ive recently had a problem trying to replace my ignition key as it is fairly well worn and i've contacted my local toyota dealer who said, and i quote, "because it's an imported vehicle it will be £18.59p sir"!. what a rip off!, as i finally got one cut for £3.00.

- (#8878) Brian Squire, 3 Jun 03 23:24

Difference is, the dealer will be either having a key blank or a key shipped in, and it's an original quality key (unless the dealer farms it out of course), whereas the locksmith (unless he's a good'un with a computer etc) will just copy yours, compensating slightly for wear.

Getting a locksmith to computer- cut from the reference number is the best alternative.

(Just be grateful you don't own a late model Fiat- key and immobiliser are a pair, at around £300!)

- (#8879) david miller, 4 Jun 03 0:59

If you take the drivers door lock out it will have a no stamped on it which a locksmith can cut keys to

- (#8880) ron, 4 Jun 03 6:08

Thanks for the info fella's, with regard to the key cutting, the chap who did mine actually cut the first blank and then cut that on to a second as he said the fit is usually better on the second cut, and by god he was right. the first key was very iffy but the second was perfect.
by the way my father in law has just bought a new fiat dave and i shall tell him not to lose the key, just the car.

- (#8881) brian squire, 4 Jun 03 16:19