Update:

Just got a call from service today; they've ordered a new transmission and should have it installed and ready to go hopefully by the end of the week / early next.

Without a single bit of negotiation on my part, they've decided, with Lexus Corp's assistance, to do the repair at no cost to me. Nada, zip. I didn't have to say a peep. My guess is that it's what's been seen before: corporate supplies the part, dealer pays for labor.

WOW! Seriously, this is how I wanted this to end, but with no negotiation AT ALL? He stressed that we were great customers (2 lexus household) and they wanted to keep us happy.

 

Yea, Glad they treated you right. You deserve it, and i am very happy that they supported a good customer. I too was a good customer, but did my own maintenance. That means I am a bad customer, and the rest is history. But I did buy the car from Brand new, but that was the end.

 

good for you. i see that a lot at my dealer. glad to see they took care of you.



im not saying you ARE a bad customer, but do you only come to the dealer for free (warranty) work, but never for services? when they are looking at special cases, they look to see when customers buy services/recommended work. that is what they consider a good service customer, which justifies them footing a very large tab.

its a "you scratch our backs, we scratch yours" type of thing.

 

I can now call off my RX330/350/400h research for a bit longer. The wife REALLY wants a 400h but I just don't want to spend the $$ premium on a new one vs an RX350, and the used ones make me nervous....

 

Glad it worked out for you and Lexus lived up to your expectations.

But the mystery remains as is ... what is the root cause of transmission failure [when it fails].

The only data point I gather from this episode is "if you change the fluid the transmission fails"

Salim

 

Some Lexus customers are just "more good" than others

With those service prices the new tranny has already been paid for.

Seriously though, I'm glad this was resolved in the most positive manner possible. Its good to hear a non-horror sotry for a change.

 

I agree, and yes I did allow lexus to do some maintenance on my vehicle, but when I found their level of service less than mine, I switich to my service. That in their eyes means you are not a good customer, I understand, scratch their back and they will yours, But from some of the cost of what I have read on these sites, they payed for that tranny many times. In all my years I have only met and dealt with a handful of dealerships and mechanics that I would consider acceptable (meaning they didnt rip me off and cause more problems than I had before I came in) But that is what happens when you become a shade tree mechanic and are able to do repairs with more care and done right the first time. Some folks have lots of money, me I have lots of busted knuckles, but I am absolutely sure of the kind of work performed on my car. That is why many suggest getting references from friends that have had good experiences, word of mouth is ten times the best advertizing that exists. One Oh shame on you will ruin your reputations quite rapidly. I love cars, but as I get older they become more of a chore. I still do most work, but would rather do other things. This man was lucky with his car, because in the Lexus world it could have gone either way. I am very happy for him, because I am not happy with Lexus of America or Roseville Lexus of California. But I learn from these sites and share my wisdom when I can. Bad customer, not really, I bought the first year model with all of the bell and whisltles, been a great car other than the premature tranny failure. I still find it to be one of my favorites of all the cars I have had in my life. And my wife says we are going to run it till it drops. have a great evening everyone.

 

Amen brother

 

Well I picked up the car tonite and everything seems good. And as promised, no charge "goodwill" service from the dealership. What's interesting to note is that after picking the car up from the 90k service, I noticed a "whine" and rattle noise when revving the engine, and the service sheet for this repair reflects that as a failed trans oil pump. Anyway, I figured I'd give you guys a peek at the service performed for information sake.

 

hello, My RX300 tranmssion failed just under 100k miles in Nov07 . $5K to repair.

A couple of months prior to failing, I noticed that the transmission would slip out of gear when cold. Problem intermitent. I called the dealer and his first response when I mentioned the transmission was did I have the extended warranty? This made me alittle nervous. I did not have the extended warranty. I took to the dealer and of course no fault found.

A couple of months later the transmission failed completely. Now the transmision is slipping agian and I will take to the dealer tomorrow. Atleast this time I have a warranty (only 1 year).

A friend of mine experienced the exact same problem. So, I'm wondering how extensivie this problem is with RX300 (Camery chassis) owners? This could be a design flaw as the transmission should not fail like this - This is my first car were the transmission has failed. I keep my cars maintained with the dealer service.

- rx300ownde