My Rx300 Has 199k miles and has been a workhorse for me. It is now my extra ride since all of the following started.
99 model awd
1. Reverse slips like I am riding the clutch even though it's an automatic and will not backup going up hill
2. Drives about two miles and then starts slipping with OD off or On
a. I can drop it to second and it does not slip and of coarse I know now it's 3rd or higher gears that are slipping
3. Idles very rough with code P300 showing up on Car parts dealer reader
4. Blows tons' of smoke when parked for few hours with the nose pointing down hill only
5. Rattles like the cams are slapping for a few seconds when started. Uses oil at a rate of 1 qt per 300 to 500 miles.

The reason I am posting this is that at the current market for this car with these problems I don't think I can sell my way out of it. I plan on keeping and fixing as much of this as I can. (my mech ability is about an 8 on a good day) So any advice from you guys is greatly appreciated

 

It seems you already know the answer and are looking for affirmation here.

1. Transmission problem: Requires service and inspection minimum (<100) or a replacement/rebuild (3500).

2. Engine: Needs a mechanic to diagnose, compression test, leak-down test or some stethoscope work or all (<100) and then rebuild (3500).

3. You have salvage value (1000). You can maximize it by parting out the vehicle but it will be an eyesore and you will need to have it hauled off or even pay for the haul off.

4. What is the market value as is and fully functional RX in your area?


So do you want to spend 7-8K to get it going? When it is fixed what will you do? Use it or pass it on or sell it at market value?

Should you dump $200 (trans maint + engine evaluation) or so or not is up to you. This might shave off 3k in repairs.


Salim

 

I suggest you part it out. Salim listed what needs to be done, and he's right, it may not be worth it to repair it.

If you are going to keep the car, then fix it. But, if you are trying to flip it and sell, then your better of just selling it for parts/parting out.

 

I have fixed the rough issues with new ocv
I think the trans is still a tough one..
3000 rpm gets reverse moving but sounds and feels like I am riding the clutch
runs like a top for 2 miles and then 3rd or overdrive slip out of use,, I can drop the control to 2nd and get home with no slippage,, I really feel like the problem is going to be oil strainer if I am lucky, but I have not had a chance to change it.. I also noticed the fluid has not been changed in 100k .. So I am going to keep this puppy and hope to find a used trans if I can't fix it..
this was a very helpful link I have been going over to figure it out..
http://share.qclt.com/%E4%B8%B0%E7%9...tem/026006.pdf

thanks for the advice guys I really just needed to here it from someone who knows what I am going though with this one.. and no I am not flipping it

 

What color is your ATF?

What is on the magnets?

 

color is chocolate and magnets were clear

 

Color is supposed to be red. You must have had to drain the fluid in order to check the magnets. So hopefully it is red now.

 

IMO, if you don't have the money and wiling to, I would firt:
1. Put kreen into the oil before oil change, run it for 100 miles and change the oil; repeat next time. It may help with burning oil. Cost $30.
2. A used tranny replacement is $2,700 including labor.
3. A warranted rebuild tranny replacement is $4,100 including labor (done that).
If you are willing you could take a shot at the tranny overhaul. Sounds like all you have problems with are the seals and clutches - the gears are still alive. That will be a lot of work and will raise your mech skill to 10. But this is only viable if you have another vehicle, it will be at least a week long job, or more, and requires high stands and jacks, as all of it needs to come out through the bottom.
Of course, other options are to scrap the car like others mentioned, but I always dislike those options.
Chocolate colored ATF is a sign of neglected transmission. Overhaul is needed, at least.