raroland

Evening,

Just recently purchased a RX 300 with 130,000 for 8,000. Yesterday my sis was driving the car and suddenly the car wouldn't move. She calls me and I'm already thinking Tranny! I tell her get it back to her job. 10 -15 minutes later she gets the car back to her job. Now it won't even start and there's a cloud of smoke for days. Ok! its the head gasket. We have the car towed to a local mechanic so we can get his opinion. A day later he comes back to us with two scenario's. First purchase a gasket set and replace all gaskets as well as the water pump and the timing belt. Cost is around $1500 and sell. Second is a complete rebuild of the motor. Around $3500. Bought the car from a dealer so I'm not sure of the history. The mechanic did a compression check and the compression is poor. Sounds like a case of poor maintenance or not. Opinions welcome.

Thanks, Guys.

blueridge

What year is this RX? Did the mech check for engine oil sludge? Toyota/Lexus via a settlement will warranty certain 99-02 vehicles, including the RX300 for engine sludge.

One of the signs of sludge is considerable smoke with a blue tint. Sometimes you will get the oil light even though it's full. I'd have the mech pull the front valve cover to check for sludge.

salimshah

Blue smoke is typically oil ... you will get soot on the bumper too.

White smoke is usually the coolant. With the engine cold open the radiator and see if you notice crap in there.

The lack of motion can be attributed to transmission provide the engine is producing the force.

The timing belt should have been replaced at 90K and the the water-pump might be still good.

I would say start by opening up the head and a good mechanic can tell if the problem is due to head gasket and not worn rings. I would suggest engine overhaul only if there is a need.

Why did the head gasket go bad? typically it is due to engine overheating .. which can be a simple abuse or poor maintenance and or lube failure. So start by pulling the upkeep history.

I think many will tell you that you should have checked the vehicle over before purchasing it.

Salim

raroland

Morning guys,

Thanks for the replies. Its a 2001 RX 300. Definitely seen sludge in the engine. Will Lexus warranty the engine even though we purchased it from a non-Lexus dealer? I did look her over everything looked good sounded good. Here is a few more things I heard from this mechanic. He said if he puts a new gasket set on with a new water pump and timing belt that the top end will be much stronger than the bottom end. Thus he feels the bottom end will go soon after. This sounds a little strange to me.

thomas1

Your still under warranty. Push politely and get it. They supposedly require oil change receipts, but who knows....

defo

iTrader: (6)

How long is this good for?

thomas1

8 years 120 days is the warranty length...

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Regardless of the Lexus sludge warranty, if you just recently bought this from a dealer, I would take it back to them and tell them to fix it! There's no way they should leave you hanging out to dry!

raroland

We bought the car at the end of January of this year. Made one car payment and then this happens. If I take this back to the used car dealer and say fix it. Won't they say sorry sold as is...with a big smirk on his face? As far as taking it to a Lexus dealer and telling them politely "The car broke down in the middle of the road and I just bought this car". In addition, I'm aware of the sludge issue that Toyota has had with this make and model and that a lawsuit was claimed and rewarded. Is this along the line of being politely?

Thanks, Guys.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Ah, OK, I thought you had bought it from a Lexus dealer. If that's not the case, then jump on that Toyota/Lexus sludge warranty quickly - it's about to run out!

raroland

Afternoon Guys,

I called the Lexus corporation today and talked with a Lexus customer representative about my situation. She was very friendly and helpful. She took all my information and found the closest Lexus dealer for me. She said "I need to tow the car there (if sludge is the problem) they will reimburse towing charges, if not I pay. So, were going to have it towed today or tomorrow to the Lexus dealer and then they'll determine if its a sludge issue. So, gentlemen your "Prayers" will be much appreciated for a good outcome. I keep you posted and thank you all for your responses.

Thanks, Ralph