How reliable is the Continously Variable Transmission(CVT)?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 10, 2017 | 01:24 PM

#16

ericsan13

Racer

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 1,304

Likes: 177

From: WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggebhardt

I guess I was expecting too much from some of the members here.

I don't think it's the members, it's the whole internet in general. If you use absolutes and exaggerates not everyone will interpret it the same way as you and someone will usually call you out on it. Welcome to the internet. =P

Anyway, off topic...no more from me.

Nov 18, 2017 | 02:05 PM

#17

chrisper

Rookie

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 31

Likes: 5

From: CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by dchan865

Looks like the RX comes with 8 speed CVT. Never owned a car with this kind of transmission so not sure about the pro and cons are. From reading, CVT use steel belt, rubber belt or even chain. Not sure which kind the 2016 and up RX350 uses. So what kind does it use? How long do the belt/chain last? Will they break at certain point? Does it need to be replaced at certain miles like timing belt? Does it need periodic inspection by dealer which may add to the service cost? Love to hear your knowledge/thoughts about this.

I had a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which has CVT. Never had any issues with it over the 12 years I've driven it (purchased in '05). Loved how much smoother it was than conventional transmissions. Even my husband, a manual transmission fanatic, was very impressed with the CVT.
I'm assuming that the newer CVT's are even better than before.

Last edited by chrisper; Nov 18, 2017 at 03:14 PM.

Nov 19, 2017 | 11:48 AM

#18

winsalem

Pole Position

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 221

Likes: 42

From: North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by allwheels

Its about as close to bulletproof as you can get for a transmission. I've only ever seen 1 be replaced, and that was due to fluid loss from an accident.

I'm on my 4th Lexus hybrid, all with the CVT. never a single problem. and sure does beat the hurky/jerky 8-speed in the '16 RX350 I owned (and traded for a 450h 8 months later because of it).

Nov 19, 2017 | 12:16 PM

#19

winsalem

Pole Position

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 221

Likes: 42

From: North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericsan13

...and some of this forum's "members" are spoilers who aren't shopping for/don't own a Lexus, and just want to bash the brand and stir things up. They have diluted the kinship and sincere searching for advice this forum used to champion. And remind me of the Ford vs Chevy redneck arguments heard all thru my childhood.

As someone tweeted recently "The internet has made finding like-minded people so easy that idiots have inadvertently managed to become an organized group."