1984 Toyota Cressida GLX review from Australia and New Zealand

The control for the power mirrors broke about a month after I had the car, at approximately 204,500 kilometers.

The power aerial motor was dead and buried when I bought the car. The engine housing had leaked and the mechanism was rusted solid. A replacement aerial only cost me $35 Australian.

We replaced the alternator, air conditioner and power steering belts, which made a world of difference. The steering is stronger and the Cressida starts easier. Also, one of the belts was squealing, so that was corrected as well.

Apart from these, there has not been a thing wrong with the old girl. It has not had any body or serious engine problems.

This car was my second car. My first car was a 1990 3-door Daihatsu Charade. It wasn't a bad car, but I outgrew it, literally. I'm 6 foot 3, so the little car was exactly that, little.

I bought the Cressida from a motor auction mob. It's an '84 GLX sedan, perfect condition both inside and out. The paintwork is original, and except from being a bit faded in a couple of places, the paint is perfect. It's all original, with the exterior paint, trim and alloy wheels.

The Cressida is the upmarket luxury GLX, so it's got air conditioning, power steering, electric mirrors, power windows, AM/FM radio/tape deck with four speakers and graphic equalizer, adjustable head rests front and back, quality carpet, passenger armrest and velour seats, all in A1 condition.

The engine is the 5M-E, MX73 model, being a 2.8L, double overhead cam, 6 cylinder beauty. It's smooth through the gears, has plenty of grunt, but it still economical on fuel. I run it on Lead Replacement fuel, but it can run on Unleaded.

It handles beautifully. It's comfortable, safe, reliable and a dream to drive. If and when its days are up, I'd definitely go for another Toyota. It's a real shame that Toyota stopped making Cressidas.