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When you suddenly find yourself staring at a locked Subaru and no key in sight, the first thought is usually, “How much is this going to cost me?” In Melbourne, the Subaru key replacement price can vary quite a bit depending on the type of key, the year of your car, and whether you’ve lost all keys or just need a duplicate.
Unlike a simple house key cut at the corner shop, Subaru car keys carry chips, transponders, or proximity systems that need both cutting and programming. That extra technology is what bumps the cost.
Typical price ranges by key type
Subaru Key Types & Typical Price Ranges (AUD)
| Key Type | Average Price Range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cut (older models) | $80 – $150 | No chip; rare in modern Subarus. |
| Transponder key (immobiliser) | $180 – $350 | Requires Subaru transponder key programming. |
| Remote flip key | $250 – $450 | Includes remote buttons + chip. |
| Smart/proximity push-start fob | $450 – $900 | Highest tech; needs advanced coding, sometimes even EEPROM programming. |
Key Factors That Influence Subaru Key Replacement Costs in Melbourne
Several things can nudge the Subaru replacement key cost in Melbourne higher or lower:
- Whether you have a spare: Cloning from an existing key is far cheaper than starting from scratch.
- After-hours or emergency service: Need a key at midnight in Carlton? Expect a 20–30% surcharge for an emergency Subaru key replacement in Melbourne.
- Service provider: A dealership often charges more than a local Subaru locksmith in Melbourne. Locksmiths are usually faster and mobile, saving you a tow.
- Car model & year: A 2008 Forester flip key won’t cost the same as a 2023 Outback smart fob. Newer models mean more complex Subaru key programming.
- Programming method: If your car requires OBD key programming it’s quicker and cheaper; if it needs EEPROM Subaru key programming, that’s more labour-intensive.
Different Subaru Key Types Available in Australia and What They Mean for Replacement Costs
Not all Subaru keys are created equal. Over the years, the brand has moved from simple mechanical cuts to highly advanced push-start fobs. Knowing what type of key your car uses will give you a much clearer picture of both cost and process.
Standard cut (no chip)
Older Subaru models, mostly from the 1990s, used plain metal keys. These are the cheapest option, usually cut on the spot for under $150. No Subaru key programming Melbourne is needed because there’s no immobiliser chip inside.
- Pros: Quick, cheap, no coding.
- Cons: Rare today, minimal security.
For perspective, these are like the old-school house keys—easy to copy but not very theft-proof.
Transponder (immobiliser) keys
From the late 1990s onwards, Subaru began introducing transponder chips into their keys. When you turn the key, the chip sends a signal to the car’s immobiliser system. If the codes don’t match, the engine won’t start.
- Typical cost in Melbourne: $180–$350
- Extra step: Requires Subaru transponder key programming through OBD or advanced diagnostic tools.
- Common models: Early Foresters, Imprezas, and Libertys.
This upgrade gave owners a big security boost, but also meant losing all keys could become a bit of a wallet-burner.
Remote flip keys
These are the folding keys you’ve probably seen where the blade “flips out” like a switchblade. They combine a transponder chip with remote lock/unlock buttons.
- Average price: $250–$450 in Melbourne.
- Who uses them: 2000s–2010s models such as Impreza, Outback, and WRX.
- Process: Cutting the blade + Subaru key programming for both immobiliser and buttons.
The neat design makes them popular, but if they break, replacing the shell with an aftermarket case can be a cost-saving move.
Smart/proximity push-start keys
The latest Subarus, including the Outback, Forester, and BRZ, use smart keys. You don’t insert them—just keep the fob in your pocket, and the car starts with a push button.
- Price range: $450–$900
- Programming: More complex, often involving EEPROM Subaru key programming or immobiliser resets.
- Features: Keyless entry, remote start, and rolling security codes.
They’re essentially mini-computers, which is why they’re the most expensive to replace. If you lose all of them, expect both your patience and your budget to be tested.
Main Factors That Determine the Cost of Subaru Key Replacement in Melbourne
So why does one driver in Melbourne pay $250 for a replacement, while another gets stung with a $900 bill? Let’s break it down.
Key technology & security level
The higher the tech, the higher the cost. A simple Subaru car key replacement Melbourne is far cheaper than a smart proximity fob.
Crypto chips, blade profiles, and rolling codes
- Crypto chips: Modern Subarus use encrypted chips that can’t just be cloned with a basic tool.
- Blade profiles: Subaru uses unique key blade profiles, making cutting more specialised.
- Rolling codes: Smart keys generate new codes each time you press a button, adding more security but also more complexity in programming.
Programming method & tools required
Not all keys are programmed the same way. The process depends on your Subaru’s model year and immobiliser system.
OBD programming vs EEPROM/bench work
- OBD key programming Subaru: This is the faster method where the locksmith connects diagnostic tools to the car’s onboard computer. Cheap and efficient.
- EEPROM Subaru key programming: Needed when all keys are lost or when the car’s system is locked down. It involves removing modules and writing data directly onto chips. Takes more skill, more time, and of course—costs more.
Service provider choice (dealer vs mobile locksmith)
- Dealerships: Typically more expensive. They often order keys from Subaru Japan, meaning long wait times and higher Subaru dealer key replacement cost.
- Mobile locksmiths in Melbourne: Usually cheaper, faster, and they come to you—so you avoid towing fees. Some even offer same-day Subaru spare key Melbourne services.
Call-out distance, after-hours, and urgency
Living in the CBD? Easy. But if you’re out in Werribee at 11pm needing an emergency Subaru key replacement Melbourne, you’ll likely pay a call-out surcharge. Travel time and urgency both push the bill higher.
Your model/year & whether you have a spare
- Older models: Lower cost due to simpler tech.
- Newer models: Higher due to smart fobs and immobilisers.
- Have a spare: Huge cost saver. A spare lets the locksmith simply clone and program without resetting the whole immobiliser.
Dealer vs Auto Locksmith in Melbourne
When you realise you’ve lost your Subaru key, the first decision is: Do I call the dealership or a local auto locksmith? Each option has its strengths, but also hidden traps that can cost you more than expected.
Pros, cons, and typical turnaround
Compare Subaru key replacement options with clear pros, cons, and expected timing.
Dealerships
- ✔Pros: Genuine Subaru keys, official programming tools, and warranty-friendly service.
- ✖Cons: Often slower, higher Subaru dealer key replacement cost, and you may need to tow the car in.
Auto locksmiths (Melbourne)
- ✔Pros: Mobile service (they come to your home or office), same-day response, competitive pricing on Subaru car key replacement Melbourne.
- ✖Cons: Quality varies, so always check reviews and ensure they offer warranty.
When the dealer is your best bet
Go with the dealer if:
- Your Subaru is brand-new (2023+ Outback or WRX) and parts aren’t available to independent locksmiths.
- Your insurance requires a dealer invoice for a claim.
- You’re under warranty and want the record to stay clean.
When a locksmith saves you time and money
A Subaru locksmith Melbourne is the smarter choice if:
- You’ve lost all keys and don’t want to pay towing fees.
- You need a fast emergency Subaru key replacement Melbourne.
- You want to cut and program a Subaru spare key Melbourne in the same visit for less overall.
Lost All Keys vs Have a Working Key
This is where the price gap gets serious. Having just one working key can make all the difference.
Cost & process differences
- With a working key:
- Locksmiths simply clone the chip and cut a new blade.
- Costs range from $180–$350 depending on type.
- With no keys at all:
- Locksmiths must access the immobiliser, sometimes via OBD key programming Subaru, or in tricky cases, through EEPROM Subaru key programming.
- Adds $100–$250 to the bill.
Immobiliser resets, key code retrieval, and towing avoidance
- Immobiliser reset: Needed when security is locked out.
- Key code retrieval: Technicians pull the key code from Subaru databases or directly from the car’s ECU.
- Towing avoidance: With mobile service, you don’t need to tow to a dealer—saving $150–$300.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Replacement Key in Melbourne
1) Confirm model/year & key type
Check your rego papers or VIN plate. This tells the provider whether you need a Subaru remote key replacement or a smart fob.
2) Gather ownership documents
Expect to show:
- Driver’s licence
- Rego certificate
- VIN number
- Proof of address (if requested)
This protects against theft.
3) Get 2–3 itemised quotes
Always compare:
- Cost of the key itself
- Cutting fee
- Programming fee
- Call-out/travel charges
4) Choose on total cost + ETA + warranty
A cheaper quote isn’t always better. Consider:
- Can they come today?
- Do they warranty both Subaru chip key replacement Melbourne and programming?
- Will they erase lost keys for security?
5) Program + test + cut a spare (if possible)
While the locksmith’s diagnostic tool is plugged in, always get a spare. It costs far less now than during the next emergency.
Essential Documents Required for Subaru Key Replacement in Victoria
Photo ID, rego, VIN, and proof of address
In Melbourne, reputable providers won’t cut/program a key without proof. According to VicRoads:
- Photo ID (driver’s licence or passport)
- Vehicle registration
- VIN (visible on the windscreen plate or rego papers)
- Utility bill or address proof if requested
Estimated Timeframes for Subaru Key Replacement in Melbourne
On-site vs dealership timeframes
- Locksmith: 30–90 minutes if you have a key, up to 3 hours if EEPROM Subaru key programming is required.
- Dealership: 2–7 days if parts need importing.
What slows things down
- Battery flat or ECU not responding.
- Wrong key part number ordered.
- Dealer delays for Subaru smart key replacement Melbourne.
Areas Covered by Mobile Subaru Key Replacement Services in Greater Melbourne
CBD & Inner Suburbs
Areas like Carlton, Southbank, and St Kilda are usually covered quickly with standard call-out fees.
North/West/East/South-East Corridors
- North: Coburg, Preston, Brunswick.
- West: Footscray, Sunshine, Werribee.
- East: Box Hill, Doncaster, Kew.
- South-East: Caulfield, Clayton, Dandenong.
Expect higher fees the further from the CBD.
Call-out fees & travel windows
- Standard metro call-out: $0–$120
- After-hours or long-distance: 20–30% surcharge
RACV notes that roadside membership may offset some of these costs.
Smart Ways to Save (Without Cutting Corners)
Avoid towing—book mobile
Towing alone can cost more than the locksmith’s entire job.
Ask for an aftermarket shell vs full OEM
For flip keys, often the electronics still work. Rehousing into a new shell saves money without affecting performance.
Get two keys in one visit
The programming session is the expensive part. Adding a Subaru spare key Melbourne during the same call usually saves $60–$120.
FAQ's
If you still have one working key, ask a mobile locksmith for a duplicate during business hours. You’ll avoid towing and after-hours surcharges and usually pay $180–$350 for a transponder duplicate, more for smart fobs.
Sometimes—but only if the part number, frequency, and chip match your vehicle. Confirm compatibility before buying; otherwise you may pay labour twice when the fob won’t program.
Plan for 60–180 minutes on-site. Some models require EEPROM/bench work, which adds time. Dealers may need to order parts, stretching to 1–2 days.
Many comprehensive policies in Victoria cover lost/stolen keys and re-coding, subject to excess and limits. Always check your PDS and ask whether a licensed locksmith is acceptable.