This is historically true, but I suspect that the coming economic realities will change that behavior. If the sound of crickets right now on the dealer lots is any indication, I would say it has already started.............big time. Plunking down $20-40K on a depreciating asset every 3-5 years is going to be a thing of the past for most middle class people. Better start maintaining things properly because the "throw away" era is over.

 

gutman187: You have several options here.

First is to get a SECOND OPINION, the diagnostic that you receive from a Tech is only an opinion until they can actually find out and see what the extent of the damage is.

Secondly, if indeed your tranny is toast, then I would highly recommend a USED low mileage tranny from a junk yard. That would be the most cost effective option.

Third, and this is what I would do is do exactly what Q45tech indicated regarding the flush and filter replacement, and use synthetic fluids combined with a larger oil cooler, it's incredible how much these coolers improve transmission life.

Good luck!

 

I always figured it’s in the manufacturers best interest to build a quality (hopefully bullet proof) transmission and engine that last well over 100K… a quality car that has longevity should result in better value of the company overall and future sales – no?

After all, that’s how Nissan, Toyota and Honda got their reputations.

 

But the warranty expired and they offered you the ability to pay to extend to 100k so whose fault is a failure after warranty. Tranny failures before 100k are rare so why penalize pthers by adding $3,000 to the price of car to design a more bullet proof HEAVIER UNIT.

Make a car too good and you lower future sales.
What Lexus found with the 1990-93 LS400, they had to reduce reliability to sell more units.

 

Ha. Funny you should mention that. Our '90 LS400 has 239,000 on it and I would still drive that car from coast to coast without hesitation. Still runs and looks like new. The only thing wrong with it is the LCD screen for the temp control and clock went bad about 5 years ago. Not worth fixing IMO. I hope the G lasts as long.

 

Hey everyone -thanks for all of your input. If I don't just trade it in for a newer G I'll let you know how it goes. Still no further issues though.

Mike

 

239k on a 90 LS400 is barely broken in we have 9 customers with over 300,000 miles and 3 with over 400,000.

Heck my 90Q45 has 319,200 but I am on my 3rd tranny and expect another around 2010 or 2011.

 

Nice #'s. And people wonder why the U.S. Auto makers are going broke. I haven't bought a domestic auto in 20 years. They can blame it all on me.

The only thing about the 1UZ-FE is you basically have to take it apart to change the timing belt. I tackled it ONCE. Other than that, they could take you to the moon and back. A tank.