Lexus Repair: RX 300 Transmission failure, transmission failure, transmission replacement

Question
I resently helped a friend find a "deal" on a 99 RX 300. The vehicle has 77,000 miles and of course after only 2 weeks of owning this vehicle the transmission now makes no effort to engage in any gear. When it is cold it will drive for a short distance. There is a distinct whinning coming from the transmission until it warms up. When the whinning quits so does the transmission. The repair shop indicates a $3,000.00 repair is in order after a 5 minute review based on their experience with RX 300's. Is there something that goes wrong with this model that can just be replaced without a complete transmission replacement.  

Answer
Hello, There is nothing external that can be done, the problem is inside which means the entire transmission must come out and be repaired. The $3,000 price is a good deal if it can be done for that. The last one we did was $4,200 and the dealer wanted $5,200.