tlb

My vehicle is a RX300 2001 so it is in the "sludge" years:( I did not purchase it until 2002 so I think it still is in the 8 year 120 day window. I did not get the exact codes but they mentioned something about the codes saying that the engine had misfired. The more I read about these issues, I'm wondering if it will really be worth it?---most folks seem to still be paying a big chunk of the engine replacement costs themselves--up to 50% and going throught a whole lot of hassle. GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

I've been reading about the sludge problems with the lexus/toyota models. I have a Lexus RX300 with 144,000 miles. It's been serviced regularly and had oil changed like clockwork. But had been noticing it starting to burn about a quart of oil every 3000 miles. then there is some mild engine sputtering and the check engine light comes on. I have the Lexus dealer look at it--they say there is a faulty o-ring that is leaking oil onto the spark plugs and that is what caused the sputtering. Well, after they "fixed" the problem (and $1000 later) I get the car back and now it's burning 2 quarts of oil every 200 miles!!!!--they tell me that there will be engine failure for some unknown reason and that changing the spark plugs made the engine burn the oil more efficiently. sounds like a weird excuse to me. They also tell me that the 1999-2002 models had the problem with oil gelling but that's not what's happening with my car---hhhmmmm---wondering if anyone has had anything similar or advice?? I'm thinking about taking it to an independent mechanic to see if there really is engine oil gelling (sludge) and the dealer just isn't being straight with me??? Thanks, tlb