DriverDad

I lost my key and do not have a spare. The lexus dealership is saying I would have to pay 150 for a tow, 258 for labor to flash the master computer and reprogram the key, 200 bucks for the key...so over 600 dollars for a replacement key! Yikes!

I just wanted to check to see if there were any other options available.

Rainbird

I assume then that you do not have the "credit card emergency key" that came with the vehicle when new? Also there is a key ring with an aluminum strip that has the "key code". It also came with the vehicle when new.

DriverDad

I don't have those. I bought the car used, and it didn't come with that.

RX330inFL

Then you are pretty much at their mercy as any other solution is going to take some time. Especially this time of year. Not just a matter of having a key cut, but you also need to have the electronics piece which go into the key and then you need to have that programmed to your vehicle using the Techstream computer setup.

While making you one you might as well find out what they would charge you for two.

You will want to ask to make sure the dealership removes all the other key codes from your RX.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

Or at least another valet key.....

Carver

You're in a tough situation with no key at all so you'll have to pay for your rapage. You might try another dealer if there is another close, you might beg for mercy (worked for me on my first RX. Don't order two keys at 200 a pop, get a spare one from eBay and have it cut at the dealer.

RX330inFL

Problem being is that many dealerships will not cut a key you did not purchase from them. They will give all sorts of excuses, however, in the end the result is the same.

hypervish

Stealerships near me don't care, they charge $20-$30 to cut them.

If your stealership won't do it, you can find a locksmith who cuts sidewinder keys.

NYKnick101

Your only workaround is to tow through your insurance company, they usually pay for it if you have that coverage so that right there will save you $150. You can also buy blank and uncut smart keys keys from a ton of vendors for cheaper than 200. There is probably no way out of that programming fee though so that 258 is a must

RX330inFL

I am sure there are many who would also have no problem cutting the key for you just as there are many who will not. What I was trying to imply was that by walking into the parts department and asking for a key to be cut for you may be declined. Then there is more aggravation on what to do next. Best to check in advance.

My thoughts here about purchasing two keys from the dealer is that they may only charge once for programming the keys. However, if the OP purchases one from the dealer, orders up another online, brings that in to be cut and then programmed to the vehicle he may be subject to a second charge for programming.

All around I agree that this dealer is screwing the customer. Charging $258 to program any amount of keys is outrageous, IMO. This is perhaps a 15 minute job, 30 tops from start to finish, so it should be only a singe hour labor charge by the book. Even the price for the keys is overpriced. If there was another Lexus dealership in the area I would recommend he try them. But, if this is his only car there are perhaps few other choices for him to make other than trying to find the original key to begin with.

DriverDad

I ended up finding my key!!! So glad!

Now I need to get a spare. What's the cheapest way to go about getting a spare key?

Carver

eBay is good for blanks and transmitters, here's one for 60 bucks.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/04-05-06-07-LEXUS-RX330-REMOTE-KEY-RX-330-350-RX350-/290318460133?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43985424e5&vxp=mtr
Check with your dealer to see if they will cut it and program it. Apparently some dealers refuse to help but I've never experienced that, last time I had one done they didn't charge me.

RX330inFL

Perhaps in the last place you looked?

Cheapest way would be to find an uncut key with electronics on eBay. Then get someone to cut the key for you. After that you can get the dealership to program to your vehicle for you. The latter you can shop around to other Lexus dealerships if possible as it looks like your local dealership is out to rob you blind.

RX330inFL

Not every shop is as nice as Sewell.