Should I replace the transmission on a used 2001 Lexus es300?
12-12-18, 10:29 PM
#1
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Should I replace the transmission on a used 2001 Lexus es300?
I’m 18 years and I’m currently looking at a used ES300 2001 for $3700. The private seller bought it at an auction recently and it has passed all smogs and everything. It has 109,574 miles and the car itself is in good condition. The leather looks fairly nice and the paint looks like new. I took the car to my local mechanic to get a pre purchase inspection and he said everything looks good but he ran the engine and stuff and it made a small creaking noise, it wasn’t too bad but it was still enough to notice and he said it will need a new transmission most likely. It’ll cost me about $2000. Should I still consider purchasing the car and having the private seller lower the price down and go about fixing the transmission? I would appreciate the help. Thanks everybody!
LINK TO THE CAR https://offerup.co/Jh0aZWEmvS
LINK TO THE CAR https://offerup.co/Jh0aZWEmvS
12-13-18, 03:43 AM
#2
Opinions will vary, but I suggest not buying the car. Given the price, vehicle history and uncertainty regarding the engine and drive train, keep looking.
BTW it is not a private seller, the person offering the car has multiple listings.
BTW it is not a private seller, the person offering the car has multiple listings.
Last edited by HomerJay; 12-13-18 at 05:08 AM.
12-13-18, 07:14 AM
#3
Intermediate
Kelley Blue Book shows it ranges from $3200 - $4500, so another quick $2000 for a new tranny puts your real price way up there. They know it has problems. Consider offering $2100 and walk out at $2500. *Keep looking because CA is full of used Lexus cars.
Note... First car I’ve seen where the passenger seat looks worse than the driver’s.
Good luck.
12-13-18, 07:47 PM
#4
Good on you for doing a pre purchase inspection, that is a very smart move. I would say keep looking, this car is not worth it. If it had an immaculate service history the condition of the car was pristine, I would then think about it, but this is not one of those.
12-13-18, 10:15 PM
#5
It's a good looking car but, it's priced high with potential trans problems. LA is a expensive area and $3700 is probably equal to $2500 everywhere else in the country(mostly). If the seller is willing to make a deal at $2500 or less, I would strongly think about it and then have a trans shop install a used trans for $800 or less. That is if the trans is the only issue. IMO -- good luck
12-16-18, 04:44 PM
#6
It's part of the "ES risk". These transmissions... I'll clarify. 99-01 transmissions we're dicked out of the factory. Some made it, some didn't.
I replaced mine, but I paid 2k (in Canada) 5-6yrs ago to have a lower mileage used one put it. Rebuild was 3500$, with all aftermarket parts - not necessarily better.
Honestly though, I loved the car, but the trans issues were a **** off. If you're up to it, see if you can get just a valve body WITH the solenoids (from the dealer they were 600-850$ ea). I know rockauto has some aftermarket options for a fraction of the price of a new trans. Everything mechanical will be fine. It's the solenoids that usually **** the bed!
I replaced mine, but I paid 2k (in Canada) 5-6yrs ago to have a lower mileage used one put it. Rebuild was 3500$, with all aftermarket parts - not necessarily better.
Honestly though, I loved the car, but the trans issues were a **** off. If you're up to it, see if you can get just a valve body WITH the solenoids (from the dealer they were 600-850$ ea). I know rockauto has some aftermarket options for a fraction of the price of a new trans. Everything mechanical will be fine. It's the solenoids that usually **** the bed!
12-16-18, 07:17 PM
#7
Intermediate
It's part of the "ES risk". These transmissions... I'll clarify. 99-01 transmissions we're dicked out of the factory. Some made it, some didn't.
I replaced mine, but I paid 2k (in Canada) 5-6yrs ago to have a lower mileage used one put it. Rebuild was 3500$, with all aftermarket parts - not necessarily better.
Honestly though, I loved the car, but the trans issues were a **** off. If you're up to it, see if you can get just a valve body WITH the solenoids (from the dealer they were 600-850$ ea). I know rockauto has some aftermarket options for a fraction of the price of a new trans. Everything mechanical will be fine. It's the solenoids that usually **** the bed!
I replaced mine, but I paid 2k (in Canada) 5-6yrs ago to have a lower mileage used one put it. Rebuild was 3500$, with all aftermarket parts - not necessarily better.
Honestly though, I loved the car, but the trans issues were a **** off. If you're up to it, see if you can get just a valve body WITH the solenoids (from the dealer they were 600-850$ ea). I know rockauto has some aftermarket options for a fraction of the price of a new trans. Everything mechanical will be fine. It's the solenoids that usually **** the bed!
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12-16-18, 10:26 PM
#8
Intermediate
If a clutch pack goes bad, the transmission usually drops dead pretty quick. Solenoids will allow for slippage all the way to not changing gears or stuck in neutral. The problem here “sounds like” a Solenoid problem. An electrical component that’s stuck because of junk in the fluid would likely fail before clutch packs. And, they’re accessible by just removing the oil pan and a good transmission total flush is a must.
12-17-18, 12:28 PM
#9
Pole Position
The real risk with these, as I can find out, is the planetary gears' thrust washers. They were not manufactured properly and they fail, crippling the clutch set engagements. Total tear down, cleaning, and replacement of those parts is needed.
As Richardsr mentioned, solenoids are really quite durable if you perform general maintenance, and can be serviced from under the car. But if a new transmission is necessary, you still have the risk of the bad thrust washers if you just pop in a used transmission. The only route I would take with a 99 to 01 is a completely rebuilt transmission with replacement thrust washers. Which is just a shame because the late 3ES are just neat cars.
Another route to take is to get a pre-99 or 02+. The 02+ got an improved 5-speed version of this transmissions and it is very reliable. Not as attractive a car, but a more reliable drivetrain, better mileage, and better interior design.
As Richardsr mentioned, solenoids are really quite durable if you perform general maintenance, and can be serviced from under the car. But if a new transmission is necessary, you still have the risk of the bad thrust washers if you just pop in a used transmission. The only route I would take with a 99 to 01 is a completely rebuilt transmission with replacement thrust washers. Which is just a shame because the late 3ES are just neat cars.
Another route to take is to get a pre-99 or 02+. The 02+ got an improved 5-speed version of this transmissions and it is very reliable. Not as attractive a car, but a more reliable drivetrain, better mileage, and better interior design.
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