[plano-doug]

The issue is that a new fob that you purchase online is going to come with the mechanical key portion (the key that flips out) blank, and I think only the dealer can cut this to match your car.
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Inasmuch as I think you've got to hit the dealer to cut the key anyways, you're probably just as far ahead to let them finish the job - though you can certainly buy the new fob online for way less than the dealer is likely to charge, so there is that. I'd considered popping the key portion of the working fob out and installing it in the new fob - that way you can place the working fob in the center console and have a working key on your replacement remote to complete the programming process. In the end, though, you'd wind up with a second remote that works but which is totally useless to you in the event of a dead battery or other fault with the keyless entry system. Someone else on the forum likely has more insight.

FWIW, I've had one of these cut for my Cruze at a lock smith. (It's my emergency key, just for unlocking the door.) At the time, ~3 years ago, it cost about 40 bucks - not cheap! I would expect them to be less nowadays, assuming more places now have the new machines for this type of cut.

HTH.

Doug

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