Toyota remote/electronic key - $350!!!

[Ben Low]

I've just bought a 2001 Tarago, it came with only two of the three
factory-supplied keys: only one master (remote) key and the 'valet'
non-remote key. At the time of negotiations, I didn't expect any
problems with this as it's "the wife's car" and I'm fine with opening
the doors the old fashioned way using the valet key. (Though stupidly
the tailgate does not have a key lock, and (un)locking a front door
doesn't (un)lock the whole car.)

However, I've found from the manual (confirmed by a dealer and by an
auto sparky) that if both master keys are lost, a new key cannot be
made and the whole immobiliser (whole engine management computer?)
would need to be replaced. I'm told this would cost thousands... I
called my insurer to see if a lost key leading to an expensive
"repair" would be covered, they said "probably not".

Ok, so I figure I'll buy a second master key as a backup, copying from
the existing key. But - Toyota have quoted me around $320 for the key,
and another $25 to cut and program it. Holy cow!

I'm an elec/comp engineer, I know damn well the rough cost of the
parts involved and can't believe the cost price to Toyota would exceed
$50 (and prob. more like $10).

Looks to me like Toyota have a nice little earner here: sell an
expensive car with fragile keys that MUST be replaced with factory
originals with a 1000+% markup.

Any advice? (other than "don't buy a Tarago/Toyota")

[Unkit]

Try finding how much holden will charge you for a similar key (I think you will be glad you bought a toyota).


Anyways, solution to your problem, go speak to Ruswin, THey charge 35 for the programming and $15 to cut the key but their actual key is like $80.

If u don't wanna spend that much, ebay has some after market keys as well.


It may be a little different for your car, but i lost one of my mum's (corolla) keys and toyota quoted me $400 as well.

U won't have a toyota logo on the new key, but otherwise, the key works fine (i know ours does).

hope this helps. BTW, they ALL charge through the roof for a spare key. Bought one for my brothers ford, $275

[amber.2]

Most large shopping centres have a Mr minute or a simular keys cutting service ,,i live in the penrith area and the one at the westfields only charges $75 for a holden one but i can't say if he can do one for a toyota.