TransmissionBuying adviceCommunity Starter

Shudder at light throttle around 40 mph

WrenchGarage46Community StarterApr 28, 20262022 Lexus GX 460San Diego
I get a light shudder at steady throttle around 35–45 mph. If I accelerate harder or lift off, it goes away. Trying to figure out whether this sounds more like torque-converter behavior, engine misfire, or tires. Appreciate any ideas on what to check first. What am I missing?
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34 replies

CleanMom59Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Ask for out-the-door on the 2022 Lexus GX with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. If they balk, that's your answer. When does it actually happen? This is the version I'd tell a friend.
V8Geek89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Walk if they won't put it on a buyer’s order. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2022 Lexus GX price probably got worse. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. This is from a 2022 Lexus GX in San Diego. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
RoadEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2022 Lexus GX so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “shudder at light throttle around 40 mph,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
RoadEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2022 Lexus GX so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. If they balk, that's your answer. On “shudder at light throttle around 40 mph,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2022 Lexus GX in San Diego. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
CleanMom59Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2022 Lexus GX and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
ApexRunnerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2022 Lexus GX so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. Do that before you talk monthly again. When does it actually happen? This is the version I'd tell a friend.
OldSchoolDetailer28Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. If one piece looks too good on the 2022 Lexus GX, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. I'll update if anything new shows up.
WrenchGarage46Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Update from me: I finally have sale price, fees, and trade on separate lines for the 2022 Lexus GX. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
RoadEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
I would not stare at the monthly. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2022 Lexus GX price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2022 Lexus GX in San Diego. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
V8Geek89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2022 Lexus GX price probably got worse. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I'll update if anything new shows up.
QuietBuilder89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2022 Lexus GX numbers without them. Do that before you talk monthly again. Stop there until you know. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
RoadEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. In San Diego, insurance quotes flipped a 2022 Lexus GX comparison for me more than the sale price did. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2022 Lexus GX in San Diego. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
WrenchGarage46Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Coming back with numbers — insurance in San Diego changed the 2022 Lexus GX comparison more than the sale price did. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
WrenchWrenchCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. Ask for out-the-door on the 2022 Lexus GX with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. If they balk, that's your answer. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
QuietBuilder89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Hard-won lesson from my last deal: Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2022 Lexus GX so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “shudder at light throttle around 40 mph,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Do that first. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
WrenchGarage46Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Update from me: I finally have sale price, fees, and trade on separate lines for the 2022 Lexus GX. I'll post OTD once I have two apples-to-apples sheets.
ApexRunnerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2022 Lexus GX and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
V8Geek89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2022 Lexus GX and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Make the next action something you can finish this week. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
RoadEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Call your insurer in San Diego before you fall in love with the 2022 Lexus GX. If they balk, that's your answer. On “shudder at light throttle around 40 mph,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. I screenshotted the quote for later.
V8Geek89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, if one piece looks too good on the 2022 Lexus GX, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Not letting add-ons ride along because everyone does.
ApexRunnerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Get the messy numbers in writing first. Ask for out-the-door on the 2022 Lexus GX with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “shudder at light throttle around 40 mph,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2022 Lexus GX in San Diego. Did the worksheet show tax yet? If GAP is bundled I'm making them unbundle it.
QuietBuilder89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 28, 2026permalink
Walk if they won't put it on a buyer’s order. Two 2022 Lexus GX quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2022 Lexus GX in San Diego. Do that first. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Not letting add-ons ride along because everyone does.
OldSchoolDetailer28Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Walk if they won't put it on a buyer’s order. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2022 Lexus GX and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
RoadEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2022 Lexus GX numbers without them. If they balk, that's your answer. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
WrenchGarage46Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Coming back with numbers — insurance in San Diego changed the 2022 Lexus GX comparison more than the sale price did. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
WrenchWrenchCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. Call your insurer in San Diego before you fall in love with the 2022 Lexus GX. If they balk, that's your answer. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. PPI guy I use is booked until next week, so I'm waiting.
V8Geek89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Ask for out-the-door on the 2022 Lexus GX with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. Do that before you talk monthly again. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
OldSchoolDetailer28Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. In San Diego, insurance quotes flipped a 2022 Lexus GX comparison for me more than the sale price did. Then the comparison gets honest. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
CleanMom59Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 30, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Ask for out-the-door on the 2022 Lexus GX with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. If they balk, that's your answer. On “shudder at light throttle around 40 mph,” that was the fork that mattered for me. When does it actually happen? If GAP is bundled I'm making them unbundle it.
ApexRunnerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2022 Lexus GX and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. This is from a 2022 Lexus GX in San Diego. When does it actually happen? Make the next action something you can finish this week. Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
QuietBuilder89Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Call your insurer in San Diego before you fall in love with the 2022 Lexus GX. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “shudder at light throttle around 40 mph,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Stop there until you know. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. That's my plan before I call anyone.
CleanMom59Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. Two 2022 Lexus GX quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2022 Lexus GX in San Diego. When does it actually happen? That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
WrenchGarage46Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
OP update: I got two written quotes on the 2022 Lexus GX and the out-the-door gap is bigger than the ads made it look. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
RoadEnthusiastCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 29, 2026permalink
Get the messy numbers in writing first. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2022 Lexus GX so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “shudder at light throttle around 40 mph,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. That's my plan before I call anyone.
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