Lost car keys.

Outrageous isn't it. He'll get something back from insurance if that's any consolation SDG.

Google turned this up and there's probably a lot more:

"Car keys are becoming more sophisticated as they and the systems they include not only start your car but unlock the doors, set the alarm and other tasks depending on your car. Losing the keys means you have to replace a sophisticated system.
lost car keys

Many auto locksmiths are also auto electricians. They need to be: in some car keys there is a device, a transponder, hidden in the tip of the key that responds only to the serial number on your car's engine. If you want to replace the key, an auto electrician will log in to the car's computer system and retrieve the pin to load it onto the new key. You don't necessarily have to go back to the manufacturer - just find a reliable auto locksmith that specialises in your car's make.

Because they work closely with manufacturers, auto locksmiths help make it easier for you to get back on the road in the event that you lose your car keys. There are a number of variables that come into play when replacing keys, including the car's country of origin, the model of the car, the year it was made, whether it is a flip-key or a smart key or a regular three-button fob.

With sophisticated car key transponders, immobilisers, anti-theft devices and security lock, a lost car key set can often be a time consuming process. Expert locksmiths attempt to make the complete process time efficient and pain-free as possible."

Tell your mate to make the Toyota dealer his very last resort - he should get onto Lcool.org first - there is a Prado section, but info in other sections has the same general theme. I'm sure someone there will have the cheapest way out of this - as mentioned above, as I understand it (haven't lost mine yet - don't know why) auto orientated locksmiths can save you heaps.

Hi SDG

It may be not the best solution in this case but tell him to try the local locksmith first.

Before you lose your keys it is always advisable to go to your local locksmith as they can make you a new key including the chip in the key as well as duplicate keyless entry controllers. Provided they have the equipement to do the job as my local bloke does. Way cheaper than Toyota after the event

Once he has your info then it is a walk up start to get a new one. My guy quoted me around $150 for a key with chip. I cannot recall how much for the keyless controller but it was reasonable.

Those Mister Minute guys can do it as well and are cheaper too.

Note that this may not apply to the latest models. Ask a locksmith about your model and you will then know for sure.

Cheers, Bruce.

Just spoke to him, and found out that Toyota sent him to a lock smith, who is the one who gave him that quote.

SDG,
the normal price for 2 new complete programmed keys is between $600 and $700.

There is something very wrong here with that price.

In 2002 I lost a key for my Prado at Port Smith WA.
Toyota at Port Headland had one [blank] set up from Perth, local locksmith cut it [I had a spare] then Toyota dealer programmed it while I waited and watched.
Cost $170.00

I'd b shopping around.... me thinks :-)

About 10 years ago, I was in the local car dealership when a car was trucked into the yard. It was a late model and the young lad was skiing and lost the car keys. They had to ring Mummy in SYdney (it was her car) and get permission. Then ring the NSW head office to get the car key coding. Then the local locksmith cut a new key. This key then had to be programmed to oiperate the immobiliser. Then, when the lad got home. all the remaining keys had to be taken to another dealer and all of them reprogrammed. The local dealer's cost was over $600. They had to pay for the reprogramming in Sydney as well.

I immediately went home and got the valet key from our storage and wired it inside the car. I then got a spare key cut (but not programmed) and wired it under the car. Now, should the keys be lost, we can get the one from under the car, get into the car and at least drive home.

Incidentally, nearly 50 years ago I moved interstate and had to re-register my car. I had bought it second hand in Melbourne. When I unscrewed the number plates, there was a spare key. Not a good ides these days because so many people steal plates to do armed robberies and runaways from petrol stations etc, if you have a key behind your number plate, you will probably lose your car as well.

He still does not have any keys....Lucky he has a work van.

My son misplaced his keys the other day (found again!), i got a quote for 1 key no remote (maybe another $100) , $350 off a locksmith, that was a 2001 au falcon, so there must be something cheaper available.