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Location:
Behind you
Registered:
May 2003
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Cressida Grande - help
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Sat, 19 July 2003 07:33
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Hello,
I’ve been looking at Cressida Grandes and all that have been in my price range have high km’s (230-260 000).
These high kilometres make me a little nervous. What I was hoping you guys could answer is should I be nervous? or are Cressidas one of those freak cars that never die.
All the ones I’ve looked at have immaculate interiors and exteriors, and most have had a new head-gasket put in.
Are there any common problems that the Cressidas have (other than the head gasket issue) that I should look out for.
Most of the cars I’ve looked at have been because of price, for a low k car (150 000) it would cost me an extra 4g, which I don’t have.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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I supported Toymods
Location:
Sydney
Registered:
August 2002
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Re: Cressida Grande - help
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Sat, 19 July 2003 16:51
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Cressida's certainly are not IMMUNE from all the normal problems of any car approching 200,000 to 250,000kms - Added to this is the 7MGE's renowned head gasket problems, so yes, you are wise to be thouroughly checking out closely any Cressida with about 150,000kms or more.
What the MX83 Cressida has in it's favour (Especially the Grande) is that when new - they were on the wrong side of $45,000, and as such, those that bought them generally had the money to pay for the correct servicing, and treated the car gently and didn't thrash them. (They didn't get the "Grandpa car" tag for nothing...)
Perhaps you ned to start looking at more private sales and going to a couple of Auctions. I took nearly 9 mths to find a car I was happy with, and walked away from so many that were not right for one or more of my reasons. The one I ended up buy was not perfect, but the price was too good to turn my back on for the small problems it had.
A Head Job ( NO, NO, not the type form Kings Cross) will set you back about $1500 or more (depending on the head and any other damage/repairs) - most people have to replace some of the hoses, flush the radiator etc, so the cost usually ends up being about $2,000 - make sure you factor this into your negotiations. A full servive history is a good thing to have too. and it's worth paying a little more to get the right one in the end..
Also, remember that Cressida parts are bloody expensive - a Cracked tail light will cost you at least $250 to replace (if you find one at a wrecker), or about $450 brand new. As for other parts and panels, well, lets just hope you have two good kidneys, you may need to hock one off to pay for parts
Go out and test drive and look at as many as you can - that is the ONLY way you will be able to pick a good one from a shitheap. I drove about 40 in the time I was looking - some I had NO intentions of buying - but drove them to see the differences in gear change, accelleration, suspension etc.
I am not sure what State you live in, but if it's not NSW, I am happy to look at some down here for you if you like.
Or is you ARE in NSW, I can help you with a few places to look.
What budget are you looking at ??
Any colour preference ??
Sunroof ???
**EDIT**
Just realised you are in Melbourne...
you might wanna check these two out...
http://www.autogroup.com.au/search/vehicle_detail. asp?sitekey=JUP&mvmta=173793
http://www.autogroup.com.au/search/vehicle_detail. asp?sitekey=JUP&mvmta=172442
cheers
[Updated on: Sat, 19 July 2003 17:01]
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Location:
Behind you
Registered:
May 2003
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Re: Cressida Grande - help
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Mon, 21 July 2003 11:23
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Thanks for the info.
If it helps, this is will be my first car; and my parents are spending the money. They're "giving" me $7000 and i have another $1500 to chuck in if neccessary. My old man is being very careful with what the condition of the car is, (we both check the car out, compare opinions and if we like it we get it inspected by RACV)
WE deffinently have to look at more cressidas but the ones in our price range don't come up that often which delays the process, but i'd rather get something i'm happy with in 6 months than something i'm not happy with straight away.
WE haven't loked at the auctions yet, but we are certainly going to in the near future. Seeing as though you have some expeience in car auctions, are there any tips you could give me?
If you hear of any nice Grande's that are for sale that are in my price range, could you pm me or email me. We will travel up to Sydney or Adelaide or Hobart if there is a really good one on offer.
Thanks for the Help.
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Location:
Sydney
Registered:
March 2003
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Re: Cressida Grande - help
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Tue, 22 July 2003 05:37
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it will definitly be worthing looking around for a good one. they are a great car and very nice to drive.
another thing to look out for, some people includeing myself, have expereicned the problem of the rear diff cradle cracking. so get under the car at the back and have a look at the rings the diff is bolted to, to make sure its not cracked.
besides that, mine has done 234000km's and hasn't had any major issues.
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Location:
Southern Sydney
Registered:
August 2002
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Re: Cressida Grande - help
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Tue, 22 July 2003 08:59
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Depends what your intentions are. If you planing on doing an engine conversion down the track, then high milage is something you can use to your advantage and bargain with.
If you intend on keeping the original engine then shop around till you find one with nice low K's
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