I bought my Mazda6 used, and just lost the only key. I called the dealership and they want the car towed there (I have AAA but it will still cost ~$60), $60 for programming, and $37.50 for each key (I want to have two). That's about $200 for two keys! If i buy just the cut fobs can i program the key myself or do you need the original?!? I have a cut plain metal key so i could even have the new fobs cut at the hardware store.

I searched for this but all the instruction require another key I believe.

Thank you for any help!

-Adam

 

You actually need 2 keys to program without Mazda doing it, The Stealership is the only way.

 

A plain traditional metal key will not start the car either.
You seem to know that already, just making sure.

What Siber said. 2 keys and from where you are (no key) only a dealer has what's necessary to do it.
Damned electronics!!!

 

Oh well... It sucks and will cost an arm and a leg. I will get two keys now however!

 

The Bad part is, even with 1 key it still would have cost almost $100 to get 1, because the dealer still has to put it on their machine to program it.

 

All done now... I just have to pick it up. The total was $197 for two keys, 1 remote, and programming. The total for towing was $42. Pretty easy way to waste $240!

 

Waste? Well, only if you never actually wanted to drive your car.
You didn't have any choice, and you did get an additional remote out of the deal too.
So, 2 keys, 1 remote, programming for all three and towing all for $240. Not too bad considering.
I spent over $340 on a new purge valve the day after Christmas last year (a 15min job, had I known...), and I drove the car to the dealership.
I'd say you got off easy.