99 Keys Newcastle - Key Cutting, Engraving, Giftware & Trophies
Alain stays past closing to finish complex transponder jobs other shops turn away.
The standout capability here is automotive transponder programming and key coding for vehicles that stump general locksmiths, including European and commercial vehicles. Alain is named repeatedly by reviewers as the technician doing this diagnostic and programming work, and the mobile service means you don't need to tow a dead car to the shop. Pricing feedback across many reviews is consistently positive — multiple customers note costs coming in well below dealer quotes. The single 1-star review in the sample relates to a watch battery replacement and a disputed warranty outcome, not key or locksmith work; with only one mention it doesn't represent a pattern, but if you're bringing in a watch, it's worth confirming their repair warranty terms upfront.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (52 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 211 locksmiths in Newcastle
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About 99 Keys Newcastle - Key Cutting, Engraving, Giftware & Trophies
Alain and Dean at 99 Keys handle a level of automotive key work that most key-cutting shops won't touch — think programming transponders for Iveco work vans, sourcing key codes for obscure motorcycle blanks, and cloning or recoding fobs for European marques like Audi, Mercedes, VW, and Range Rover at a fraction of dealer prices. The shop is based inside Waratah Shopping Mall on Turton Road (next to the Post Office with easy parking), and they also do mobile callouts — multiple customers report them arriving at workplaces or even roadside locations to program keys on the spot. Alain is mentioned by name across several reviews specifically for his patience in explaining key transponder issues and his willingness to go deep on research when a job is unusual, like hunting down key codes for rare blanks or working past closing time to finish a coding job. Dean is praised alongside Alain for the same friendly, no-fuss approach on complex cuts and motorcycle key work. Beyond automotive, the shop cuts standard house and cabinet keys, engraves wine glasses and trophies, and programs car remotes — making it a multi-service stop rather than a single-use key kiosk.
Best for: automotive transponder programming and key coding for European or hard-to-match vehicles, lost-key emergencies requiring same-day mobile service, and getting spare car keys cut at well below dealer prices.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about 99 Keys Newcastle - Key Cutting, Engraving, Giftware & Trophies
Can 99 Keys program keys for European cars and unusual vehicles?+
Yes — this appears to be one of their core strengths. Customers specifically mention successful key programming and fob coding for Audi, Mercedes, VW, Range Rover, Jeep, Subaru, and even an Iveco commercial van. Multiple reviewers came to 99 Keys after other shops or dealers couldn't help or quoted much higher prices. If you have a European or commercial vehicle, it's worth calling them with your make and model before assuming it can't be done locally.
Does 99 Keys offer mobile callouts, or do you have to visit the shop?+
They do both. Several reviewers report the team coming out to homes, workplaces, and even roadside locations to program keys on the spot — particularly useful when your car won't start. One customer had a Corolla with no keys at all and received a same-day mobile visit. For standard key cutting and engraving, the shop is located inside Waratah Shopping Mall on Turton Road with parking adjacent, so walk-in jobs are straightforward too.
How does 99 Keys' pricing compare to a car dealership?+
Reviewers consistently describe costs coming in significantly below dealer quotes — one customer got a genuine Subaru key for 'hundreds of dollars cheaper than the dealer,' and another paid less than half the usual price for a FOB key copy. A Range Rover customer also received free battery replacement in their original fob on top of the spare key job. While individual prices aren't published in reviews, the pricing feedback across many independent customers is strongly positive.
Who are the key staff at 99 Keys, and what are they known for?+
Alain is named most frequently across reviews and is specifically praised for his patience with complex transponder diagnostics, willingness to research obscure key codes, and staying past closing time to finish difficult programming jobs. Dean is mentioned alongside Alain for friendly service on motorcycle key cuts and similarly tricky jobs. Multiple reviewers note that the owner is hands-on in the business day-to-day rather than absent management.
Does 99 Keys do anything besides key cutting and car key programming?+
Yes — the business also handles engraving on glassware (several customers mention engraved wine glasses as gifts), trophies, and general giftware, which is reflected in their full business name. They also do watch battery replacement, though if that's your need it's worth confirming their warranty policy before leaving the item. For standard key work, cabinet key sourcing, and remotes, the shop is well-reviewed across a wide range of scenarios.