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It’s always shocking when you lose your keys and have to make that decision between getting an OEM key or an aftermarket one. The price difference could genuinely ruin your month.
OEM means original equipment manufacturer, and when you lose something as important as a car key, they have to make it from scratch. Replacing that key can be mighty expensive, as a TikTok user just rudely found out when she posted that she had been charged $175 for a car key.
Whenever you’re in a situation like this, your best option if you’re strapped for cash will always be the aftermarket. Of course, OEM keys will offer better quality that’s never going to bother you. Most cars are bought used, and that means if you just get an aftermarket — the cut might not be perfect, and eventual wear and tear will kick in. You might end up right where you started, needing to replace a replacement.
Nowadays, though, you can find a locksmith who can make a good aftermarket key — you just have to be diligent about finding a reputable one in your area. Some even have a license for that type of thing, and that’s exactly who you want to spend your money on if you’re not into gambling. Especially now with tariffs coming in, that $175 might just be the baseline. It absolutely could go up soon.
These keys might seem basic, but they’re encoded with details that let them communicate with the entire car’s computer system. As such, they require the locksmith to have a very specialized system that’s expensive to come by — and again, shipping in such equipment is no small feat these days. So prices for specialized services like this tend to cost a pretty penny. Of course, you could just go to your local locksmith and let him mess around, but they don’t say “cheap is expensive” for no reason.
Of course, TikTok comments tend to be a delight and they didn’t disappoint. One user was quick to inform the original poster that you can get an OEM Honda key from AliExpress for only $3.01. In fact, most comments called the pricing system “a complete scam.” One commenter added that car dealerships are the filthiest scammers. And to be very clear, the original poster wanted everyone who tuned into her viral clip to know that there’s no way she’s going to pay that much just to use her own car.
When your car has an issue, you should always be vigilant — that’s certain. Mechanics are always quick to overcharge you as a form of cruel education. But if you do your research, you’ll quickly figure out what your issue is and how much people usually charge. In fact, on that very TikTok, you could simply go to the search bar and check whether people are fixing whichever specific issue you’re dealing with in your area. TikTok is slowly replacing Google.
But do not — and I can’t stress this enough — just assume the cheapest option is also the best.