I got a quote from my local dealer for a new valet key for our new-to-us '07 XC70 that came with only one key (a valet key). We want one more key to be safe in case we lose one. The dealer told me that the key blank is about $45.00. OK, it's a Volvo. Whatever. Apparently, there is a chip or something in the key that needs to be coded and matched to the software. The total quote was almost $260.00! Does that seem at all reasonable? The local locksmith says it's got to be done by the dealer. But, good lord! Any thoughts about options?

Another cheaper option is to buy the blanks from the dealer, then affix your chipped key to the inside of the steering column near the key antenna ring. The car will start this way with just a mechanical key. This way you could get two keys for $90, plus having them cut if the dealer doesn't do cutting.

No remotes in this case, but at least you have two keys to prevent lock-outs.

Good luck!

Doodlebug from mathews forums does remote key coding, he has a subscription to volvo services. Cheaper than dealership.
https://www.datatransferring.com/volvo-keyremote-control

Go ask at a respectable looking car lot and ask them who they use.

A business called Captain Car Key came up. I did no more than verify their existence.
Depends on where you live.

Any more, not having a full set of duplicate keys for a used car purchase should knock $500 off the negotiated price. Ask last.

When I bought my daughter's '07 C70 it came with one remote key and the skeleton key inserted. When I got home (after driving 9 hours from Dallas to Memphis) I tried the skeleton key for the glovebox and it was the wrong one. Being a convertible, locking the glovebox locks all the storage compartments so that was a problem. Also, should the car battery be dead the skeleton key unlocks the door.

Called the dealer, he didn't have it.

Erwin in Memphis

I'm gonna guess that your local dealer charges about $140/hour for labor and they quoted you one hour labor and ~$70 for the "software" download.

You might call some other dealers to see what they would quote, get a feel for what's the real going rate, but I suspect that's about as "reasonable" as you're going to find.


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XC60 / Odyssey

Will it start the car? I thought the programming function had to do with the ignition switch.

That is a deal! Programmed keys from Volvo are usually $450-$500.

It's not a programmed key (with all the buttons, etc.) but just a valet key (that opens doors the old-fashioned way). Seems excessive!

Even a 'valet' key has to have a transponder in it to allow the engine to start. Ever since 2001. The price is nominal.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new