mic575

I would do that but I can't find anyone around who will put in a used transmission for me. I did find some transmissions but no one to put one in. If anyone wants it for reference, my local lexus dealer quaoted $5200 plus tax.

RX469

iTrader: (1)

Mic, hope things work out for you. Let us know what you finally decide on. Good luck.

Caprica

No kidding? Too bad you're not in Oregon. I know just the shop here that could whip it out in a day. There must be a performance shop or foreign repair shop that could do this swap man...

Llx

Where do I look for used transmission for my RX300? My died this weekend and dealer quoted me a price close to $6000. Outrageous. I love my car and if does not cost too much, I like to keep it.

Caprica

Buy a used one like this and find a shop to swap it out. I assume you have an RX300 because that's what you posted, but you're in the 330-350-400h section. Regardless, here you go.

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/ptd/5759611509.html

mic575

Just to update on the original posting. I ended up having my transmission rebuilt by an independent shop. Cost was right at $3700 including tax. They checked out the transfer case as well and changed that fluid. Very pricey. So far it drives well after the rebuild but I need to put some miles on it to test it out, I haven't been able to do that yet. I normally hold on to my cars for the long haul so now I have to decide if I stick with this RX350 or jump ship.

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

/This salvage yard has a 1999 RX300 in stock http://www.wegotused.com/hazleton-inventory/

STK145278
1999 LEXUS RX-300
BLACK
Vin# ZJT6HF10U5X0047228

If it still has the tranny its only $100 but you have to pull it yourself or pay someone to do it for you but the savings are $$$$$$$

I would go this route if I was you!

Caprica

Definitely a good possibility if you are mechanically inclined enough to drop an AWD trans yourself. That is a fair amount of work and it would be 10 times as hard if you have to do it on gravel though.

Llx

I called the Craiglist listing for used RX300 transmission. The $800 price tag is best price I've seen and the mileage was low enough. Labor is another issue, I had no idea it would cost $2400 (before tax) at Lexus dealership and approx $3000 at another auto mechanic. I'll keep calling around. Let me know if anyone have any suggestions. Do labor usually run so high?

Caprica

Seems high. I have a tough time seeing it taking that many hours to swap it out. Seems like they're looking at a solid 20 hours. Definitely keep checking.

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

Like I said you can pay someone to remove it and still save a chunk of money. Most times people remove the engine and leave the tranny hanging or on the floor under the car, you never know you may be lucky if that is the case. You want to save money? You have to live with what saving money brings. Keep checking Craigs you may be lucky enough to find one already removed for cheap.

Caprica

It's not me looking for a transmission. I was just offering up some advice. And I did find one already dropped for cheap for the person posting. And he called on it. His trouble is finding someone to put it in who doesn't want over 2 grand to do it...

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

Thumbs up....
That can also be negotiated just have to find the right mechanic....

numbafree

OP: what city and state are you located in? transmission specialists are out there. and usually they specialize by the automaker.

Llx

The closest major town, is Morristown New Jersey. I searched yellow pages website (keyed in transmission, Lexus, Morristown, and NJ) and came up with 6 transmission companies. Are there better ways to find transmission specialist? And how would I know if they are any good ?