I finally looked at the car’s manuel and found that Lexus recommends timing belt replacements, buy only if the useage is categorized as “A” (= extreme use, heavy towing, harse climates). Looking at the “B” service, the timing belt isn’t even on the chart.
I own a 2003 RAV4, auto trans, 2WD, 78K. Same problem–erratic and harsh shifting, engine revving before shifting up. I was advised of a Technical Service Bulletin issued by Toyota on March 3, 2006 for Models: '01-'03 RAV4. Under this notice my Toyota service center replaced the Engine Control Module (ECM). They thought they had fixed the problem, but in less than 500 miles, a similar transmission problem resurfaced; now it jerks into 3rd gear. The same Toyota repair shop says that a transmission replacement is the only fix and their regional rep is now considering if they will cover the cost. Please keep posting on this issue!
I agree with several posters here. One cannot deal with imaginary fears, such as car breakdowns in isolated places. Hypothetically, that can happen on any car of any age.
However, in general, that few miles if a car suits your purposes it not many. Better to have the money in the bank as long as this car runs, once it is gone you can’t reverse your decision.
Most breakdowns on the highway are things like hoses; belts; and tires. Learn how to check those things yourself.
my 93 toyota corolla needed a new engine at 286K miles because it was burning oil. Once the engine was replaced with an engine of 76k miles, it has now lasted to 390k miles, and I’m holding on for 400k! This last stretch has started to cost me some parts as a front right ball joint and rear right strut. This car has continued to get ~ 35mpg on the highway and been low cost to maintain- needing typical oil changes, belts, tires, brakes.
By the way: The thing to avoid is extras only sold in the US: This is also true for German cars. Most Volkswagens are (accoridng to what I see in the Consumer Reports analysis) bullets if you don’t add V6, 4-Motion or any of the other stuff that nobody overseas would consider buying in the first place.
1 million miles Chevy truck? 4 brand new transmissions, and after several engine rebuilds! Of course it is normal to get a million miles after that…