RMGibson

We bought a 2004 RX330 back in November 2010 and it had 40,000 miles. We thought we were getting a good deal...well the car just turned to 50,000 miles and the check engine light and the VSC lights both came on so we took it to the dealer and we were told the seloniod in the transmission had to be replaced....well now the entire transmission has to be replaced!!!! We put a claim through Lexus corporate and they are only willing to cover 20% of the cost...We are so disappointed with Toyota/Lexus and that they do not stand behind their product. This car has been Lexus dealer serviced from the original owner. We feel like we got the shaft big time.

Has anyone else been in this same situation? What was your outcome? How did you handle it?

We will never, ever buy another Toyota/Lexus vehicle again. We have a 1997 Acura 3.2TL that has 100,000 miles and not one issue!

banjo

Shouldn't transmission still be under warranty ?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

^ Agreed! Unless its a salvage car, it should still have the balance of a warranty on the components.

And don't hold your breath with that 3.2TL... the trans may give you that same trouble as your RX did...

infinirx

Yeah unless the warranty is limited to 5 or 6yrs and or 60K. If this is the case well it's not Lexus you need to blame. I mean it's not a great thing that happened but if the warranty is out than maybe there was a reason why it was being sold. If I were you I would be pissed too. But if the warranty is gone than it's an unfortunate responsibility of you and 20% is better than 0%. This is not meant as a crit. to you. What exactly IS the warranty on the trans?

I got a 95K 2005 and am getting a drivetrain/engine extended warranty so I can at least have some coverage. Does anyone here know if the OP's warranty should be valid still after 6yrs?

My Acura's engine straight up died on my at 110K. Had to be rebuilt. I had NO warning.

Rainbird

The transmission is covered under the six year power train warranty. Unfortunately, this vehicle which was probability manufactured in 2003 is no longer covered. Had you purchased this RX from a Lexus dealer it would have had an extended CPO warranty. You are lucky that Lexus has offered you anything, take the 20%.

jfelbab

Lexus warranty:
Acura Warranty:

I guess a 2004 Lexus would be 7+ years old. When you buy a seven year old used car you are not getting a new car with unlimited lifetime warranty. Fix it and enjoy it. Be happy Lexus will help you out with 20%. I doubt Acura would.

redrocks

Fix it and get rid of it.

salimshah

Once you have it fixed, it may be the time to keep for as long you have the warranty.

Salim

infinirx

I wonder what the total cost is going to be though. I think it's like a 7K so with the 20% it's allot better but still wow! costly.

action

although unfortunate, i wouldnt blame this situation on lexus and hate the brand. Toyota's are still knwn for quality, this just happened to be an unfortunate case. I knw many ppl with lexus' that has gone 15+ years without any repairs except for the basic maintenance. My last car was a mercedes and for the 8 years i've owned it, I've spent less than $1000 on repairs.... whereas I've knwn ppl spending $3000 a year on theirs. I would fix it and drive it. Nothing else major will break since the tranny is probably the most costly thing to replace... unless you somehow manage to blow your motor which is highly unlikely in a stock rx... unless you redline it without oil.

infinirx

Yeah I had an 81 Tercel and my mom and 80! Same trans and engine...... My mom just got rid of the hatchback abt. 4yrs ago. That's like 25yrs +.

redrocks

Most lexus dealers warranty their repairs for 12 months/12,000 miles.

HimSelf

if I where you I would compare the cost of replacing the trans from the dealer and from a private shop that might be able to get a used trans to put in. After is fixed I will sell that RX fast (since now you know this is a lemon).

I agree with you on the quality of Toyota cars these days. I find the used Toyota cars are over priced compared to other makes. The newer US cars have a fairly good reliability these days and in the used car market they give you more for your money.

Wish you all the best.

Adamjeeps

Did you notice any problems besides the two warning lights? Did you get them to tell you what failed? How about the codes for the lights, what were they?

I would want more proof that you need a replacement transmission before I did anything.

lexus114

2004 > on transmissions usually have no defects.