm. $500 at the dealership buys you a new key programmed to the car. There are alternatives. My locksmith says he can now duplicate the RFID. Not long ago he could not do this. I guess things change. Today I would have him make me a key with a copied RFID, and if needed install an aftermarket keyless entry for which there are articles on this forum. What I did..... I took the RFID out of my good key and located it with adhesive near the ignition switch. I then took a picture of my key and purchased a $30 copy online. In the end I have a working keyless entry key and a working key without keyless entry. I saved $470. By the way my car battery never discharges because of the RFID location and the entire system goes to sleep in about a week requiring me to open the car door with the key to wake it up.

You don't mention the year of your car. It makes a difference in the answer. There are options other than the dealer if you have a 986, as listed by obthomas. If you have a 987 or newer (981 or 718), the dealer is your only option. With each iteration from the 987 on, Porsche got more complicated with their electronics and only they can program a key. Hence the exorbitant Porsche tax.

Actually, there is 1 other alternative if you have a newer Porsche. Last yr I was looking at code readers and thought it might be wise to look for one that could code keys, as I buy & sell Boxsters & Caymans as a hobby and a lot are purchased with only 1 key. Thought it would be a great way to save $$$ if I could code my own keys and add $500 value by selling a car with 2 keys. My research found the only way to code a Porsche key with 100% accuracy (ie, always being able to code a key) was if you bought Porsche's PIWIS. OK, what does that cost? They LEASE it for $20K / yr. No thanks, I'll pay the occasional Porsche tax or look for cars with 2 keys.

2000 Boxster S

Buy a new key from dealers such as Sunset or Sonnen (about $160), then take it to an independent shop for programming (about $125). That what I paid 2 month ago.

Ob - where did you get the $30 key online?

I think is was thes folks https://keysinthepost.com/product/porsche-key-blade/

If you don't want or need the truck and lock buttons, go for a Valet Key, much cheaper!

Brian :)

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