biocpu

Questions like this repat like spam - so apologize in advance to add another of this question. I am looking into buying: RX300, 2001, 2nd owner, private sale, 96k miles in California (not Michigan chill, not Arizona heat), 2wd. Are there anythings I need to check? I did research on RX300 in 2006 and did search this forum again. Issues seem to be: 1) tranny problem. Is 2001 RX free from this issue? If not, should I check if the owners drain/change the ATF every 30k miles? What are the signs of ominous tranny failure? If it failed, would it have done already at 80k miles - that is to say, if this car has not had the tranny problem until 97k, is this car not going to have the problem in the future? 2) sludge problem. Is 2001 again free from this issue? If not, should I let a mechanic to open valve cover and look into? 3) estimates on repair cost. For this model, at this mileage, what would be the annual expenses on repair? 4) I am expecting trouble-free Lexus (I will do my own share of scheduled maintenance after purchase). Would this 97k RX meet my expectation or should I stay away? 5) in the future I am planning to move to a state with only Toyota dealer, not Lexus. Can Toyota do most of services for Lexus? 6) any other issues I should pay attention? I am going to have a mechanic check the car. Can anyone recommend a Lexus indep mechanic in San Fran East Bay who can perform the check? I have Honda and Audi, but have never had Toyota or Lexus, so am a dummy. Thanks!

I am thinking to buy RX330/350. I live in Montana. Snow shovel is very efficient, so normally the road is not so bad but early morning/late evening can be slippery. A SUV is more prone to roll over than a sedan - how bad can it be? I mostly drive in a city and would like to know how RX performs at sudden stop or braking (eg, at a stop sign). RX is smaller and lighter than other SUVs - does this mean better or worse than other SUVs on icy roads? From www, I read " The only problem I have with RX300 is that I usually find myself losing control of the car on snow and ice covered roads even with snow tires.". But to the contrary "I drove the vehicle to a empty parking lot with deep snow with ice layer, stepped on the gas and when it reached 40Km/h, I made a sharp turn to the right. The VSC works its magic and brought the car back to my control (I did exactly the same to MDX, X5, and ML320, the control with the X5 and RX was the best).". BTW, there is no Lexus dealership in MT (I will have to get a used car). Could this be any serious trouble? Your first hand experience will be appreciated.