Opinions wanted

[200lc100]

I’ve found a GX I’m really interested in, great shape, non rustbelt, lowish mileage, but the transmission was replaced at 120k. What’s everyone’s policy with an issue like that? Assume it was a defective tranny from Lexus? Or assume the vehicle is a lemon or lemon-proximate? I have my opinions, but curious of the consensus here.

 

[Rednexus]

The Aisin A750F is a known as a pretty bulletproof transmission and rarely has issues when well-maintained, and is the same unit that you have in your LC. The most likely cause of death may have been overheating. Seeing as you are in CO, it is entirely possible to cook one of these transmission if towing up a long grade in any gear other than 4th/5th (as the torque converter is unlocked in 3rd and below). With a small factory cooler, no tranny temp gauge, and Toyota "sealing" the transmission and not recommend routine fluid replacement, cooking one of these is not hard for someone to do in a short period of time. If it's cooked too many times the fluid breaks down and the transmission may eventually fail.

If the GX is otherwise nice and drives well I would not let the transmission bother me, especially if it has maintenance records (available on drivers.lexus.com) indicating the rest of the vehicle has been well-maintained (oil changes, T-case and differential fluid changes, timing belt and WP, etc). If the new transmission is low mileage it should have a long life if it is changed and the temp is watched on those mountain passes.

 

[200lc100]

The Aisin A750F is a known as a pretty bulletproof transmission and rarely has issues when well-maintained, and is the same unit that you have in your LC. The most likely cause of death may have been overheating. Seeing as you are in CO, it is entirely possible to cook one of these transmission if towing up a long grade in any gear other than 4th/5th (as the torque converter is unlocked in 3rd and below). With a small factory cooler, no tranny temp gauge, and Toyota "sealing" the transmission and not recommend routine fluid replacement, cooking one of these is not hard for someone to do in a short period of time. If it's cooked too many times the fluid breaks down and the transmission may eventually fail.

If the GX is otherwise nice and drives well I would not let the transmission bother me, especially if it has maintenance records (available on drivers.lexus.com) indicating the rest of the vehicle has been well-maintained (oil changes, T-case and differential fluid changes, timing belt and WP, etc). If the new transmission is low mileage it should have a long life if it is changed and the temp is watched on those mountain passes.

It’s got a 6 speed transmission. Different from my lc. I would presume it’s still similarly reliable.

 

[skey44]

What year? 470 or 460?

 

[bhsdriller]

replaced with what, a new or used unit?

 

[200lc100]

What year? 470 or 460?

2011