CarMama

Update: I did get some "Good Will" assistance from Lexus and from the dealer as well. I have my RX back as of yesterday, and I enjoyed my 2010 RX 450h loaner from the dealer. Yesterday the Check Engine and VSC lights came on after I picked up the car, but this isn't the first time and I suspect it's a loose hose. I have more info on these lights thanks to this forum. Here is my blog post regarding my experience: http://mamascar.blogspot.com/2010/11/give-thanks-for-your-transmission.html

My transmission died on Friday. Happy Lexus RX300 driver at 3:00 and by 3:23 I was stuck on the side of the road calling AAA for a tow. Husband and I spent Saturday online reading forums and complaints re: early RX300 transmission issues. Car was towed to the local transmission guy (who had seen 4 RX300's in his shop in the last 2 weeks and said "planetary" when I brought it in). I had bad experience with the local Lexus dealer and service manager in 2002 and never took it back there. Any advice on how to proceed and if I should sell once fixed is greatly appreciated. (I write a car review blog, so I have a list of new cars that I would like to have!) 2001 RX300 91,000 miles Original owner Scheduled maintenance for oil changes and at 30K, and 60K No issues until late 2009 when check engine light came on. Codes said emission issue, so had part replaced, passed smog check, and ran well for last year. On Friday I got off the highway and stopped at a light and when I pressed on accelerator the car kind of hiccupped, but the engine sounded fine. I got through that light and another, but almost lost all power in the next intersection. Pulled over, stopped and tried to go again. Engine fine, but wouldn't drive. No drive, no reverse, couldn't even push it in neutral. Thank God that hadn't happened on Highway 101 in Friday afternoon traffic going 65 MPH! I talked to Lexus Customer Service today and they will get back to me about "good will" assistance with the repair costs. He said transmission fluid should be checked every 30k miles and to get records from mechanic (which are in my car at the shop and I don't have a way to get there...). I don't recall reading in the manual about that. Did I miss a manual update somewhere in the last 10 years? Thanks! Great advice on this forum!