Re-key question

[shepd]

Considering that, physically, most cars brands only have a few dozen actual keys for each type of lock they make, I wouldn't bother unless my plate was written on the key. It will open hundreds of thousands of vehicles and start them right now as it is. Some repo guys have entire master key sets so they can cleanly open the cars.

The key is, frankly, only there to keep honest people honest. It takes a thief about 10 seconds, probably less, to steal a car without any key at all... Smash the window, unlock the door, hop in, use crowbar to break the steering lock (Didn't bring it? There's always the tire tools in the trunk, or just look for cars sporting the club... convenient...), and crack the ignition with a flathead screwdriver. If you're worried about theft, you need a Yaris with an engine immobilizer instead.

If you have a vehicle with the engine immobilizer, I wouldn't bother with a re-key. Just get new keys at Toyota, and (I assume this is possible?) have them delete the lost key from the immobilizer.

[SirDigby]

Originally Posted by shepd

It takes a thief about 10 seconds, probably less, to steal a car without any key at all...you need a Yaris with an engine immobilizer instead.

If you have a vehicle with the engine immobilizer, I wouldn't bother with a re-key. Just get new keys at Toyota, and (I assume this is possible?) have them delete the lost key from the immobilizer.

this is mostly the correct answer. you would just go get your code changed on all the keys. if non-immobilizer, it would be cheaper to disable the vehicle via fuel, ignition, etc. than to replace keys/locks or even re-key pins. or installing a super fancy alarm system would be cheaper.