31rx7

This is an interesting discussion given my wife is considering an RX300 (see: "Buying A Used RX300", http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...howtopic=17178) I would agree with many of the statements here, particularly: - There is no excuse for a modern transmission failing in less than 100,000 miles - Change your fluid as often as needed to minimize risk of failure. - Lexus should step up and address this issue with the impacted owners. Gives me more to research and look into.

SW03ES, Thanks for your comments. I didn't mention it earlier, but I have a 2001 IS300 that I bought CPO. It is an excellent vehicle and the dealer has been top notch. I think the only way I would not go CPO is if I could get a vehicle that was significantly below book and / or where I knew the owner and his / her habits and the vehicle history. Regarding information received on boards such as this, I also agree. There are many variables with how people treat their vehicles and the experiences they have. Lexus, as a brand, has a stellar reputation. However, even good cars can have issues if they are abused or not maintained. Similarly, even low end cars with bad reputations like Neon's, and Cavaliers can be good cars if they are reasonably maintained and driven with a degree of care. I am a member of five other boards for different cars that I own, and have learned to take much of what I read with a grain of salt! Given I haven't heard much negative, it sounds like a properly maintained RX300 is a good vehicle for the long haul. I have been through a lot of searches and so far have not uncovered anything that seems to be a consistent issue among the owner base. By the way, we will probably keep this vehicle until it has at least 125k miles. 31rx7

Thank you all for your replies. So far, I have found: - Transmissions are a potential trouble spot. - 1999 is the more problematic year. - Maintenance is key to longevity: I will certainly check maintenance history. - A Toyota 4 Runner Limited offers many of the functional benefits but is a less expensive alternative with a better transmission. I certainly understand the expense part of the equation. It is always much cheaper to repair and keep a current car on the road than buy another one, and certainly that is my preference. I can find a better use for the money. But we are talking about my WIFE's preference, not mine. Besides, a new (used) car every ten year years or so is not an unreasonable request. What allows us to be satisfied with a vehicle for 10 years is purchasing what meets not only our needs but our wants. If we were primarily concerned about the expense side of the equation, none of us would be driving a Lexus. Instead, we would likely be driving a Toyota or Honda equivalents of Lexus and Acura. To many people, there is a value to be put on driving a vehicle you feel good about, and makes you feel good about yourself and your decision. That is what this near-luxury / premium segment of vehicles is all about, and it is something she looks for in a vehicle. It is the difference between satisfying your wants vs. simply settling for what meets your needs. There are a few practical considerations. From a practical side, the J30 is not a good vehicle to take the dogs in. Cargo space is marginal for the size of car. It is absolutely abysmal in the snow / wet weather (this was pre-traction control). The quality of the interior leather is nothing to write home about - the drivers seat and front door panels have both been repaired twice for wear spots and cracking. Even my GMC truck had better quality leather, and it was abused. In any case, I probably have three or so months before I have to actually make the purchase, so will continue my research. I have tried talking her into a wagon of some sort (I am partial to wagons, and the IS300 SportCross is very nice...), but have had no luck so far. Any other thoughts or comments are welcome!

Please explain.

I have put off my wife for 3 years in buying another car, but I think I am going to have to give in soon! Her current car is a '94 Inifiniti J30 which is very nice (and paid for), but I can't see spending the $1,200 needed to replace the shocks on a $5,000 car. Plus, they only sold about 12 of the J30's, so parts other than engine are getting very expensive and / or hard to come by. In any case, she is considering an RX300, probably in the $18k to $25k range. She will likely have the car for 8 to 10 years, and use it as an every day car, maybe a family trip now and then, but no towing. She will put around 10k miles per year on it. The car will receive regular, scheduled maintenance with the easy stuff being done by me and the harder stuff being done either by the dealer or my mechanic of 20 years. Our cars typically last at least 10 years and over 125k miles with no major issues. I have done some searches, and have not found quite what I need. I am interested to know about : - Any years better / worse than others? In this price range, it covers 1999 to 2002 or so. - Thoughts on specific options (ex: 2wd vs. AWD), problem areas (ex: leaky sunroofs) - Maintenence schedule, particularly major expenses like timing belt, etc. Is there a place on line I can look it up? - Problem areas, particularly those that crop up after 70k miles or so. - We have two small to medium sized dogs, and regularly take our son and his friends to baseball, etc., so interior durability is of interest. Thanks to one and all for your assistance.