Missing key big problem?

[Superficial]

Hi,

Went to look at a car last night that seemed very sound, 1 owner from new and priced to sell. Only dilemma I have is that the owner said he kept the spare key attached to the underside of the car in a magnetic box and it has somehow gone missing. Should I walk away or am I being paranoid about it being snatched in the middle of the night?

I guess if the key was stolen the person surely would have taken the car there and then? Or am I looking at changing all the locks to be on the safe side?

Would appreciate any advice, thanks

[Proxy]

Sounds a bit dodgy...
If it were me, I would look into getting the locks changed.

[Superficial]

Just looked at the prices of getting the locks changed

[kambites]

You might be able to get the immobiliser and alarm recoded without physically changing anything (assuming it's a fairly modern car). They could still get in, but couldn't do much once they had.

[Superficial]

Am I behind with the times or could they not just hotwire it once inside?

[Major Fallout]

I'm not saying this is what has happened, but it does happen.

Modern cars hold the cars mileage as a anti-clocking measure, so people only use one key. Then clock the car and start using the unused key, and destroy the high mileage key.

Edited by Major Fallout on Friday 21st January 11:13

[Superficial]

Interesting but I don't think that would be the case. Owner is a retired guy who's had it from new, 72 000 miles on a 2002 focus but will definately check the mileage out with the MOT's, thanks.