missing remote fob and radio

I've just bought an 850 2.0 SE estate to replace my 240 Est. I only got one key and one remote control. Local agent says key is £60 and remote £95. Can't I do better than this? I see some remotes selling from .99p but don't know if I can get them programmed etc.

Also previous owner kept radio etc so I'm left with a hole equal to two radio depths in dash. Can I get a blanking plate or do I buy something second hand, and if I do will I need codes etc to get radio working.

[T5JAS]

hi there,
remotes go on ebay quite a lot, but some can only be programmed by a dealer, depends on your model, im sure someone else on the forum will let you know which and how, if poss, to do yourself.
you can buy a blanking plate for your double din stereo hole, so you can put a single din (normal size) stereo in.
my car came without a stereo but i found an excellent one on ebay, (from a v70,) which i paid £100 for. mine came with the code, so check with the seller before commiting. very easy to fit, unless your stereo wiring has had the connectors cut off, its just a matter of plug n play. if no connectors are present, ask on here for a wiring diagram, or do a search as im sure its been covered before.
good luck with your search

[cootuk]

You should really have two keys at least.
They were issued with one key that fitted all locks, and a second key that wouldn't open the (boot?)/glovebox iirc so you could leave the car with another person and they wouldn't be able to access these.
I'd check to see if the key you have really works all locks.

You need another remote as a minimum.
Remotes can just die with no warning.
If I were you I'd get a couple of remotes off the dealer - some can be programmed via the ignition, though some dealers say you need them programmed on their machines - try to negotiate a better labour rate than £80ph for doing this. Fobs are around £50 from a dealer, and I got labour knocked back to about 30mins for a couple. Not cheap but they are guaranteed to work.

I got a key fob of ebay for £7.50 brand new in packaging but don't know if I can program it yet.

I got correct radio for car from ebay for £22.50 without code. Local radio dealer decoded for £22.00, just slots in and plays. Good result I think.

I found a local key cutting service who cut me a replacement key for £9.50 and sold me a fresh battery for my fob for £1.50. The also emailed me for free details on how to program fob but I havn't tried yet.

Beats Volvo prices any day!