For a little less than a week I have been the owner of a slightly used '09 Corolla LE. I wasn't really in the market for a new car but only 1500 miles after the extended warranty on my '04 Dodge Intrepid ran out, the transmission started acting up. Repairs would have been $900 and probably would have continued on and on. So I decided to get rid of it. I knew I didn't want another Chrysler product... or GM for that matter. I briefly considered a Ford but than, thinking about the amount of miles I drive, I came to my senses and started looking at Toyota's and Honda's.
My wife owned a '87 Corolla when she was in college and she loved it so she wanted to get another one. We found a silver '09 LE with 6000 miles on it for $15999. It was a dealer car and was driven by an employee.
So far I love the car, the only things that take a little getting used to are the 4-cylinder engine and the horn, which I absolutely hate but other than that I love the car.
Now, here's the thing though. When we were test driving the car I asked if it had keyless entry and I was told that it did. When we decided to buy it I was given three keys (two black and one gray). I asked if they had the remote for the car, which they said they'd be looking for. The sales guy came back and told me he couldn't find the remote and that they are sometimes lost. I would have the option of having a new one made at a cost of $200 to $300 though. The same thing had happened with my Intrepid. Knowing that it had keyless entry and that I would be able to get a remote later, I didn't worry about it too much.
After we purchased the car and went home I started worrying a little bit and got mad at myself because I feel I should have insisted on getting the remote or at least have them meet me somewhere in the middle for a new one. So I contacted them again to tell them I'd really appreciate it if they would help me getting the remote for the car. The guy who sold the car to us insisted that he checked everywhere and that the remote is not there. So I asked him which steps I would need to take to obtain another remote. He told me to bring the car in and that service could help me out, so I agreed. Not five minutes later he calls back and tells me that he checked with the service department and the car might not have keyless entry. WTF?
This option is not the most important thing to me and if I had to I could live without it but the fact that I was told that it did have keyless entry and now it doesn't, really ticks me off. Is there any way I can check to see if it has keyless entry? I also read something about it being configured for keyless entry? If it does not have that option installed, is there a possibility to have an OEM keyless entry system installed or is the only other option a third party system?
I did a search and found some information but none that matched my situation.
I'd appreciate if anyone has any information regarding this issue.
Can I assume, based on the fact that I received three "regular" keys, that the vehicle does not have the keyless option? Again, it wouldn't be the end of the world and I probably would have bought the car anyway but it still bothers me that I was told it did have that option, when it really didn't.
Where can I get some more info regarding the add on keyless entry system from Toyota? Since they told me it did have keyless entry, maybe they'd be willing to help out with Toyota's aftermarket system?
In your case, I recommend you not to install anything from the dealership. I have the distributor installed Keyless Entry Remote on my 2009 Corolla. It does not have trunk release, and it is different from the manual too! However, my Corolla already rattles like hell from underneath the dashboard, seatbelt by the B-pillars, and back panel behind the second row seat two weeks after I purchased the Corolla, and serviced more than nine times just only for rattling, and they are all coming back!
In your case, I recommend you not to install anything from the dealership. I have the distributor installed Keyless Entry Remote on my 2009 Corolla. It does not have trunk release, and it is different from the manual too! However, my Corolla already rattles like hell from underneath the dashboard, seatbelt by the B-pillars, and back panel behind the second row seat two weeks after I purchased the Corolla, and serviced more than nine times just only for rattling, and they are all coming back!
i wouldn't go as far as to say that. honestly, your problem looks like its from a shotty install. i've had the interior of my car taken apart numerous times and I don't have such problems under normal conditions. if I have the bass up on high, things rattle but thats gonna happen regardless.
but yea, not all dealership workers do shotty install work.
Now, here's the thing though. When we were test driving the car I asked if it had keyless entry and I was told that it did. When we decided to buy it I was given three keys (two black and one gray).
Andy
I was under the impression that 'LE' meant a certain package of options that included keyless entry. I'm just guessing though. But you mentioned 2 different kinds of keys. Are you talking about the kind of key (one of the black ones) that WILL start the car, and the other (grey) one that will not, ie a 'chipped' key? My new 09 came with a number tag on the keys. I THINK that this number allows the dealer to cut you a key without having one to copy. I was told it would cost 70-80 dollars to replace a chipped key. Are we talking apples and oranges here?
For about $200 you can get a remote starter installed. My Excalibur has a remote button that works the doorlocks. IF you wanted a remote starter anyway this MIGHT be a solution?
take your sales contract and check if is mentions keyless entry, if it does call your salesperson back and tell him that you paid already.
If you look online a Corolla LE the keyless entry is listed as available as part of an option package
I would call your salesperson's manager and tell him the salesperson said it comes with keyless and "I asked if they had the remote for the car, which they said they'd be looking for. The sales guy came back and told me he couldn't find the remote and that they are sometimes lost" - either he lost it and owes you one or he was lying and should pay for one
Keyless option is part of LE Extra Value Package (savings up to $395)-includes cruise control and remote keyless entry system with in-key transmitter
That of course of for my region, your make be different. If you still have the original window sticker, if it is listed there, dealership needs to find you that remote. Otherwise you can complaint to the sales manager and you specify that you wanted keyless option
Hey, me too!! I bought it on 8/2. Mine was actually 15,688
Yeah that sounds about right. I think I paid an extra 80 bucks for the appliqué thing on the back though. Bought it only because they had that on the color we wanted.
You are making this a bigger deal than it needs to be, contact a local car audio shop and have a viper keyless entry installed for 150$. If you have power locks they can add they keyless in 2-3 hrs.
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