Keyless-Go and Smart Key

Many cars are coming with the option of Keyless-Go and Smart Key in their vehicles. It lets drivers unlock their doors and start their cars without pulling out a key. It works fine with the key in your pocket or in your purse.

Currently, these are the cars that offer this option:

• Cadillac STS and XLR
• Mercedes Benz S-Class, E-Class, SL-Class
• Lexus LS430
• Toyota Prius
• Infiniti M

While the Infiniti-M offers this option standard, Mercedes and Toyota offer it for a price. Mercedes' option is about $1000 for this option and Toyota offers it for about $900. It's nice to see that a wide variety of cars can have this option not just the ultra luxurious ones. What is being said is that people are more likely to buy it when you price it higher. I guess that makes sense.. with all the innovative technology going into it, you would think it would be a luxury to have. Imagine never having to fish for your key when you're running to you car in a rainstorm or imagine never having to go through your purse when you have children in your arms. It seems to make things easier no?

Of course while it is a nice thing to have, is it asking for more problems? One of my friends' parents have this option on their car and he told me a funny story about the Keyless-Go option. Both his parents were in the car but the father got out while the other took the car somewhere else. About a half-mile away from the house, the car shuts off because the father had the key in his pocket. Funny because it caused more chaos than it would if you didn't have the option. Of course, it takes a little while to get used to.. especially when you're going through the valet.

Another thing is that these "keys" are harder to replace because they had technology in it. At Mercedes, each fob as their called is customized for each customer so to replace a key, you have to show proof of ownership. Then Mercedes goes through an offsite secure facility which may take up to two days. Replacement of these keys may also run anywhere from $200 plus.

Mercedes was actually the first to market this idea and now currently has 5 models that have this option available. Way to go.