I was looking at a 2002 AWD deluxe/luxury edition with 140,000 miles. It is excellent shape. BUT when I took it for a test drive it seemed to be falling out of gear when I let off on the gas (coasted) and then when I accelerated it feels like it engaged. To compare it to a manual it feels like the clutch is popping.

The price is right only if the transmission is in good condition. Based on a search it could be as simple as removing the negative for twenty minutes, to a transmission fluid change to new sensors (or a swap of positions) to a rebuilt.

The price is 8,000, this is on the lower side but prices are higher in the pacific northwest (British Columbia).

 

Is that the first RX you test drove, you may feeling something that's normal behavior.

 

Yes it is the first one I have driven. So this is normal?

 

Depends on what you mean by falling out of gear, can you explain it maybe a little more? Best way is to test drive another RX, and see if your feeling the same thing.

 

I'm assuming you've driven quite a lot of automatic transmission vehicles. You get a sense of what's right and what isn't. If the transmission behaves in such a way to draw your attention to it, I'd pass.

 

I would pass too. My '02 doesn't behave that way. It would be too much of a risk unless the owner agrees to take it to a tranny shop to get a diagnosis and estimate first. Who pays for this? I guess it depends if he wants to sell it more than you want to buy. If he refuses, I would definitely pass.

 

Find a long-time owner of an RX and ask them to test-drive this one. He will be in a better position than you to ascertain any irregularities.