Dropped my key and broke the case.
what's the best replacement? Thru ebay? Is it direct swap? I'm sure there's nothing to it but just wanted to make sure if there is anything I need to look out for. Any reputable ebay seller you have dealt with... please advise.

Thanks for the help.

 

There are lots of keys on ebay. Find a vendor who will also cut the key based on your car's VIN. Remember to save the transponder inside your old key then move it into your new key when it arrives.

 

Unfortunately, you will pay dearly for a vendor who will cut your key based on the VIN. I've been there before. I found the BEST, most cost effective way to do it was to buy the blank on eBay, use my current transponder and have dealer cut my key. I did this on a second key and they programmed it (I didn't have another transponder) for free.

I believe I paid a total of $120 for two blank keys, cutting both and a new transponder. Dealer wanted $30 I believe to cut the key, $59 for the key + transponder and $10 for another blank shell. I programmed myself at home on the second one. Much better than the $150 each (x2) at the dealer for everything!!!

I've bought from this seller before. If you look carefully on the feedback of others they have like 98% positive, but they do so many key transactions on eBay there are still literally hundreds of upset buyers about lexus specific keys...upset buyers saying things such as "wrong key", "used key", etc etc.

This seller is very close to 100%, and I have bought shells from them in the past year. They only negative feedback they have is on Honda keys. All lexus keys are good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...Q5fAccessories

 

I paid 170 for min at the dealer when I lost my key. I was going to get one off ebay and have a local lock smith cut it but the savings were minimal.

 

I'm talking about the casing itself. Nothing wrong with the key. Are you saying, I still need to get the ket 'cut' for this? I thought we were talking simple casing swap.

 

I bought two new blank keys without the chip for $10 on eBay and took it to a local locksmith to cut the blanks for $20 each. Once cut, I swapped the chips from the old keys to the new keys. Only difference in the keys were they were slightly longer, but that didn't affect their fit in the switch. I think SC's used a short key, if that's important to you.

 

The key is attached to the case. If the part that is attached to the key is broken then you are SOL. If your back of the case broke only, then you can get a case back for around $10+ on eBay. But YES, if the part that is attached to the blade broke you will need a new key which means cutting.

If you are not sure, simply get a mini screwdriver and take apart the case. Sometimes the plastic gets so hard with age that the entire thing (both sides) may be cracked and you don't know it.

I've purchased the "back" only from this vendor before and they sell brand new covers. I wouldn't recommend buying from others that don't have very close to 100% feedback and don't guarantee new, OEM. Here it is for $13

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-09...Q5fAccessories

 

Just replaced my key 3 days ago as case was broken. I had already purchased an uncut key with case about 3 months ago on ebay for about $10 with shipping. I took my old key and case with transponder in it to a locksmith who transferred the transponder and cut key for $8.75. If I had to buy key case from him it would of been $35. I had a little bit of trouble finding a locksmith who could cut the key.

 

bopc1996-you were extremely lucky to find a locksmith who could cut the key! I went to several and finally gave up and bit the bullet and gave the dealer $30 to cut.

 

I took my blank key to a non-dealer Lexus repair place here in Dallas, and they will cut keys for $20. It's a simple jig that follows the contours of the original key while cutting the new one.

Hopefully you have a similar shop in your area, and they have a key cutter.

 

The Lexus parts department have dummy cases for the keys now. It includes the plastic and metal part of the key. All you have to do is exchange the electrical module from the old case to the new case. (very easy)
I replaced both of my cases about a year ago. Sorry but I don't remember the cost but, it was a lot less than buying the whole key and having it reprogrammed.

I just checked Sewell Lexus and they list the key shell for $77.00 at:
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...C430-2002.html

 

I know we sell the non-Lexus key shell for about $40 and the original Lexus shell for about $50. That includes cutting. We charge $25 to cut a key a customer brings in. You wouldn't believe how much that key cutting maching cost. The non-Lexus is thicker plastic than the original also.