The oil gelling problem is well known with Toyota V6s. Apparently a design
problem. Ours was suposedly OK at 33 k miles, probably because we had it
serviced on the severe schedule every 5k. The 2k charge on the belt is
apparently because the belt is difficult to get to. But, Lexus service is
way overpriced anyway -- $150 for a minor service, which is little more than
an oil change. But, to ensure the extended warranty Toyota offers (to 80k
miles) because of the oil sludge problem, you are pretty stuck with taking
their service -- or getting a lawyer.
Our local Honda dealer is better.

"GRL" <GLitwinski@CHARTERMI.COM> wrote in message
news:vh37gsove03lf6@corp.supernews.com...
> I'm curious about the oil gelling problem. Did you use din-oil or
synthetic?
> How frequently did you change the oil? Type of driving?
>
> Also, who wanted $2,000 to do a belt change and what caliber hand gun were
> they holding when they gave you the quote?
>
> --
>
> - GRL
>
> "It's good to want things."
>
> Steve Barr (philosopher, poet, humorist, chemist,
> Visual Basic programmer)
> "twaugh5" <twaugh5@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:zXcQa.3732$zd4.704@lakeread02...
> > We have owned a RX300 and now have a Pilot. The Pilot is bigger, runs
on
> > regular gas, handles better and costs less to maintain than the RX300.
> Our
> > Lexus cost close to $2,000 US in maintenance costs for the first 30k
> miles.
> > That with the oil gelling problem, and a recommended belt change at 75k
> for
> > $2,000 made it even less attractive to keep any length of time. The
Pilot
> > is around 10-15k less expensive than the new 330.
> >
> > "Niles Standish" <rwardak@homail.com> wrote in message
> > news:Sg%Pa.4773$b_4.392@lakeread07...
> > > I'm shopping for a mid-size/car-based SUV and so far I like the RX 330
> > > (checked out the Acura MDX, Infiniti FX and Nissan Murano as well). I
> > have
> > > yet to see a Honda Pilot (they are not in stock at the local dealer).
> The
> > > Honda seems like it's pretty functional and rugged based on what I see
> in
> > > reviews and on the Internet. I'm not too crazy about the appearance
of
> > the
> > > front end on the Pilot though but I imagine I can get some appearance
> > parts
> > > to improve that. I haven't seen much in a direct comparison of them.
> > > Anyone compare these? Thoughts?
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>