Gs400DTX

Hey everyone. I got a 2000 GS400 i got for $500. I took it park place lexus to get it looked at and they told me i need a new transmission because the transmission oil pan seal is leaking. Is that true? If so where can i get a good transmission at? Or am i able to reseal it. The tech said it better for me to get a new trans because i will have issues with the transmission after replenishing fresh fluid in an old automatic transmission – they tend to start slipping.
please help and thank you.

TrueGS300

Did they mention if they found any codes relating to the trans? Maybe they feel that it is done for. But if that's the case, just don't do anything with it and drive it till it quits. You can top off the fluid through the dipstick hole, so just keep an eye on the level since it's leaking. If the car drives fine and shifts, why worry? It is true that if a high mileage car with bad looking fluid gets serviced, it can stop working. The old fluid has a lot of the clutch material in it and is helping the clutches continue to catch. So you don't want to flush it out. I'd top the thing of with some sort of spacial trans formula like Lucas and some other brands make and just leave it be. That will keep it going for a good while. Then just start to save up another $500ish bucks for a replacement transmission and have it for when it does go out if you plan on keeping the car. Or keep saving for the cost of labor to replace too if you need a shop to do it. I'd estimate $1,200 for a trans replacement if you provide the trans. $1,800-$2,000 if you have a shop get one and put it in.

Gs400DTX

No codes. I want to keep it

Gs400DTX

Where is a good place to order a transmission for it? Lexus told me 5 grand for them to do it.

Bykfixer

Get a second opinion.
Now the fact that the car was only $500 might be a clue that the seller knew ole gurtrude sally has a terminally ill tranny. But it could be a general mechanic would shoot straight with you about solving the leak issue. Some times pan gaskets leak from age or from bolts not being torqued proper when serviced.
Take it in to a shop (not jiffy lube) for an oil change and ask them to give it a once over to see if it has some hidden issues they can spot while it's up on the lift.

Gs400DTX

The guy that sold it couldnt drive anymore per his doctor. I had lexus look at it. Everything but the transmission has been done at lexus. Might have another shop look at it and give a price.

Tuanville

A picture of the leak would be nice. There are a lot of seals on the transmission. Look like they are just trying to sell you a transmission. Those service advisors are always hungry. If your motor is leaking oil would you replace the entire engine?

Gs400DTX

Scraape

I've dealt with transmission pan leaks like you have there. A messy job but not the end of the world. Worst case scenario your transmission pan is bent and not sealing properly. Simply drop the pan, clean off the old Toyota FIPG (form in place gasket) (if applicable). You will want to go ahead and change the transmission filter/strainer while you have the pan off. To reseal the pan what I've done is used two of the aftermarket paper gaskets instead of one. No leaks whatsoever from my transmission pan.

Also while it is possible your transmission has issues, I've had mechanics try to tell me my transmission is bad when it really is not. With high miles your transmission filter can get clogged from wear.