Sadly I think a majority of lightly used keys and fobs (as well as other accessories like first aid kits, shift *****, cargo covers, nets, etc. that are not bolted down) being sold on ebay have been "obtained" by various employees along the way as used cars are processed through the auto auctions. I think this is one of the reasons so many used cars are sold with only one key and/or missing common accessories.

 

I agree 100%. I've had my complete smart access key set for my 04 since I bought it as a CPO with 21,000 miles in 2007. Never had a single problem with them. They are the same high quality as the rest of the car. But then, how do you wear out a key fob that only gets out of your pants pocket when you change pants?

 

What I was hinting at was that the fob I got for $18 on eBay, is a valet key. There is no trunk icon on it, and when you take out the electronics, it only has 2 buttons. So likely, for whatever car it belonged to, it was not being used much. If I were to swap the insides, and unscrew the blade, I could use it. but I was after the end door, doesn't matter to me if mine is scratched up.

I think most people don't give much thought to things, aesthetically. At work, we got new laptops. My female colleague (I don't care if it's politically incorrect) lays her's on top of mine and busts my keyboard. Who cares, it's co. property, right? I get a new keyboard, which now doesn't feel right (likely refurb), and she does it again and busts it again. You would think that somewhere in all that fancy schooling, one would have learned to have some sympathy for a brand spanking new laptop that cost the co. $3k. I was really irritated. She was my boss and over drinks in Dallas she reveals she didn't want to hire me hahahahahahahaha everyone else loved you, but I wanted to hire the girl....nice.

So what I mean is most people would care less about keys, drop them on pavement going to the car, throw them on the counter, etc. Mine is mega banged up, you can see all the scratches and gouges...