jkruer01

I am looking to purchase a used RX 300 for my wife. Specifically there is a 1999 Lexus with less than 100,000 miles on it that I am interested in. It is an AWD, automatic, with a tow package.

Are there any known trouble points to look out for? What are some of the most common problems people run into?

I read one place that people are having problems with the automatic transmissions going bad.

I read somewhere else that people are having problems with "engine sludge".

Are these problems pretty common? What signs should I check for?

Thanks!
Jeremy

IndyRX300

Transmissions!!!!!

jkruer01

What can I do to check for transmission problems?

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

i would just have a mechanic take a look, make sure nothing is leaking, feel for rough shifting when you test drive it. At this age you wont want to do any transmission fluid flushes just drain and top offs with a turkey baster, if you search the fourms youll find out why. All in all these are reliable cars but depending on the price you might want to consider a 02/03 since I think they might have had better realiability with the tranny.

lamar411

take it to a good mechanic for the peace of mind.

jkruer01

So what r realistic expectations for these transmissions? My wife currently has a 4runner with 230,000+ miles and haven't had a single transmission problem.

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

i think the transmission problems are a little bit exaggerated, the first time i heard of them would have been on these fourms but like others and myself have metioned have a mechani take a look with drain and fills your transmission should last awhile ive seen people in the 200-240k range on the original transmission, just not sure if it was on a 99

hypervish

i agree, the tranny problem is exaggerated. I wouldn't worry about it, just do regular drain and fills and your good. I drive the snot out of mine, redline all day long, no problems... LoL

jkruer01

I was kinda surprised when I read that they had major transmission problems because consumer reports has their "major transmission" rated as average and "minor transmission" rated as good. They don't cover 99 or 00 but they do show 01.

jkruer01

Somewhere I read something about if it has a tow package the transmission may not have as many problems because part of the tow package is a transmission cooler. Is this true?

Thanks!

lserlohn

Hi, where do you get this table?

jkruer01

Consumer Reports

LexRexBlue

Look to see if the transmission has already been replaced. Dealer replaced mine prior to the longer of the 2 warranties ran out. Car is fine now but we don't drive it much.

thomas1

entirely different beast...The RX300 uses a transverse engine with a Camry transmission...Check the fluid for color and burnt smell..NOTE: do not do a flush. We know on this forum and also on Lexus Owners Club...it is death to these transmission with that kind of mileage..

hypervish

Yeah, ALWAYS DRAIN AND FILL. NEVER, do a flush; we call it "kissing the transmission good bye"