my RX300 lexus (yr. 2000, 130,000 m) tape deck suddenly began to spit out the tape and will not accept it. If I push it in all the way and then press down, it sits there but display soon changes from "tape" to "radio" and I have to jiggle out the tape. It is a tape wired to my ipod. The car already has a dead CD player. Is there anything I can do??? Needless to say replacement by dealer is out of range. Please help me.

Sounds like the unit is on its last legs. I know OE replacement decks for any make can be expensive. The best & least expensive option would probably to look at an aftermarket replacement. The price should be way less and there are some very good quality units out there.......