Easiest/cheapest way to get a new key?

[JLofa]

Father lost my key after borrowing my car
Have 2 backups but apparently not the right ones I got from dealer? Neither open the car, have never tried to see if they start the car either.
Last and/or only resort is to call any toyota dealership to get a new one?
Or how have you guys dealt with this? Suggestions?

 

[ArthurKotb]

I just called a local locksmith for my 2004 T4R and my 2012 Corolla. He was able to create quality new keys and program them. I've never had a problem with any of them. Call a locksmith (check reviews) and just ask him. The one I used set up his 10X10 popup over the back of his pickup and went to work. I've got him on speed dial now.

A tip: my locksmith created a plain key, no immobilizer, to ensure that it was cut correctly before ruining one with the immobilizer. I keep that with me and I have hidden the courtesy key in an unlikely spot inside the T4R. Now if the regular ignition key is lost I reach in my pocket, open the door with the extra key and use the courtesy key until I can get the locksmith to come. It will do everything except start the engine. Very handy, like a coin in my pocket, that I use to open the car to get something out when I don't have the regular car keys with me.

 

[JLofa]

I just called a local locksmith for my 2004 T4R and my 2012 Corolla. He was able to create quality new keys and program them. I've never had a problem with any of them. Call a locksmith (check reviews) and just ask him. The one I used set up his 10X10 popup over the back of his pickup and went to work. I've got him on speed dial now.

A tip: my locksmith created a plain key, no immobilizer, to ensure that it was cut correctly before ruining one with the immobilizer. I keep that with me and I have hidden the courtesy key in an unlikely spot inside the T4R. Now if the regular ignition key is lost I reach in my pocket, open the door with the extra key and use the courtesy key until I can get the locksmith to come. It will do everything except start the engine. Very handy, like a coin in my pocket, that I use to open the car to get something out when I don't have the regular car keys with me.

Sounds good I'll check out some local locksmiths
Hopefully nothing too different from 4th to 5th gen?
Mines a 19' if that matters, I'll check em out either way thanks

/e double quoted response

 

[LeekT4R]

Call a mobile key guy. He will make you as many keys as you want in your driveway. He will program them as well.

Never call a dealership.

 

[JLofa]

Call a mobile key guy. He will make you as many keys as you want in your driveway. He will program them as well.

Never call a dealership.

How much did yours cost?
I know nothing is as expensive as the dealership just wondering how much I should be lookin to spend for each

 

[LeekT4R]

I had the key. Cutting it was $10

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I bought keys on eBay and had them cut for free at the dealership, programmed myself

 

[Rocko9999]

I bought keys on eBay and had them cut for free at the dealership, programmed myself

Many dealerships and locksmiths won't cut keys bought somewhere else. Call first.

 

[LeekT4R]

Many dealerships and locksmiths won't cut keys bought somewhere else. Call first.

This isn't really true. Im sure it may happen. But every single dealership or locksmith I've used does not care where the key blank came from.


I guess thats just Another reason to avoid the dealer after purchasing a vehicle.

 

[JLofa]

Update: found the keys but will still probably make copies just in case

Thanks all

 

[Rocko9999]

This isn't really true. Im sure it may happen. But every single dealership or locksmith I've used does not care where the key blank came from.


I guess thats just Another reason to avoid the dealer after purchasing a vehicle.

4/4 Dealerships and locksmiths in Socal. 2 dealerships and both locksmiths-which have signs saying they will not cut car keys bought elsewhere. It's common here.

 

[emmantik]

Just throwing it out there;

https://tomskey.com/collections/toyota-4runner-2010-2019

 

[fkheath]

This isn't really true. Im sure it may happen. But every single dealership or locksmith I've used does not care where the key blank came from.


I guess thats just Another reason to avoid the dealer after purchasing a vehicle.

A bit different situation, but still germane to this discussion:

My son's Corolla keys got so worn down you could not make copies from them, i.e. you could not cut a blank key. The only way to get a key that worked, was to go to the dealer with the VIN and then they would look up the factory key code. But they required proof of ownership before they did that -- they just didn't want anyone coming in with a VIN and getting a key.

 

[LeekT4R]

4/4 Dealerships and locksmiths in Socal. 2 dealerships and both locksmiths-which have signs saying they will not cut car keys bought elsewhere. It's common here.

California sucks in general….anyways.

 

[fkheath]

California sucks in general….anyways.

I grew up in Southern California. I always say that California is a good place to be from.

 

[NicolasYates]

Since your dad found the original key, you can still make spares cheaply. A local locksmith or mobile tech can cut and program a chipped key for far less than the dealer. For cutting, some locksmiths charge around ten bucks. If you need a reliable auto key service, I’ve used https://royallocksmithfl.com/locksmith-greenacres-fl/ for programming and duplication, and they handled it quickly. That saved me a trip to the dealership.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Just throwing it out there;

https://tomskey.com/collections/toyota-4runner-2010-2019

I used Tom’s Key for two replacement keys, including renting the programmer (old Android Phone), which reduced the cost to about $80 per key. It was pretty easy to do. Then I later found the lost key swallow up by the driver’s seat.

 

[leolediola]

I just called a local locksmith for my 2004 T4R and my 2012 Corolla. He was able to create quality new keys and program them. I've never had a problem with any of them. Call a locksmith (check reviews) and just ask him. The one I used set up his 10X10 popup over the back of his pickup and went to work. I've got him on speed dial now.

A tip: my locksmith created a plain key, no immobilizer, to ensure that it was cut correctly before ruining one with the immobilizer. I keep that with me and I have hidden the courtesy key in an unlikely spot inside the T4R. Now if the regular ignition key is lost I reach in my pocket, open the door with the extra key and use the courtesy key until I can get the locksmith to come. It will do everything except start the engine. Very handy, like a coin in my pocket, that I use to open the car to get something out when I don't have the regular car keys with me.








Last month, right while I was trying to cut costs on key fobs and simultaneously coordinating a home renovation project by checking contractor ratings on https://bci-acrylic.pissedconsumer.com/review.html for tub fixture installations, my primary key fob completely died. Finding budget-friendly locksmith options online or buying programmed blanks yourself definitely saves hundreds compared to main dealer prices!

I couldn’t agree more! The life hack about testing it on a standard blank is absolutely brilliant – a very clever approach. The idea of hiding it in the car is brilliant too; I’ll definitely be giving that a go