chikii

Hi guys, I want to buy a 1999 RX 300 after reading a big number of posts i am now questioning it... The biggest question that I have about this car is the transmission, should I really fear about it? I am reading a lot of problems people are having with their cars' transmission... Please someone tell me with something that I can make my decision as soon as possible.. I have found an RX 300 with 105k millage and will cost me including taxes $7300, one owner and looks and runs good? PLEASE HELP Me what should I do? Shall I take the car to a LEXUS dealer to get it checked?

lserlohn

If there is no particular whine noise coming from Transmission (Front, Driver's side) especially on cold engine start, then the transmission should be OK, but can not guaranty future. Meanwhile, check if the transmission is slipping or jerk during shift.

The best way is to ask the owner's maintenance record.

Forget Dealer, if they would not open the transmission, then they can do nothing to check the condition of transmission.

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

I think the transmission "issue" is blown out of proportion, other's may disagree though. Not everyone goes on a forum to talk about how great there cars are, we are a minority (people on forums). Everyone that I personally know has not had a problem with the RX300 transmission. My uncle is rocking 350k + miles on his original transmission 99' RX AWD. I myself have about 164k on my 00' RX AWD original trans.

In the end, it's still a Toyota!

code58

Hyper- That blows me away! How can anyone figure out the difference in service some have gotten (or NOT gotten) as compared to your uncle. Being a curious soul I would love to know the answer to it. Our DIL has 150+K mi. on her '99 RX AWD with no problems at all yet. It has not had special care either (transmission). I have had to change it the 2 times it has been changed (I did a COMPLETE change at 97K mi. and again at about 147K mi.) I have a hard time getting it away from them to do the work, in spite of a stern warning of what they were risking if it weren't changed often.

hypervish

Trust me, it blows me away as well. Even well built non defective trans. sometimes don't surpass 350k without problems.

My uncle is a mechanic, so that means complete stop before shifting into drive from reverse, and vice-versa also no abuse on the transmission, but he does WOT quite frequently (not considered abuse...i guess according to him. LOL) He changes out the fluid every 25k with Castrol Multi-Vehicle ATF because he drives mostly highway as you can tell. In the beginning when he drove local, he would change out every 15k (which is what I do). He changes the filter every 3rd atf change (every 75k miles). He only drain and fills.

I'm trying to get pictures of his RX, odometer and all. But, he lives in Michigan, where as many of you know I visit once every other month or so. Half the time, he's out so I haven't been able to snap a shot. His RX looks amazing, for having 350k + miles and being 12 years old.

trhs75

Chikii:
Welcome! My daughter's '99 was bought used with about 115K; we're up to 140K or so. No transmission problems. Personally, I would not hesitate to buy another RX, even another '99 or '00. I would readily buy at that price if it's in good shape and you have some idea of the maintenance. You will find this forum to be a great resource!

chikii

I believe I will buy the car and see what is going to happen now on. Thank you guys for your responds.

mckellyb

A tough call, because it is a 12 year old vehicle....

If it's in good shape, all it may need, transmission-wise, is new clutches in while, but you'll get a warning.

I drove my '05 W124 Mercedes for 2+ years, no reverse, and first gear chatters under more than 3/4 throttle...had for several weeks before I put it into temporary retirement. 175K miles on that trans, and when I 'service' it, it's new clutches, a couple of new pistons...pushing out of parking spaces gets old in a hurry...and it likely has another 200K in it.