Well long story short I never got a master key with my car and only have a valet. Went into the Lexus dealership yesterday to try and get a master key and it came out to $460 before tax. Guy told me it'd be 175 for the key and 280 for the labor.

I don't know about you guys but I wasn't feeling $500 for a key. I could do a lot of things to the GS with that money, so basically the reason for this thread is to ask what else is out there that I could go with. I know that there was that Viper system or whatever for around $400 I think? With the push to start and keyless entry etc.. So whatever you guys know of let me know so I can get an idea on what else is out there to go with. I know that I can get an aftermarket system easy for less than $200 with a remote and all, but I don't want a piece of junk.. Like I told the guy at the dealership I drive a Lexus not a Honda. (No disrespect)

So hit me with it guys, what other choices do I have to go with than paying $500 to the dealership?

Thanks,

-Daniel

 

Get one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/2000-Lexus-400.../dp/B003RAIU9S

Then do this:

http://lexus.sewellparts.com/accesso...1998/4644.html

Then follow this:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ogramming.html

 

Oh wait. It might be hard programming if you don't already have a master key. Nevermind.

 

Yeah you can't program it like that without a master key. You have to get it re-flashed. That's why it cost so much. If I were you, I would get the Clifford remote start alarm. I feel that Clifford are better than viper. Have a professional install it because there is a extra part you need to bypass the clip in your key.

 

Try different Lexus dealers. That's way over priced. Dealer here in NorCal (Lexus of Sacramento), if your vehicle has never had its ECU changed. Dealer would change this one time only and charge you just $130 for the labor plus cost of a key $147 +tax. Ask if they can match that price.

 

If you have a 2001+, they can hook up the scan tool to obd2 and add the key. Should not cost $280 for labor. Or you can look for a part out in the classified/junkyard and pick up an ECU and master key.

I went with the Viper remote starter, 5101. Works well for hot summers & cold winters. You can lock/unlock doors, trunk, plus 3 other accessories. You can get it for $90 + install. You will need the PKALL unit to bypass the key code. Good thing here is you won't need to sacrifice a key and it costs less than a key.

 

Yeah if I told the guy that he might say we live in Texas not Cali, lmao.

Wish it worked like that though.

Yeah.

Looking into it, thanks for the info.

My GS is a 98.

I'm still looking to see what I can't find. Hopefully i'll get something good soon. Don't want anything cheap or trashy that'll break in no time.

 

Maybe someone in TX has the xhorse and techstream and would be nice enough to program your key. I'd give it a whirl if you were closer. Good luck!

 

Road Trip!