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Going with a key...thoughts?

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Ravvydoog19

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Just bringing this up for those still considering what to buy. This isn’t a complaint, just discussing the functionality.
So I grabbed the LE hybrid and it has the keyed fob. First time I’ve had a keyed ignition in a very long time and I really didn’t consider all the ramifications.
First off, it’s a heavy bit of kit in your pocket. Probably twice the weight as the normal push button ignition fobs I’ve had recently. It’s function is certainly quite different. You give up just grabbing the door handle and having the doors unlock. You have to get the fob out of your pocket and push the unlock button. While it’s out you have to get into the car with it still in hand and flick the key out and insert it into the ignition and turn the car on, with or w/o putting your foot on the brake.
When you get out you either have to push the door lock button by the window switches or, again fish the fob out of your pocket and push the lock button. You also don’t have the auto tailgate lift function so you have to make sure the car is unlocked and then push the open button on the tailgate and lift it. Like the other fob, if you lose the battery in the fob you can still open the door with the key. I’m curious how many others have this fob, how you feel about it and what other functions (or lack thereof) you’ve noticed.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Ecoohill said:
On the bright side, Toyota probably doesn’t charge $500 for a replacement.
Click to expand...
Good point. I have no idea but given that they would have to replace the fob part and cut the key that they provide it could still be pricey. I’m also curious how they program it to your locking system and how much that costs.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
cbf123 said:
You've been spoiled. :) I've never owned a car with keyless entry, only rented them. Looking forward to keeping my key in my pocket.
Click to expand...
Yup, true that. Though I do still have an older Silverado that uses a similar system.
 
#6 ·
I've never owned a car that has the keyless entry, nor push button start before owning the RAV4. And I can say that I'll probably never go back to having a key again. The convenience factor is huge, especially if you are carrying a lot of stuff and can't reach the pocket for the key. Also, in winter time, not having to pull my key out will be great. Do the door handles sense the presence of a hand even with gloves on (for both locking & unlocking)? If so that would be amazing in the winter time.
 
#7 ·
I've found the switch to keyed from keyless quite a pain. I keep forgetting until I'm seated, then I have to fumble in my pocket. Plus the grab the door thing was super convenient.

The only plus side I see is that no one can remotely steal the car, there have been a rash of thefts in my city from people spoofing keyless entry keys. So somehow having a key has become an old-school anti-theft device!

What a world...
 
#8 ·
I bought an LE specifically to get a key. There are definitely stories out there which made me very leery about going keyless. Code stealing, carbon monoxide poisoning, expensive to replace, technical issues. None of those have ever been a problem with my real key, so I'm good.
 
#9 ·
My first car with a keyless entry and push button start was a 2006 Corvette. I decided then I would never buy another car without this feature. I hate fumbling around with keys to unlock and start cars. I just wish I could replace the fob in my Rav4 with my phone.
 
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#10 ·
Ravvydoog19 said:
Ecoohill said:
On the bright side, Toyota probably doesn’t charge $500 for a replacement.
Click to expand...
Good point. I have no idea but given that they would have to replace the fob part and cut the key that they provide it could still be pricey. I’m also curious how they program it to your locking system and how much that costs.
Click to expand...
You can do it yourself with TECHSTREAM. You just buy the remote from ebay.

Just search here for "ADD A KEY WITH TECHSTREAM"


 
#12 ·
Riley5781 said:
I love my keyless FOBs. I too hate pulling my key out

It is easy enough to prevent a relay attack on your car by keeping your keys away from the front door or storing in a metal box

Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
If anyone is really concerned about a relay attack, just put the fob in battery save mode which turns off all the smart key features. Best part is hitting a button reactivates it.

Press lock and while holding it down, press unlock twice and it should flash 2 times to confirm. No need to wrap in tinfoil or using metal boxes.
 
#13 ·
XA50_Trail said:
If anyone is really concerned about a relay attack, just put the fob in battery save mode which turns off all the smart key features. Best part is hitting a button reactivates it.

Press lock and while holding it down, press unlock twice and it should flash 2 times to confirm. No need to wrap in tinfoil or using metal boxes.
Click to expand...
Good to know. I didn't realize that they added this feature. All my keyless cars are over 10 years old

Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk
 
#14 ·
I have keyless on my '16 Pruis. yeah, it can be convenient, but it is amazing how many times I leave it in the car and of course the car sounds a tone and won't lock, and then I'm back in the car hunting for the key. With the Rav LE, I know right where the key is, which is where it must be to run the car.
 
#15 ·
IMO the convenience of a keyless fob is outweighed by worrisome scenarios.

That is, I much prefer a keyed fob -- mostly because I feel it's less likely that a keyed fob would ever leave me stranded.

For example, here are some scenarios that can never happen with a keyed fob: Driving without the smart key in the vehicle.

OTOH, if I'm ever car-jacked, a keyless fob in my pocket might be an advantage.
 
#16 ·
I'm also on-board with keyless. You don't have to fumble looking for it, you just grab the door handle. That is convenient when your hands are full. You don't have to worry about how many keys you have on your key ring because it could prematurely wear the ignition. I don't think the keyed model has auto headlamps. I think the only benefit to a physical key is security, which is negated if you unlock remotely because your still transmitting the code that enables thieves to enter the car.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
@2011rav4 said:
You can do it yourself with TECHSTREAM. You just buy the remote from ebay.

Just search here for "ADD A KEY WITH TECHSTREAM"
Click to expand...
Still need to buy a Techstream/PC, buy the key fob and get the key cut.
 
#18 ·
James Hathaway said:
I've found the switch to keyed from keyless quite a pain. I keep forgetting until I'm seated, then I have to fumble in my pocket. Plus the grab the door thing was super convenient.

The only plus side I see is that no one can remotely steal the car, there have been a rash of thefts in my city from people spoofing keyless entry keys. So somehow having a key has become an old-school anti-theft device!

What a world...
Click to expand...
Urban legend. They use rolling codes. It is very difficult and unlikely. They say this dumb shit on the news to wrap your keyfob in foil

It is one in a million to catch a code like this
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
Ultimately, having a keyed ignition MAY turn out to be a Godsend. Had to replace keyless fob to my hybrid Camry 5 or so years ago and it cost me almost $500 by the time I bought the fob, got it programmed and had the new pull-out door key cut. Certainly hoping I never have to replace one again.
 
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