Very "expensive" ? They are $200 bucks.. and I've seen out the door dealer prices at a low of $600 and an average of $800 .. and then there are some looking for a retirement plan off them. And the hard to get.. just what color is that smoke they are blowing at you.. I've yet to see any take an extensive amount of time.. seems typically a week as they send yours in and get a programmed (vin) one back.