Which ATF to use?
 

Let me start by saying I've read many of the pages from the search function, but many were old. I'm just looking for the most current opinion from the Lexus gurus!
I am planning on draining my trans soon (not flush, or pan drop) and want to know what a good ATF for an RX with 88k miles and no transmission issues to date.
I've read great things about Amsoil, but it's pretty expensive and I want to do this in stages (every 5k until it's nice and red).
Lots of people are staying with Toyota type IV
Some use Mobil 1 type 3309
Does anyone use Mobil 1 synthetic? It's seems like it would be a cheaper alternative to Royal Purple or Amsoil
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...hetic_ATF.aspx

I don't know if I like the fact that it says "suitable"

I really like Mobil 1 because I can buy it down the road at the local autoparts store or walmart for relatively cheap and I have never had any problems with it

Thanks

You are right, the web site does say that Mobile 1 is a suitable replacement for Toyota Type IV transmission fluid. You have to weigh the cost-savings of using Mobile 1 from Walmart vs. the Toyota transmission fluid from your local Toyota dealer and the risk of transmission failure and it's resulting cost.

I'm a conservative guy and would stick with Toyota transmission fluid, but it would be interesting to hear how you make out long-term with Mobile 1 transmission fluid.

I have been using Mobil1 for a few thousand miles now and like it. Normally I would just stick with Toyota Type T-IV which I used for my first 130,000 miles. But the shop that rebuilt my trans does a lot of failing RX transmissions and only uses Mobil 1 and claims they don't fail again after they rebuild them, so I went with their reccomendation. Another option would be Mobil 3309 which is a semi-synthetic like T-IV.

I use Amsoil and the major reason for me at this moment in time is that I plan to keep my RX300 as long as possible and it had a hard life back in Mexico, so Amsoil ATF is a way of saying thank you. ;)

A lot just depends on one's driving habits and where they are. I think living in Miami is a far cry from living in Mexico City and Type IV really didn't hold up well in the latter, but then again I did things others than go up and down a hill.

Mikey - Are you using mobil 1 synthetic ATF?

Lexmex - my wife is very easy on her RX, I know amsoil is the best, but I really think a "good" ATF would suit her driving style just fine (I'd probably opt for amsoil if I was in the power hunt like you are!!)

Mobil 1 trans fluid is synthetic.

I think for normal driving here in the U.S., you are fine with the Type-IV. My RX will no longer see the light of the track (we don't even have one around), but I want to make sure it has a long and happy life so I give it the best. Certainly if you are considering selling your RX is not too distant future, Type-IV is fine, but Amsoil does give that extra insurance.

My girlfriend has a 99 Expedition (same year as my RX) and that has run relatively well for her (excepting a broken belt), but she has one may be one ATF change since she's owned it and at least one oil change a year, though now I am watching over it to make sure. However, that's probably a little more solid transmission than the car-based transmission we have in our RX300.

Amsoil does give that extra insurance.
Except in my case,mine is retarded.

If I'm ever in the area, I'll stop by and take a look.

Thanx Lex,I appreciate that........ :D

Is Toyota Type IV and Toyota Type T-IV the same thing? If it's not, what is the difference?

Same stuff