Master Key - Important or not?

I have seen a 1998 Lantra for sale in good condition. The only thing
is that the seller only has two black keys; no blue or purple master
key. Is this going to be a problem? I know I can get the black keys
cloned by an auto locksmith for around £25 but am not sure if the ecu
ever gets itself into a state where it will only recognise the master.
Would you advise avoiding a car without the master key ?

(This is a UK car with standard immobiliser; I think the ecu is coded
to the master key transponder)

 

I got a master key for my 2000 Sonata just by walking into a Hyundai
dealer and proving that I'm the legitimate owner of the car. The key was
made from a computerized pattern: all electronic, driving the key
machine. More expensive than the locksmith, but quite cheaper than your
locksmith (when I convert your pounds to bucks).

Richard

 

I think your car probably doesn't have a uk style immobiliser then. If
I went to Hyundai and asked for a master key, they may not be able to
supply it as the transponder chip is unique and matched with the ecu.
They would probably quote me for ecu, immobiliser, antenna and new
keys; around £1500 ! Basically in the uk, if your immobiliser gets
screwed and you don't have the master key, the car can be scrap.