geisler

2001 RX 300 AWD 108,000 miles; Toyota Dealer serviced; ATF changed at 45K and 90K.

Now the problem: The car ran bit sluggish for the last few weeks and then all of a sudden transmission started slipping and was totally "free" in about 10 miles of driving. It is at a stand-still right now. I see the following options available and am looking to see how others may have come around this situation:

Opt 1: Pay Toyota dealer a total of $7,000 which includes - $5,000 for rebuilt transmission + $1,000 for timing belt service (not related) + $1,000 for other misc items (brakes, tires, door actuator etc), and expect the car to run another 50K miles???

Opt 2: Trash it - not sure how to do this. Should I even expect any residual value?

Opt 3: Pay independent mechanic a total of about $4,500 to get a new tranny + timing belt + other minor items and expect the car to run maybe another 20K miles???

I have read all posts regarding RX300 tranny failures - what a bummer .

Any thoughts, feedback, advice on the above options appreciated. Love this community as I have received valuable information on minor repairs which I could do myself and great advice.

THANK YOU!!!

Jim

Privacy

do not trash it..
pay the independent for the new tranny with upgraded gears and a new timing belt for $4500 and drive it for another 80,000+ miles....

the car is strong and will run for a long time..some people have these after 1 tranny change with 210+K on them easily

its a damn good car
its just flawed with the original tranny
the new ones wont fail.

v4tuna

So sorry for you geisler. Only you can decide you may want to try a trade in at your lexus dealer screaming with complaint.

Do they all fail or is it just a few? Geisler here changed fluid twice and it still barfed.
Geisler how did you drive it what type terrain trailering. That is such a let down.

My 01 has 90K on it and I am about to change tranny fluid but am still worried.

Privacy

Not all fail pre maturely
some last 60K some last 200K
its just a problem that lexus know's about
There have been many ideas on how to prevent it as in changing the ATF fluid more then usual but NOT doing a flush and cleaning the filters or adding external filters or coolers for the tranny...

nothing is for certain
doesnt matter if you tow or not
doesnt matter if you go off road or not or speed or go slow
it does not matter

when you get the tranny replaced just make sure you get the upgraded steel carrier so the tranny will now last as long as possible instead of only 100K or so

This and the sludge issue was a class action suit the ended last year..

thomas1

Sorry, but no class action for the tranny. Sludge yes. He has now joined the ranks of failures....