Help On Buying Is250

[Subby]

Congrats and happy Lexus motoring, Jordiisme !!

Spare keys and fobs are an expensive proposition, AFAIK - please check forum for similar threads - seen quite a bit on this in recent months.

[I CU2]

Hey guys, did a stateroad prepurchase inspection and everything seemed mechanically sound so i went ahead with the purchase. I was just wondering if anyone knows the cheapest place in Sydney to get another smart key made? Unfortunately there was only 1 provided.

Thanks!

Used keys can't be programmed although there is a"chance" that a new one can be programmed if you import it from the US - some dealers claim that they can't as the frequency is difference but the part numbers are exactly the same and someone on here did it fine.

If you buy a techstream cable you can program it yourself too.

[wrxhoon]

Welcome to the club , I hope you enjoy your 250.

You have 2 options.

Buy a new fob and key from Lexus Australia ( your local lexus dealer) at about $590 ( $490 for the bob and $100 for the key), then pay your Lexus dealer from $60- $90 to have it programed, they actually have ro program both bobs the new and your existing one.

As you can see it is a very expensive exersise, that goes for all new cars, you should always make sure you get at least 2 keys when you buy any car these days, Lexus supply 3, 2 fobs and a card, all 3 have a mechanical key as well.

Second option, buy a used key and find a locksmith that will program it will cost around the $200-300, .They need to reset the proxy (proximity) computer, then program both bobs.

You can buy used fobs with new blank keys in USA from about $50, you have to make sure your fob and the one you buy have the same numbers.

Example here:

FCC ID: HYQ14AAB
IC: 1551A-14AAB
Note how the numbers are the same both are 14AAB.

Another option buy a new fob in USA ( make sure the numbers match) for about $130-$160 including the mechanical uncut key and go to either dealer or locksmith, if you find a dealer that will do it it will only cost $60-90 to program and $10-$20 to cut the key at your locksmith.

[I CU2]

Are you sure locksmiths can program used keys?

I know they have to erase all keys already programmed into the car and that techstream requests a "reseeding" code which is only obtainable from calling up toyota - thus only head technicians at dealerships can do this.

I tried to see if I could a used key reprogrammed here in Brisbane and all the independent and specialist locksmiths told me to go to the dealer.

[wrxhoon]

Yes some can and will but because it's time consuming they will charge you for it, yes they do have to program every key not just the replacement key. Of course not many locksmiths that can do it, I know of one in Sydney that can and will as long as the used key you supply is the same number. You may find a dealer that will do it as well but I don't know of any.

Dealers have to ability to do it as well but I don't know of any that will because it's time coonsuming and they want to sell you a key as well.

It takes a dealer 5-10 minutes to program a new key, if they charge $80 it's good money!!!.

If I was buying a car with one key I would ask the buyer to provide a second key or negotiate the cost of a new key on the price of the car.

[jordiiisme]

Yeah my mistake, i should have negotiated further.

Oh well, what's done is done.

I'll have a look into all the options mentioned.

I really appreciate all the help

Thank you so much :)