ak_boy

I don't know anything about lexus. I only owned vw/audi. How is a 1999 rx on repairs? Cheaper? Is it a better rig? I need it to tow 1-2 snowmachines. I read that the transmissions fail because they are car transmissions put in a suv, this true? I read a review that said to beware of lexus specific parts is this true? http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true
That is the one I test drove and fell in love. lol
Oh yah and I plan to use the tow hitch on it to tow 1-2 snowmachines every weekend.
I just read my 2005 used car book from consumer reports and they threw the 99 rx300 on the most reliable list

bob2200

For those of us who don't live up North, how much would the two snowmobiles weigh?, and what is the weight on the trailer tongue? Does the model you're looking at have a factory trailer hitch, or after-market? FWD or 4WD? How many miles, and what kind of maintenance/oil change records does it have?

There is the potential for large repairs, like a transmission. And in places where there aren't many Lexus owners, repairs will likely be more expensive. However, if you live near a Toyota dealer, and far from a Lexus dealer, you are more likely to get good service at your Toyota dealer.

Members of this forum have found many inexpensive workarounds to escape the use of expensive parts like door actuators.

habeeb89

iTrader: (3)

bob2200 covered pretty much everything, I would find out the weight of the snowmobiles too, don't want to put too much strain on a already weak transmission.

lexus114

I could not have said it better...

HarrierAWD

All RX300 model years have excellent reliability record on the tranny. Check Consumer Reports for its annual owner survey on its reliability. Of course, tranny failure can still happen to the unfortunate few. Also note that not everyone or service shop knows how to maintain the tranny properly.

I personally tow a flatbed, two ATVs and camping gears up the Colorado mountains several times a year. (That's towing about 2,500 lbs with 10-12% grade on gravel/dirt roads.) Also drive daily through rough terrain to get to work. It's at 129K miles and never an issue. (If my tranny ever broke, I'd blame the driving condition rather than Lexus' quality.)

As for repair costs, I can imagine that it'd be on par with European imports like VW/Audi - not cheap.