Transmission problem, need your help (1 Viewer)

[altaverse]

Hey guys!

I’ve learned a ton from everyone on this forum during my LC journey and wanted to ask for your feedback on a truck I’m looking at…

The truck is a 2008 LX570, 114k miles, with decent dealer service history, and looks like its in excellent shape.

The problem?

The last time it went to the Lexus dealer (at 113k miles, 1k miles ago) it had the following note:

WHEN THE UNIT IS COLD AND ACCELERATING THE REV NEEDLE GOES UP MORE THAN THE UNIT IS ACCELERATING AND IT GOES UP AND DOWN

That note sounds like the transmission is slipping, and it also noted the P2714 and P0761 codes.

The dealer recommended a transmission replacement, at which point it sounds like the customer traded the truck in, and the truck was then sold to the dealer that I found it at.

From my understanding, no work was done to the truck to try to repair the transmission, and it was listed back for sale.

I drove the truck for around 40 minutes and it appeared to be functioning and shifting normally, even during a "cold start" (cold start is 80*F here).

The only issue was that, when I shifted the truck into 4 Lo, the dashboard lit up wiht 4LO, check VSC system, etc.

I found this thread that described a similar issue, and this thread as well, explaining that this may have been a result of the transmission fluid service and the tech underfilling the transmission.

And while I wasn't able to specifically find that the transmission fluid had been changed recently, the truck did recently have the 100k mile service performed, along with new radiator, and new water pump, making me think that there was a possibility that the transmission fluid was changed recently and that the fluid level may just be low.

Is it be a relatively simple process to have a transmission shop check the fluid level?

Basically where I'm at is that I left a deposit on the truck, and wanted to get your advice on next steps.

The Lexus dealer is under the impression that the truck needs a new transmission, and I was able to get a quote from them for a full transmission replacement for $6500 (which to me seems suspiciously cheap, but it is a Penske owned Lexus dealer).

The selling dealer discounted the truck by $4k because of the transmission problems (down to $19,500), and I wanted to get your thoughts.

Would you continue to pursue this truck?

And under what conditions would you buy this truck?

I'm thinking worst case scenario, I get the transmission replaced at Lexus and I'm into the truck for $26k, which isn't a bad price for the condition and the miles.

In a best case scenario, the fluid level in transmission is low, and that solves the problem, and I get a killer deal.

Any input that you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

 

[linuxgod]

Fluid level check is easy to do, it simply involves getting the transmission to a particular temp range and then removing the overflow bolt. If fluid comes out it's overfilled, if it doesn't then add more fluid until it comes out.

There was someone else on the forum pretty recently who had a similar issue. It turned out to be a bad valve body in the transmission (his was cracked). The repair IIRC was about $900. It's also possible the transmission is shot and it'll be a $6500 repair. Generally speaking the mileage is pretty low and I'm suspect that it really needs a new transmission but maybe try to get the selling dealer to knock another $2500 off given you have a quote to fix it and then your worst case scenario for this should be break even?

 

[doru]

^what the man said.
You are in a good position anyway. Try to see if you can improve it by negociating a bit.
Ask them to check the fluid level and test drive again.
Also is the quote for transmission replacement with a new or refurb transmission? Is the replacement from Lexus or other source?
Do you have reputable independent shops that work on our trucks? Get a quote from them to.

 

[bloc]

Even if it was low depending on how long it was driven like that it could have damaged the slipping clutches. But if you come close to the cost of replacement.. can’t hurt to take the risk.

You could also try and contact the service department that did the listed work and see if someone will open the record to tell you whether the transmission was messed with. I’ve had a mixed record with getting dealers to do this.. but I’ve found it is worth the invested time.

Edit: It helps to be clear you aren’t looking for previous owner identifying information, simply what was done to a vehicle you are considering buying.

 

[altaverse]

^what the man said.
You are in a good position anyway. Try to see if you can improve it by negociating a bit.
Ask them to check the fluid level and test drive again.
Also is the quote for transmission replacement with a new or refurb transmission? Is the replacement from Lexus or other source?
Do you have reputable independent shops that work on our trucks? Get a quote from them to.

Thanks for the input, I definitely appreciate it. Quote is from the Lexus dealer for a re-manufactured transmission

 

[altaverse]

decided not to move forward with the truck, too much of a headache. Thank you everyone for your feedback!

 

[bentonrover]

Always follow your gut. Good luck with your search