venomous

I'm thinking of getting this but I'm kind of worried about the tranny issues I read about. How common are tranny problems with this model? Would I be better off with a RX330 instead? I plan on keeping it for a while. Thanks all.

hypervish

Honestly, transmission problems really are not that bad. A lot of it is due to internet amplification. People don't come online to brag. For what it's worth, my uncle has 380k+ miles on his 99' RX AWD and it's on it's original transmission+engine, same with me at 190k miles.

If you perform proper maintenance on it, you should be fine. (i.e. 15k mile drain and fills with Toyota Type-IV compatible fluid).

Dadikins

The tranny was "beefed up" in late 2001, so the tranny issue that we hear about doesn't seem to affect the later models. If I was to ever purchase another RX300, I would certainly look for a 2002 or 2003.

I have a 2002 with 180k & experienced a tranny issue around 6 weeks ago (which I posted)) - but mine was because a tranny line became ruptured. Have put around 2500 miles on it since it was repaired, and seems to be ok.

With an RX with low mileage like that, I would jump at it - provided you have proof of maintenance (especially regular oil changes). You didn't mention if it is AWD or FWD. Also, is it a Coach edition? :-)

Good luck with whatever you decide.

bob2200

I too wouldn't let the transmission issue weigh too heavily in your decision.

For me, two key factors would be: (1) maintenance history and cosmetic condition of the RX300 and (2) differences between an RX300 and RX330 (e.g., turning radius, driver visibility, increased size and weight, openness between driver and passenger, etc.). Other than turning radius, I think they got it right with the RX300, but it is probably a matter of taste,

venomous

Thanks everyone. I'm going to take it out for a test drive and see if I can hear any tranny whining.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Low miles but still a 10 year old car (and a 13 year old design). For a couple thousand more, you cold get the next gen RX330.

venomous

I hear ya but a couple thousand more just isn't in the cards right now. I was actually looking in the $9K-$10K range so this is already more than I want to spend. Especially after tax, title, license, doc, etc.

It's an AWD btw, non-coach edition.

jbl-1985

I love the look of the 330 and the third gen RX as well. I must say though the first gen RX, though it is a 13yr old design, is one of the classiest rides on the road...still. Just my 2cents...