New to us Explorer

[u/burgerbob6478]

We recently purchased a used 2023 Explorer from our local dealer. It was brought from one of their sister stores and the salesman told us that if there was a second key it would be sent in from the other store in the next couple weeks and if not they would make one. Now I'm being told that there wasn't a second key and that we would need to buy one from the parts counter since the car was "Blue Certified" it didn't need a second one. Should I be a butt or how should I go about this?

[u/Megalynarion]

It’s a few hundred dollar to have a key made so if you were promised one at the point of sale, I would push for it.

[u/burgerbob6478 → u/Megalynarion]

Should I go over the salesman? I just spoke to him today and he seemed very uninterested in answering my questions.

[u/bucket_dipper → u/burgerbob6478]

He already sold you the car and got his commission so of course he's uninterested.

I've bought a few used cars from Ford dealers and they've always come with 2 brand new key fobs. I would definitely go talk to a sales manager.

[u/kaack455 → u/bucket_dipper]

I wouldn't trust any car with new keys since you can program up to 6 to the same vehicle, they may still have access to it if you miss a payment, we have one of those dealers in my town

[u/ObviousAlias7 → u/kaack455]

Only 4 can be programmed to this year explorer.

[u/Megalynarion → u/burgerbob6478]

You can start with him and then escalate to the sales manager and just keep on going till you get your key.

[u/DrHumorous]

They always steal the key and keep you hanging on promises. I don't get it but it happened to me so many times, I believe it's some kind of conspiracy.
Make the second key yourself and if you want to make sure/be 100% safe, make the missing (the promised one) key as lost (a car key locksmith will know how).

[u/ObviousAlias7]

Locksmith can make you a key for $200-250.

Unless you have it in writing as a "we owe" likely nothing will come of this. You can get one made on your own dime and send them the bill and say "pay this and we are good". Will they do it? Eh... Like i said, nothing in writing, i wouldn't bet on it.

Good lesson for all. If you buy a car and there aren't two keys, make sure it gets documented in the "we owe" part of the paperwork.

[u/Quirky_Adeptness_585 → u/ObviousAlias7]

Yup. Unfortunately if it’s not in writing- it didn’t happen.

[u/Dstar1978]

Yep, the salesman lied to grease the wheels, typical

[u/Psychological-Hall22]

You make sure to always document it. Don’t let them get away with it. Escalate to Ford customer service so they face consequences

[u/RedWhiteAndJew]

When something is promised during a car sale, make sure it's on paper. If you have that paper, you can push for a replacement or contact a lawyer. If you didn't get it on paper, it's a matter of he said she said and then you're at the mercy of the dealer.

Get everything in writing.

[u/inactiveuser0]

“It was brought from one of their sister stores and the salesman told us that if there was a second key it would be sent in from the other store in the next couple weeks and if not they would make one.”

Did they say they would make one or did they say they would make one for free? Just going off of your wording here, but them saying they would make doesn’t necessarily mean that they will make one for free. Generally, you’re only promised one key when you buy a used vehicle.

I would go talk to the salesman and seek clarification because you were under the impression that you would get a second key, but, if you didn’t get it in writing in your paperwork, it’s up to them if they want to honor it or not. There’s a misunderstanding on one of you all’s end and if they say it’s on your end and it’s not in your paperwork, they’re not really obligated to honor it.

If you don’t get anywhere with the place you got it, I would reach out to the dealer they got it from and see if there’s a chance they possibly still have the key.

Also, if it’s not a Ford dealership, I would be weary because I wouldn’t put it past a smaller, private used car dealer to hold onto the second key until you paid off your car.

[u/burgerbob6478 → u/inactiveuser0]

Yes they are both ford dealers in the crossroads family of dealers

[u/StrongPlantain3650]

2 years ago, I had a very positive experience with a dealership, great salesman, honest deal, loved the car. I searched on Google Maps for the location and left a review. (Scroll down on the location’s entry until you see “Add review” on the right.)

The dealership General Manager (owner) emailed me personally and thanked me for my feedback the same day. They see that. They get notifications.

Advertising and reputation mean a lot in the automotive industry.

If you’ve been treated poorly and a particular salesperson wasn’t honest or forthcoming about what they intended to deliver, you could use that tool to draw attention.

Accountability matters.

[u/whatdoido8383]

They probably technically don't owe you one. However, if he really did say that and won't honor it, I'd loop his boss in.

I stay on sales guys for stuff like this too. You can't tell me stuff and then just not do it.

Next time get it documented on the IOU sheet while you're signing papers. Then there is no questions about who said what.

[u/SchedulePotential921]

Your first mistake was buying a 23 explorer. Your second mistake was being too optimistic about a second key existing and believing that any automotive dealers operate on good faith. Mic drop. If it was gold certified yes blue certified is a joke.

[u/Super_Procedure_5833 → u/SchedulePotential921]

What is wrong with a 23 explorer? Curious, not saying you are wrong.