[villages07]

We have a recent vintage Toyota; it came with 2 transponder enabled master keys; the key also has the integrated lock/unlock/trunk release buttons. These keys have a chip in them that must match the car's onboard computer before the engine will start.

We want to get another key made ... the lock/unlock buttons are not necessary.

I called the local Toyota dealer.... to get a transponder key made with the buttons would be $340 for parts and labor (aye carumba) or about $90 for a key without the buttons. One locksmith said $90 for key without buttons.

You can buy key blanks on ebay for about $20, get them cut at Ace/Walmart etc and apparently there are ways you can program them yourself (some sequence of hitting gas and brake pedal).

So, the question is.... have any of you bought and programmed your own? Did it work? Has anyone found another more reasonably priced alternative to getting transponder car keys made? I'm sorry but paying over $300 or even $100 for a key just doesn't seem right.

Thanks in advance for any experiences or advice you can provide.