Brownd3max

I see that keys have been discussed here, but I've not seen this scenario yet. I just bought a 1998 ES300 a few days ago from a "buy here/pay here" car lot. It's pretty nice (125,000 mi.) BUT I was given the only key they had, which I now see is a "valet" key- it starts the car, manually opens the driver door, but not the trunk or glovebox. There's no buttons on it. Now, i've been told various scenarios about how screwed I am with no "Master" key. One Lexus dealer said trying to re-flash the car's ECU could ruin it, requiring a new ECU($2k!). Another dealer said "no problem", $600 for re-flash("re-seed"?) the ECU with a new factory Master key, and my old valet key all programmed together! All the locksmiths i've called won't touch it. So here I sit with one old key wishing for Divine guidance! Any takers?

bcdeluxe

I'm not sure, I had a 1997 ES300 (two in fact), and it did not have a transponder key. It had a keyless remote fob, but unlike the newer keys that have a chip in them required to start the car, you can start the car with the valet or the master.

I also had a new key cut from a VIN number by my Lexus dealer years ago (that car was an ES250), and I recall it was about $75.

LeX2K

1998 ES has a transponder so I'm pretty sure that means it will not start with a generic key. Check out this service:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/182252713160