2002 9-3 second key

[drunkenmaster]

I'm a noob Saab owner...less than a week. I bought a 2002 Saab 9-3SE 5 door, that I love. There was only one key. I'd like to get a second key, but the dealers wants $225-$250. In my research it appeared that I could buy a used key on ebay or something and then have a new shaft made and then take it to a dealer to have it re-programed for my car. I called two different local dealers and they told me that if the key was programmed for another vehicle, they cannot re-program it for mine. Is this right, or are they just trying to force me to buy a new key?

[Roto]

They key is not programmed, the TWICE is. So they're BSing you. What people have done was order a different style shaft and use a remote that has buttons on the key instead of the banana fob. You don't have to do it at a nearby dealer, you just have to find a dealer that will get you a key shaft made...and anyone with a Tech2 (indie shops and dealers) should be able to program it.