I log on to this site often but this is my first thread. I bought a 2000 for my son (college student) about 2 years ago and we love it. I did have to have the transmission rebuilt at 118k but I see by other posts that it went alot farther than it should have. It is a very comfortable car and great on gas.
My issue today is that he misplaced his spare key and we want to get another asap. None of the local hardware stores seem to carry the blank key for this car.
The car did not come with a fob so I dont think it has an alarm system. Is the key hard to find because it may have a transponder chip? Do I need to go to the dealer for this? The owners manual does not mention if the key has a chip.

 

What kind of a car? A Mazda? If so, then which model and trim level?

 

I'm guessing a Protege.... but that is only a guess. If so, and if you do not have power locks/windows, you may have the transponder key that disables the ignition should the wrong or an uncoded key is used.
For a blank, eBay may be your best (re: cheapest) bet.

Also, why have you not posted until now? (Just curious.)

 

I did leave out that important piece, it is a 626 ES. It does have electric door locks and windows. There is not a light that looks like a key on the dash.
I have not posted yet because I really havent had anything to contribute until now. Mostly I have just looked for answers to simple questions, or surfed to gain information about this car. I did decide on the purchase after seeing favorable threads on this site about the 626.

 

Well then, does the other key look like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/98-99...Q5fAccessories

Or like this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...Q5fAccessories

It being the high end edition/trim (ES) I would think it has the transponder key.
You might also try finding a new remote "fob" on eBay too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-2...Q5fAccessories

Both will have to be coded and the key(s) will have to be cut by a qualified locksmith, but that shouldn't run you too much, I would hope?

 

I would. Mazda keys are very difficult to cut correctly. Even if you find a hardware store that has a blank, 9/10 times the replacement key won't work correctly.

If you go to the dealership with an original key, they'll be able to look up a code on the key in a book, match it to a VIN, and make you a key using key settings. They won't be using a worn key to make you a new key which is also a source of problems.

 

i found a lock specialist/security/safe etc,etc place and they said they always used a Lexus blank key for mazda and mines worked fine for 6 months in my 1996 millenia S.it was still 30 BUKS !!!!! but always have to have a spare just in case,one LOK OUT in a millenia /mazda will eat your lunch.wish they were 2 buks like the rest of my rides