angelikag

Hello. I am new to this forum, but I am finding it very valuable. Today I found out that my 2001 RX300 AWD transmission is failing (78K miles). Yippie! For about $5,000 I can have a re-manufactured transmission installed that may last me another 80k. Also, the car is only worth $13K - $16K, and I probably won't be able to sell it privately, so now I have to try to dump it on a dealer! Great. I want to thank you all for your great advice. And Lenore and others, I can't believe you have been fighting this battle for so long! I'm glad to see folks who are as passionate about their cars as I am, and who have had similar experiences with dealers for service. I was beginning to think it was just me not being cooperative with dealer service departments, but I'm actually glad to hear that maybe it is not just me. I gave up going to the dealer several years ago after I purchased my first (and only) Lexus. And it wasn't even over a tranny issue... Anyway, I wanted to thank you hausertreyen, and roanokebarry, for the technical advice. I haven't been to the dealer yet, but I plan to go tomorrow just to file a complaint and to check out their pricing. I think I may try to clean the filter and flush the fluids before replacing the tranny, and I'll be sure to ask for a later model part if it comes to that. If there is anyone still collecting names for a petition or something, feel free to add me. I, like the rest of you, am shocked to find that Lexus (the premium brand) does not stand behind their products. BMW here I come!

Ok, so I called the dealer to get the estimate for my 30K tune-up expecting something between $100 and $200. There is nothing wrong with the car, so why would I expect a huge maintenance charge? They indicate it is a $700 estimate!! What's up with that?! They aren't even replacing the spark plugs...just inspecting this and inspecting that...replace the brake fluid, flush the radiator, etc...Does anyone have any advice on whether or not I should continue to use the dealer for these maintenance visits? Thanks!