price999

I have my eye on a 99 RX300 AWD with 85k, but all this tranny problem talk has me second guessing this purchase. I'm considering just paying another $1500 - $2000 and purchasing an 02 RX300 w/ 95k miles if the later model 1st gen RX's had the tranny problems worked out. Is it true that by 2002 these trasmission failures were adressed and the design changed making it more reliable in 2002? If that's the case, I'll definitely throw a bit more cash up front than worry every month about my tranny failing. Your opinions are appreciated!

Thanks

salimshah

If you are concerned to a point that you are worried now, I would say don't buy the '99. A road bump will make you think some thing is wrong with the transmission.

Salim

price999

Salim,

Thanks for the response, but not following you. Did you mean don't buy a 99 instead of 09 as you posted, or were you just being sarcastic? I'm just trying to avoid obvious problems if there was a fix for the common issues that seem to plague the 99 - 01 models. Thx

salimshah

My bad. So used to writing 2009 ...

Sarcasm has its place, but not when you sit behind the computer and post things on the Forum.

I personally am very happy with my '99 and the transmission problems I hear have all been on the 'net. That does not mean that transmission problems are overblown. It is an expensive fix and for those who have encountered the problems have every reasons to be un-happy as Lexus has kept it under wraps.

I just wish we had true information and get the real failure rate out to alarm or calm the owners.

Since you are not committed, I am urging you to skip.

When was the problem fixed? The answer to this question will automatically include an admission of the thing that the problem existed.

Some folks may suggest a model year with less reported problems, but the true information of year by year failure rate is not to be found.

Salim

mikey00

I would definetly go for the cash up front for piece of mind. I would even move up to an 03 if you can afford it. The cost of a rebuilt transmission alone would be more than the extra $ you are talking about to purchse an 02. Don't forget the 1999-2000 years had a few other problems that seem to be worked out in the later years (leaking rear main seal, cracking exhaust manifold, failing exhaust flex joint, failing coil packs etc). In the Consumer Reports year by year analysis the 1999 RX transmission failure rate is shown to be higher than the average of all other 1999 makes, while the 2002 is showing above average when compared to all other 2002 makes. The trans fix might have been in place in 02 but Lexus sure isn't telling. This could change once the 02 gets 3 years older but we wont know till we get there.

price999

Understood, thanks for the comments guys. If I decide to do the RX, I'll just look for an 02 or 03 to have a little more piece of mind.

salimshah

Check this thread.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ms-really.html


Salim

price999

Salim,

That's a great thread, thanks! This forum is a wealth of info. Hell, in the end, whichever car I purchase will be used and I'm sure will end up costing me some cash for repairs one way or another. I'll do they best I can in researching service history, get Lexus to do an inspection and just roll the dice from that point forward. Good stuff....thanks again.