I'm considering a 2000 RX300 I've seen on craigslist. I wanted to get some first hand opinions, thoughts, experience, etc.... The add gives most of the basics but the price was well below value and stated "Needs some work". When I called the seller to ask what work it needed he told me "Trans work" and then had to switch over to another call. I waited a minute assuming he would come back pretty quick but did not. I got a little scared off by the fact it needed trans work and hung up. I should probably call him back and find out more information but....in the mean time...what experiences can anyone share with me on this vehicles transmission? All I can tell you about the vehicle right now is that it's a 4 wheel drive. I know maintenance history, driving conditions, etc all play a role. What are my worst case / best case scenario's. I want to go look at the vehicle in person but want to be armed with some information and history on the common problems and cost of repair before I go buying something that may cost me $5000 to repair. Does anyone know of a good source for used transmissions for this vehicle? What is a fair price for the trans? I've owned a Toyota Camry and Toyota Sienna and love the Toyota brand, so I don't see a reason I wouldn't love the Lexus brand as well. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.

Dan

 

These AWD RX300's are prone to transmission failure before mid year 2001, we believe mostly due to fluid negligence. And, a few other theories.

It is very likely the RX300 you are looking at needs a new transmission, if the owner mentioned it needed trans work.

I wouldn't necessarily go with a used transmission, as that too may fail in a couple hundred miles. That's not to say it will definitely fail, my uncle has nearly 400k miles on his original transmission, and i have 201k on my original transmission, both AWD.

Call a few transmission places in your area and see how much they would want for a rebuild? And how long the warranty is. Once you find out how much replacing the transmission is going to cost then decide whether or not you are going to buy the RX300.

How many miles on the car as of now? How much $ is he asking?

 

The transmission is pretty much is the Achilles heel of the car. Plan on spending 3-4K on a rebuilt transmission. I too would not go with a used transmission. Not many other items fail on these cars. I've had mine since February, just passed 150,000 miles and have had no issues with it. Although mine came with a very thorough maintenance history from Lexus. I'm getting ready to do the struts and stabilizer bar links this weekend before the snow comes, but that's all I've had to do outside of oil and trans fluid changes.
What is the asking price of the car?

 

Thanks hypervish & 2KHarrier! The asking price is $2700 and the mileage is 170,000. I would agree on the fluid negligence as it's the most likely the culprit....on virtually any trans, especially ones a little more prone to failure. My opinion is that if you factor in the cost of repair with the fact he may have neglected other maintenance, this vehicle is a pass. Now if it was several years newer and a few less miles I'd say it's a go....thoughts?