I asked the seller about the range. He stated in an area with lots of blockages (buildings) I should see about a 3000m range. That is almost 2 miles. I am going to get it and we'll see how well the range works.
I haven't looked at her key yet to see if it is chipped. Anyway I can definitively tell if it is chipped or not?
I did some research and not all 98's are chipped. It appears to be an option. Read below-
"
For increased vehicle theft protection, the Avalon can be equipped with a newly designed engine immobilizer system, which prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key is placed in the ignition. The new system uses a transponder in which a pre-programmed identification code is transmitted from a transponder chip to an antenna coil. When the key is inserted in the lock cylinder, the chip instructs the antenna coil to supply electromagnetic energy, enabling the key-chip to transmit a key-code signal. If the identification code is transmitted from the chip matches the code stored in the key computer memory, the transponder computer de-activates the immobilizer system, allowing the vehicle to start. "
I found this on ebay as well to use to bypass the chip if it turns out I need one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Scytek-Remote-Start-Chip-Key-Transponder-Bypass-Module_W0QQitemZ350134058416QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Alarms_Security?hash=item350134058416&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50