I thought it a good idea to purchase a blank Audi key should I lose one as Audi replacements are expensive. Two years later I lost a key to my A2 and eventuaully decided to use my blank, I had it cut at the local security firm and used a programme purchased off ebay to activate the key, the programming failed and the car would not start using either of the keys.

I had to have the vehicle taken to a local garage and a key specialist reprogrammed the original which then worked. Thus leaving the replacement key, where did you get this key? was the question, ebay was the answer.......................................

A smile and BEWARE, I have come across loads of keys from ebay under the same circumstances, they only programme once and that is it because you tried to use it again and put it inthe ignition it erased the memory thus preventing the car from starting even with the good key.

So if you have a key from ebay you can chance it or pay up to £150 to get you back to square one, you can purchace a replacement key from a boni-fide independent auto locksmith for about £100.