marauder95

So as not to continue the thread-jacking, I have an issue:
2001 RX300 AWD w/87K miles; no previous mechanical problems until Monday when the planetaries exploded. Filter clogged with metal, magnets covered in metal. I was under the impression the ATF didn't need to be changed until at least 90K. Here are my options:

1. Repair at generic transmission shop with rebuilt aftermarket tranny for $5600, 3yr/75K warranty ($3400 labor, $2100 parts)
2. Repair at Lexus/Toyota only shop with remanufactured Lexus tranny for $5100, 1yr/12K warranty ($1300 labor, $3800 parts)
3. Drag to dealer ship and see what I can get for her

Lexus guy says "you want a Lexus tranny and not aftermarket crap". Generic guy says "you don't want Lexus crap 'cause that's the reason you're here". I love the old gal but I can't afford another expensive repair. Hell, I can't afford this one! If I replace the tranny and change the ATF every 10-15K miles, is it worth holding on to? What else do I have to look forward to? I owe $9K and she's only worth $10K on trade-in (KBB). Any expert advice?

thomas1

Take it into Lexus and see if they have a 2002 or less with a 14k price tag and trade yours in for 10k.... sorry just a thought. I am still bothered by the prices your getting. I guess because where you are they think they can charge a premium, compared to California where there are RX300 cars everywhere here. Maybe availability of trannies is better here.

thomas1

Here is your tranny complete from Lexus of Plano TEXAS for under $2500. Just send yours to them for the core. Get an independent to put it in for you.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...01&catalogid=1\
And this is a LEXUS TRANNY......

thomas1

Shoot take a two day trip and drive and pick it up and haul it back...Well worth the price....

mikey00

Some people have been successful at getting Lexus to cover half the cost when a Lexus dealer does the repair. Have you thought about calling the 800 # and giving it a shot?

marauder95

Sounds good...in theory. Except I owe $9000 and the book trade-in is $10000. Why would they give me full value on an RX with no Tranny. Not to mention I would be upside-down as soon as I left the lot. I need to think about this.
The shop is telling me $3700. I wonder if they are including the shipping for the tranny?? What is the core? Are you talking about the case? It would have to be...everything on the inside is a total loss.
That depends. To rent something to go pick it up, overnight stays (possibly), meals, gas and time off from work???
This is interesting. What 800 number are you referring to?

thomas1

Give the site a call and ask about shipping it to you. The tranny is $2100 and the core is $1000, total 3100 and you would get the 1000 back...

salimshah

Core is the broken transmission. Your broken transmission has a value ... they get overhauled ... and then sold as rebuilt. It is important that your broken transmission is in a condition to be refurbished ... should not have crack.

Just pay freight and have the refurbished transmission delivered. Unfortunately you have to pay it twice ... once for the re-furbished one and the other time for sending back the core.


800 number is the Lexus corporate consumer help line. This is to resolve any issues that the dealership and customer can not work out. Once you are past your warranty, then it is purely goodwill. At times the dealership will bat (if you have been a good customer ... regular service etc) for you and then there are times when you have to work it out on your own.

Look through old posts and you will find often times that Lexus has picked up part of the repair cost as a goodwill gesture.

One more thing, if you do get the transmission replaced, make sure the engine rear seal is replaced. The old one will most probably leak shortly after repairs.

Salim

forgot the obvious one ... if you plan to drive out to pick the transmission, might as well take the broken one on you way out.

thomas1

One last thing, maybe the Lexus dealership near you will price match, especially if they do the labor....just a thought....

TampRX300

Lexus, price matching? Go to my local dealer and tell them that. The first thing they'll say is "if you can't afford it, then get rid of it". But again, not all dealers all a-holes...

mikey00

Lexus Customer Care in Torrance (1-800-255-3987)

Also check this link. It looks like Lexus will provide goodwill even if you didn't have car serviced by dealer.
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=28020