Hi; I bought a 2000 rx300 awd, love it and been waiting to get one for years -- saw info about engine and transmission sludge buildup with a recall in 07? Are there any indicators to check on the vehicle indicating an upcoming issue? Maintenance on the vehicle seems in order, clean carfax, etc and no apparent issues (102k miles!).

If there are earlier threads I couldn't find them, I certainly appreciate the help and look forward to the rx300!

 

Look up "gelling". It was a problem when the oil wasn't changed frequently enough. Toyota offered an 8 year extended warranty on engine damage due to gelling but that had probably passed now for your car.

 

Welcome to Club Lexus.

The gelling of the engine is thought to be related to infrequent oil changes or oil changes with really inferior oil (by cheapo oil change places).

The transmission failures are a different issue, and common thought is that periodic drain-and-refill of the transmission fluid, particularly before it changes to a dark color, is the protection. There was no offer from Lexus regarding transmission failures, other than individual deals offered to some customers.