Carver

When I first got my car and was reading all these horror stories I just couldn't believe a transmission could cost 5000.00 or 3500 for a rebuild, it's just a transmission and a common one at that, lots of Camrys running around with them.

So, I called my transmission guy here in Dallas who has rebuilt three transmissions for me over the last 15 years and asked what it would cost for a rebuild. He said labor would be 400 (in car) the parts kit would be 550.00 and if I needed a torque converter, that would be another 250.00.

So, for 1200 bucks I've got a fresh rebuild. I would suggest you check around your area and get some quotes for the work from some quality independents *before* you need the work...and stay far away from the dealer.

Carver

Mine is FWD!

HarrierAWD

Dealerships always have big markups. Oil change can be had at Grease Monkey for $15. Yet oil change at Lexus is $92 at my dealer.

Same with tranny rebuilt. You can go to AAMCO or Lexus. Also note that import parts are typically 2-3 times the cost of domestic parts.

gp1200x

I you really got a rebuilt tranny in that Lexus for $950 then that is extremely cheap I would think for any front wheel drive vehicle. I have a Mercury that I just had fixed...was going to do it myself but no real warranty if I do it...anyway I paid about $2800....normally 2K, but I opted for a rebuilt Ford with a 3 year/75K warranty serviceable by any dealer in the US (Ford dealers wanted 3600 for the same deal). I would think most Lexus owners want some type of extended guarantee for their SUVs esp. if they travel any long distances. The problem with most rebuilds is that the standard warranty is 1 year or 12K, which really sucks for the amount of money one could lose. On a rebuilt tranny by a local garage you need a good warranty or you could be paying the same price again ..or more soon. Read the warrany details...they are important esp. if you don't know the shop or rebuilders.

DetMich1

I am looking for a 4WD RX300. As part of my due diligence, I asked my friend who is a Senior Service Writer at the local Lexus dealership for advice. She said she sees 4 to 6 of these cars a month come in needing transmission repair/replacement. The problem seems to be the 4WD not the 2WD models. The years affected were 1999 and 2000. By 2001 Lexus seems to have solved the problem by switching to a beefier transmission. Meticulous adherance to scheduled maintainance is critical in the problem models but even that will not always prevent a catastrophic failure. When considering a used car purchase, her advice was "don't buy any vehicle earlier than a 2001, just not worth the risk."

miltonlin

I'd be interesting in finding out what Lexus did to the transmission - firmware, parts, TSB?

mikey00

For one thing, in 01 the towing prep package became standard which includes the transmission cooler.

parula

Does anyone know if the towing prep package that apparently became standard, which includes the transmission cooler, was also included on the front-wheel drive models?

Lexmex

Parula, I am not sure on this, but you could check underneath the passenger side headlight and see if you see this.

parula

Mex, mine seems to have a white bottle there maybe the windshield washer fluid but not the vanes in your shot. I will look elsewhere this weekend and post. I am also trying to keep my fluid fresh, might even try a diy drain next time.

mikey00

Do you still have your window sticker? Mine is listed under standard equipment but it's an AWD.

Lexmex

Yes, that would the windshield washer fluid. Don't forget on that drain to also due the front differential drain.

The only other photo I have is this one (that I have shown before) in the wheel well area.

meo

I was on the highway driving 60mhp this weekend. Suddenly without any warning the transmission broken down. I heard crack and my front wheel feel it lock up. Car would not move forward. Have it towed to nearest transmission shop. The mechanic call my on monday, told me the transmission had been broken. Could cost me $3K to $3.5K.....

My car is RX300 1999. Has 115K miles on it....
Had it tune-up a year ago paid $721 for the maintance.

Lexmex

Did they know what specific piece was broken?

meo

My car is RX300 1999 AWD...

The mechanic open-up the transmisson today and look what park is broke and need to be order. I post the informations tomorrow.

I have have file a complaint with nhtsa. Hope this help me or other...
How do I file complaint with Lexus??