Ebay Keys vs OEM......

A few weeks ago I had one key and one remote with my 05 DC. I got an alarm w/bypass put in and got the other master key back from the old auto start. I am now at 2 keys.

I am thinking it would be best to have one or two valet keys made and mostly use them, but at $95 a pop! I was thinking if I pickup a key or two off ebay and have them cut and not program them right away. I would at least have a backup key to get in the car if I got locked out, even if it isn't programmed yet.

The thing is where is my best/cheapest option for the chip keys. Ebay has them, but are they just as good as the OEM ones, or should I look for one of those. Whats the best source for the grey or even black chip keys? Anyone have a part number for the valet keys?

Not even sure if I can have more than three?

Still struggling to understand all this key stuff. But have been reading the forum and trying. Wish I had got an 04 and could program them myself

 

My understanding is you can find licensed locksmiths that will cut and program you a chipped key for a lot cheaper than the dealer will.

That said the best idea I've heard is to cut the chip out of the soft vinyl part of one of the keys and glue it inside the steering column shroud next to the sensor at the ignition switch and the get standard keys cut. Works great.

If you really want an immobilizer just put an ignition or fuel pump cutout jumper in some random location in the truck. A joy-rider won't take the time to find it and serious thieves don't drive it away anyway, they pull it up on a flatbed and go.

 

i just had ace hardware make me a key for 2 bucks to just unlock my doors....it works no transponder needed.......i do have only one trandsponder key

 

Thats Awesome, and something I am not going to try with a $90 key

The alarm guy told me I could start the car with the bypass used by the auto start and then just use a regular key to drive it?

Haven't tried it, I just got the truck so just want to get the part number for the grey valet keys.

Ill use them, as I have been known to loose keys.

 

That would be really cheap to test...go to any WalMart and get a standard Toyota key blank cut. Around $1.75, just have to keep assuring him you understand it won't work except to unlock doors. (I leave my keys under the seat when I'm hiking and take a walmart key with me, pinned in my jeans like a latch key kid in 2nd grade!)

The valet key really has no purpose on the Tacoma...it works exactly the same as the regular key. On a car it won't open the trunk or the glove box (at least that's what it did with my Maxima.)

Some high power cars are put in a cripple mode with the valet key.

 

+1 I told my dealer that it was a silly idea for this truck, since it didn't have a locking tailgate or glove box.

 

There is a Toyota dealer in San Diego that sells key blanks on Ebay. If I remember right it was 27 bucks a key plus shipping. Went to a locksmith, had them cut, then to the dealer to program. Total cost for three keys was about 160 bucks. Just get them all done at the same time and you should not have to pay for the programming twice.

Edit: I believe it was Franke? Toyota Great service, no hassles on getting them shipped. They are factory key blanks guarenteed to program by Toyota.

 

But isn't the point of the vallet key is if I decide to hide it and it is found it can't be copied. That was the thought, but I guess if they start the car it doesn't matter.

 

Interesting...copying the 'cut' is elementary so I assume you mean the 'chip'? I wonder what it is about the chip in a valet key that makes copying impossible.

If valets can copy keys that easy maybe they should just run a legit business for the millions of owners trying to dodge the dealers' price. I know I could make a really nice little business of it at local flea markets on Saturdays.

 

Im going to swing by the local locksmith and ask. From what I have researched I can get a master OEM black key for $28 and a grey OEM vallet for $35. I am just curious about all this now. I am looking to have one key made for my dad who occasionally has to move it and one to hide so I don't get locked out.

It would be interesting to see how many people specifically use a grey vallet key and keep the master safe at home as a backup....

 

Yeah, the valet key can't be used to program a new key. But I think you still have to have the truck and the keys at the dealer or a locksmith to program any new keys. So if someone found your hidden key, they would have to take the truck to the dealer or locksmith if they wanted to copy the key. At that point, they have the truck, right? Mine are all master keys.

 

I carry the black key for no particular reason... the gray valet is left at home.

I would like to know if the black key IS the only key they can copy! 'cause I don't have that key tag they said not to lose (it was a used car purchase).