Which 92-03 Lexus have transmission issues?
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: OR
Which 92-03 Lexus have transmission issues?
Hi,
I'm looking to replace my 200k, 1995 ES 300 with another used Lexus. BTW, the build quality and value of the used Lexus has blown me away. I may just drive used Lexus forever.
I'm looking at these models:
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
My primary goal is to spend the least amount of money on maintenance over the next two years. So I'll be looking for cars that have lots of maintenance receipts, like timing belt/water pump.
My first choice was the RX models. I've never had an SUV and thought I'd give it a try. But reading about them it looks like the transmissions are problematic. So here's my questions.
1. Do the other models listed above have the same transmission issues? Like the ES I think that has the same engine.
2. If I do find an RX I like, do you think a Lexus dealer could examine the transmission in any reliable way to see if it's prone to failure?
3. Feel free to make any other comments about the models listed above.
I'm looking to replace my 200k, 1995 ES 300 with another used Lexus. BTW, the build quality and value of the used Lexus has blown me away. I may just drive used Lexus forever.
I'm looking at these models:
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
My primary goal is to spend the least amount of money on maintenance over the next two years. So I'll be looking for cars that have lots of maintenance receipts, like timing belt/water pump.
My first choice was the RX models. I've never had an SUV and thought I'd give it a try. But reading about them it looks like the transmissions are problematic. So here's my questions.
1. Do the other models listed above have the same transmission issues? Like the ES I think that has the same engine.
2. If I do find an RX I like, do you think a Lexus dealer could examine the transmission in any reliable way to see if it's prone to failure?
3. Feel free to make any other comments about the models listed above.
Get the newest car you can afford. I shouldn't have any transmission (or other) problems. If you go for an RX, I'd get a 2nd gen. There's no way a dealer or any other mechanic can tell you if the transmission is about to go out in a 1st gen.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
Likes: 37
From: Lourinhã
The GS engine and transmission are very different from the RX.
In my opinion the GS are much more bulletproof.
I traded my GS in for a RX because of the loading space, but if I wouldn't have needed the space, I would have kept the GS.
Cheers,
Johan
In my opinion the GS are much more bulletproof.
I traded my GS in for a RX because of the loading space, but if I wouldn't have needed the space, I would have kept the GS.
Cheers,
Johan
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: OR
Thanks for the posts. I'm looking to spend <$5k so I won't be able to afford a second gen RX. In my neighborhood (Portland, OR) the RX have about a $2000 premium over the sedans. SUV are so popular over here. For that reason I think I'm going to forget the RX and get either another ES or GS.
I'm looking at a 2002 ES300 today. 143k, it's had the timing belt, water pump, battery, alternator, and starter already done by the owner. They are asking $4,500 but if I like it I'll try to get them down. I was reading this model might have transmission issues too, but people were complaining more about the hunting for gears and hard shifts.
I'm looking at a 2002 ES300 today. 143k, it's had the timing belt, water pump, battery, alternator, and starter already done by the owner. They are asking $4,500 but if I like it I'll try to get them down. I was reading this model might have transmission issues too, but people were complaining more about the hunting for gears and hard shifts.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
daisy247
Car Chat
5
Jul 27, 2013 07:39 AM
