new member, looking to buy used
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I am probably going to continue looking seriously into getting one of these for my fiance as, after a nice long talk at dinner last night, she said that if I got her one I could finally have my ford lightning truck woot!![Woohoo](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/woohoo.gif)
that way I can relegate towing to the lightning and leave this as our little get around and family trip vehicle. I'm only going to look at awd models and probably 01-02 year range.
I've looked up the transmission interchange on mitchel and it goes from 99-03 so thats a nice year range to pick from and I can get a tranny used with a 50k warranty for $1400 which isnt really that bad considering...
I'll just install it myself if it goes bad since I have a fully operational shop with lift, etc and I've done work on lexus vehicles in the past. Hell, if I have to drop the whole front k-member to do it, saving $2.5k will be worth it....that and I get my lightning mmmmm.
oh yeah, I take it with salimshah's list that lexus is still having LCD display fade out problems?? is there anyone that redoes the displays on ebay like they do for the older LS400's??
as far as engine sludge, I know the problem is related to small oil drainback passages, we have always just flushed the engines every 15k with a quart of transmission fluid in the oil as it is a detergent and will break up all the sludge and collect it in the oil filter...
![Woohoo](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/woohoo.gif)
that way I can relegate towing to the lightning and leave this as our little get around and family trip vehicle. I'm only going to look at awd models and probably 01-02 year range.
I've looked up the transmission interchange on mitchel and it goes from 99-03 so thats a nice year range to pick from and I can get a tranny used with a 50k warranty for $1400 which isnt really that bad considering...
I'll just install it myself if it goes bad since I have a fully operational shop with lift, etc and I've done work on lexus vehicles in the past. Hell, if I have to drop the whole front k-member to do it, saving $2.5k will be worth it....that and I get my lightning mmmmm.
oh yeah, I take it with salimshah's list that lexus is still having LCD display fade out problems?? is there anyone that redoes the displays on ebay like they do for the older LS400's??
as far as engine sludge, I know the problem is related to small oil drainback passages, we have always just flushed the engines every 15k with a quart of transmission fluid in the oil as it is a detergent and will break up all the sludge and collect it in the oil filter...
#17
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RX has the drive light bulb under "D" blown problem. There is a DIY and takes 15 min to do.
A few folks live with the blown bulb.
Salim
A few folks live with the blown bulb.
Salim
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#19
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The temp display issue is it seems to be off by few degrees.
I have not seen any complaint about the led display.
Salim
I have not seen any complaint about the led display.
Salim
#20
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Good idea to look elsewhere besides a used RX as a tow vehicle.
At first glance a pickup with a big V8 would be end of towing issues but, choose your used Lightning wisely. Every Lightning left the factory with a towing package however, in stock form their towing capacity was only 5,000 lb. Many have been modified and performance tunes, modified suspensions, tires, etc... may greatly reduce this number.
At first glance a pickup with a big V8 would be end of towing issues but, choose your used Lightning wisely. Every Lightning left the factory with a towing package however, in stock form their towing capacity was only 5,000 lb. Many have been modified and performance tunes, modified suspensions, tires, etc... may greatly reduce this number.
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Good idea to look elsewhere besides a used RX as a tow vehicle.
At first glance a pickup with a big V8 would be end of towing issues but, choose your used Lightning wisely. Every Lightning left the factory with a towing package however, in stock form their towing capacity was only 5,000 lb. Many have been modified and performance tunes, modified suspensions, tires, etc... may greatly reduce this number.
At first glance a pickup with a big V8 would be end of towing issues but, choose your used Lightning wisely. Every Lightning left the factory with a towing package however, in stock form their towing capacity was only 5,000 lb. Many have been modified and performance tunes, modified suspensions, tires, etc... may greatly reduce this number.
now, I just need to do a little more research into other little nuances of the rx series and then actually go test drive a few to make sure it's what we want for her.
if anyone can think of ANY other issues with these as they get higher up in mileage please let me know.
oh yeah, how does the a/c system and the power steering system hold up in these in the long term?? my mom's a/c system ate like 4 compressors, even though that was spread out over 380k miles, it was still like $800 per compressor and drier to replace...
#23
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I checked out your homepage, 17.9 in the 1/4?
That 7,000 ft elevation must be killing your time.
If a Lightning beat you by 2 seconds I hope that driver had a bag over his head.
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The only 15 sec Lightning I've seen ran with the parking brake on.
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Some vehicles just seem to run much better up here like the 4 Runner can usually hit low 17s without trying.
The Lightning driver went at it a few times even doing torque braking and still couldn't bring it under 15.5 but it had the most beautiful sound with that compressor and exhaust.
I hope to rip that 17.9 to shreads in a few weeks but I am hoping we get some cooler air down here as it has been a mild winter.
Right now I am running a Redline Fuel System Cleaner and hope to change out this coming weekend the fuel filter.
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#29
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