# Is there a cheaper way to replace Toyota key with computer chip?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-cheaper-way-to-replace-toyota-key-with-computer-chip/14757>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [June 2, 2008, 5:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-cheaper-way-to-replace-toyota-key-with-computer-chip/14757 "2008-06-02T17:01:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![spivack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spivack](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spivack)\
**Post date:** [June 2, 2008, 5:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-cheaper-way-to-replace-toyota-key-with-computer-chip/14757/1 "2008-06-02T17:01:32Z")

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I’d like to get a spare ignition key (with computer chip) for my '99 Toyota Avalon. the dealer wants $100 for the key and $60 to program it. Is there a way to avoid this blatant rip-off? Is there a cheaper way?  
  
  
  
 Thanks,  
  
  
  
 Joe Spivack

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**Author:** ![jayhawkroy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jayhawkroy/32/33_2.png) [@jayhawkroy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jayhawkroy)\
**Post date:** [June 2, 2008, 5:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-cheaper-way-to-replace-toyota-key-with-computer-chip/14757/2 "2008-06-02T17:10:58Z")

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Call around to local locksmith shops. Some of them have added the technology to program keys, and can undercut the dealer easily. Start there first.

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**Author:** ![spivack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spivack](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spivack)\
**Post date:** [June 2, 2008, 6:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-cheaper-way-to-replace-toyota-key-with-computer-chip/14757/3 "2008-06-02T18:18:06Z")

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The only locksmith I could find that does it charges even more then the dealer - $285!! Help!

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**Author:** ![JoeMario](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3bc359/32.png) [@JoeMario](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JoeMario)\
**Post date:** [June 2, 2008, 9:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-cheaper-way-to-replace-toyota-key-with-computer-chip/14757/4 "2008-06-02T21:45:42Z")

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When my mother-in-law was quoted $80.00 for a new programmable key for her 2002 Ford Taurus, I found some online for $23.00 each. I bought two, got them cut locally, and programmed myself in 5 minutes. The programming directions are both in the owner’s manual and come with the keys.

The place I used was [www.amazingkeys.com](http://www.amazingkeys.com). They have keys for the 99 Toyota Avalon for $29.99. They provide you the programming instructions, which will work as long as you have at least one good working key.

I agree with jayhawkroy - there are local locksmiths who should be able to do it for much less than the dealer - provided you have at least one working key.

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**Author:** ![crankwalk5](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@crankwalk5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/crankwalk5)\
**Post date:** [June 3, 2008, 1:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-cheaper-way-to-replace-toyota-key-with-computer-chip/14757/5 "2008-06-03T01:09:14Z")

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fumble.