Fritz330

I must live in the stupidest part of the US. Nobody here has a freaking clue. I have been unable to find a local locksmith who has the machine to cut Lexus keys. Hell, most don't even know they're different from other keys. And most don't have a freaking clue about transponders.

I have the blank. All I need is to have it cut. I don't need it programed, just cut. Why in the freaking hell is this so hard for the clueless local yokles around here to understand ????

Anyway, is there someplace I can sent the key and the blank and have it cut?

Thanks.

PS: I'd like to avoid the local Lexus dealer if at all possible.

Timothyj

I had the same problem, had mind bought and cut at the dealer. Maybe try a Toyota dealer, might save some money.

Fritz330

I called the Toyota dealer and they told me they don't have the machine to cut Lexus keys.

Chuckinnj

I hate to be the bringer of bad news, BUT! Your local Lexus dealer is the only one that can do it...... Suck it up and admit defeat!

ES300MM

I just had one cut recently it should cost about $50 at the Lexus dealer. You will need to bring the title or an insurance card to prove ownership and show them the VIN number and they will cut the key for you.

Jaden1

Um, I had one cut for $10 at Ace Hardware. Then I programmed it myself.

Fritz330

Thanks, I'll check Ace.

Timothyj

Where did you buy the key you had cut at Ace?

Jaden1

I bought it for $8 on Ebay. Brand new aftermarket JMA Lexus long blade key. Works great. What year is your ES300?

erikill

Hi guys - just bought a used 2002 ES300 today and it came with the master key but nothing else. I was looking at the master key + transponder on ebay for around 35 bucks. Can I just purchase that and get ACE to cut it (and follow the self programing)? I was thinking might be good to get the JMA long blade valet key to also have a backup. Thanks guys.

Fritz330

Went to ACE Hardware today to have the key cut and unfortunately the guy who cuts the keys was a complete ******ing idiot. He did not make the cuts deep enough and claimed the blank was thicker than the original key. This is stupid, anyone with a brain could see that they were the exact same thickness. I suggested that maybe his machine wasn't set up correctly and he adamantly swore that it was. I left in frustration and now must figure out how to finish cutting my mangled key. Question is, do I go to another ACE HW (a 60 mile drive) or just say the hell with it and go to the dealer. Why are Lexus keys such a total PITFA ??????????

Timothyj

All ace hardware are not the same. Sorry to hear aout the mess. I just went to the dealer. It was done right, i paid more. I bought a e-bay, gave the wrong key, no one in my area would touch a Lexus key. Sorry about all the b.s. you went through.

erikill

I'm also trying to be cost friendly here, 35 bucks for a blank + 25 to cut at a ace vs $90 for the blank + $60 to cut it at the dealer

What part of GA are you in Fritz? I'm in metro ATL and seems some ACEs here know more than the others

Chuckinnj

This is simple: Go to the Lexus dealer and have them cut the key...... "IF" it does not work or gets cut wrong it is their problem.
Try Sewell Lexus for your duplicate keys.

Fritz330

If the Lexus Stealer charged a reasonable price for key service I would there but as it is you have to take along a tube of K-Y Jelly and even then hope they don't break it off. There prices are so far beyond the value you get in return that if you're a thinking person, you'd have to feel shame for paying them.

To those recommending the dealer, how about you paying? If you're not willing to pay then don't criticize those looking for a more reasonable price.