Comparing the Lexus UX to the Audi Q3. The Audi Q3 has done very well over the years. The Q3 has been around for 3 generations. Lexus needs to bring in a second generation UX and improve on it. U.S. sales of the UX: 2018: 453 2019: 16,725 2020: 16,962 2021: 17,581 2022: 10,237 2023: 11,846 2024: 8,877 2025: 8,421 2026: 6,519 YTD sales from January - August 2026 Total: 97,621 U.S. sales of the Audi Q3: 2014 - 3,654 2015 - 13,229 2016 - 20,048 2017 - 20,633 2018 - 16,828 Total - 74,392 Sales of first generation Q3 2019 - 14,822 2020 - 27,251 2021 - 34,462 2022 - 25,066 2023: 22,189 2024: 32,090 2025: 23,581 Total - 179,461 Sales of second generation Q3 2026: 10,906 YTD sales of third generation Q3 from January - June 2026 Total: 10,906 Grand total - 264,759

A few things jump out here, and they don't all point to a failed transmission. The codesP0746 = Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Performance/Stuck Off P2734 = Pressure Control Solenoid "F" Performance C1201 = Engine control system malfunction (ABS/VSC reporting an engine/transmission issue) C1241 = Low or abnormal battery voltage P0335 = Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit My thoughtsThe biggest clue is that the transmission quits, then works again after sitting for several hours. If the transmission were mechanically destroyed, it usually doesn't fully recover after cooling off and continue driving another mile. The combination of P0746 and P2734 suggests the transmission ECU is having trouble controlling hydraulic pressure. This could be: Failed pressure-control solenoids Wiring/connectors to the transmission Valve body problems Low system voltage affecting transmission controls What makes this interesting is the presence of P0335 and C1241. A failing crankshaft position sensor can cause the ECM to lose engine speed information intermittently. When that happens, the vehicle can feel like the transmission disengaged because the ECM and transmission computer no longer know what's happening with engine speed. Likewise, C1241 (low voltage) should not be ignored. On a 150k-mile RX350, a weak battery, poor ground, failing alternator, or voltage drop can create multiple seemingly unrelated transmission and engine codes. The fluid condition"Grayish black" fluid is concerning. Toyota WS fluid should be reddish to brownish. Dark gray/black fluid indicates: Significant age/overheating Clutch material wear Possible valve body contamination The good news is you reported no metal shavings, which argues against catastrophic hard-part failure. What I would do firstBefore authorizing a transmission replacement: Load-test the battery. Check charging voltage. Engine off: around 12.6V Running: roughly 13.5-14.8V Diagnose the P0335 crank sensor code. Check transmission connector and wiring for oil intrusion or corrosion. Remove the transmission pan and inspect: Magnet debris Solenoid condition Valve body contamination Most likely repair scenariosBest case ($200-$800): Crankshaft position sensor Battery/charging issue Wiring repair Moderate case ($1,000-$2,500): Valve body and solenoid replacement Worst case ($4,000-$7,000+): Internal transmission failure requiring rebuild/replacement For Los AngelesI'd strongly recommend a reputable Toyota/Lexus transmission specialist, not a general repair shop and not a dealership that immediately recommends a transmission assembly. An experienced Aisin/Toyota transmission shop can determine fairly quickly whether you're dealing with a valve body/solenoid issue or a worn-out transmission. My initial suspicion, based on the codes and the fact that the vehicle worked again after sitting, is electrical/controls related (P0335 and/or voltage issue) or a valve body/solenoid problem, not necessarily a completely failed transmission.

Yes, it can be normal, but whether $1,200 is reasonable depends on exactly which headlights your LS 460 has and what's included. The 2014 Lexus LS 460 uses HID (xenon) or LED headlamp assemblies depending on trim and package. On many LS models, access to the rear of the headlamp assembly is extremely limited. Lexus service procedures often call for loosening or partially removing the front bumper cover and/or headlamp assembly to replace HID bulbs. A few things to clarify: If they're replacing two HID bulbs only, the bulbs themselves typically cost far less than the total bill. The labor is the expensive part. If they're replacing LED modules, ballasts, igniters, or entire headlamp assemblies, costs can climb rapidly. Some independent Lexus specialists can perform the job with less disassembly and lower labor charges than a dealership. For comparison, I'd generally expect: HID bulb replacement: a few hundred dollars up to perhaps $600-$800 at a dealer, depending on labor rates. $1,200 starts sounding more plausible if they're quoting OEM bulbs plus several hours of labor, or if additional components are involved. My concern is that dealers sometimes say "headlight bulbs" when the estimate actually includes other parts. I would ask for the itemized estimate and specifically: What part numbers are being replaced? Are they replacing HID bulbs only? Are ballasts, igniters, or headlamp assemblies included? How many labor hours are being charged? If you can post the estimate (or tell me whether the car has HID or LED headlights), I can tell you very quickly whether $1,200 is reasonable or excessive.

Given your description, the most likely cause is still tire-related, even though: The vehicle did not pull before the tire change. The alignment was checked and found to be within spec. The tires were rotated/swapped side-to-side with no improvement. A second set of the same Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires was installed and the pull remained. A few possibilities: Tire conicity (radial pull) A tire can be manufactured with a slight cone-shaped force characteristic that causes the car to drift. However, replacing the entire set and seeing the exact same symptom makes a simple defective tire less likely. Alignment is "in spec" but not balanced side-to-side A vehicle can pull even when all alignment angles are technically within specification. On the RX450h, a cross-caster or cross-camber difference can cause a pull. Ask for the actual alignment printout, not just "it's within spec." Even a small caster difference side-to-side may create a noticeable drift. Road crown sensitivity Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires are known for aggressive tread design and can be more sensitive to road crown than some other tires. If the vehicle tracks straight on a flat parking lot or on the left side of a divided road but drifts right on normal roads, this is a strong clue. Steering angle sensor or EPS adaptation The 2013 RX450h uses electric power steering. Occasionally after suspension/alignment work, the steering angle calibration may need to be checked. This is less common but worth investigating if everything else checks out. A pre-existing condition revealed by the new tires New tires often have stiffer sidewalls and more grip than worn tires. They can expose a minor alignment or suspension issue that the old tires masked. What I would do nextAsk the shop for: The before-and-after alignment printout. Individual values for: Left and right caster Left and right camber Total toe Also test: On a flat, empty parking lot, release pressure on the steering wheel at 20-30 mph. Then repeat on a road sloping to the left and to the right.

You can check the codes yourself with a paper clip - here is a link to a Google search for extracting the codes https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=1994+lexus+sc400+flash+code+procedure&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8