1992 Toyota Cressida Grande from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Old rocker cover gaskets allowed oil to leak into the spark plug wells.

Old spark plug leads were cracking and needed replacing.

This model was a great car that was badly missed when withdrawn from the Australian market in January 1993. (Production continued in Japan where the model is still known as a Mark II). Body shape is conservative, but stylish and has not dated. Interior is well laid out and the Grande model comes with leather, CD player, cruise control, climate control, power windows, mirrors, steering and ABS brakes. Mine has an optional electric sunroof fitted which is nice. Performance is brisk - the 7M-GE engine produces 142 kilowatts of power which compares well with 3 liter V6 engines made today by Toyota and others. Low gearing assists acceleration, but does not help fuel consumption when cruising. The four speed auto transmission is the A340E model used in the older Lexus SC 400s and LS 400s so it is smooth and tough.

When buying, check that the cam belt has been replaced at 100,000 kms and that the head gasket is fine (these are the engine's only weakness).

Overall, a very nice car if you can find a well kept and serviced example. The later models manufactured in 1991 and 1992 are the ones to aim for as they had some minor refinements and improvements over the 89 and 90 models.

If you're interested in selling it and live in Perth please e-mail me: paulrazvan@budgetnet.com.au.

Hi.

I have always wanted to have this car and am seriously considering to buy one. If you are thinking of selling it please email me daprav@hotmail.com. I live in Adelaide. Your review about the car was fantastic. It really gave me useful information about the specifications of the car.

Just bought a 1992 Cressida today. Thanks for all the good comments. Make's me feel like I made the right decision. Only thing is, air's not cold. Hopefully it's just needing freon. But everything still works great. Needs an antenna. This engine is supposed to be same as in Lexus, and is really good.

My wife has a house in the Dominican Republic. Last December 2003 I bought a 1992 Toyota Cressida, because it is cheaper then renting cars for 6 weeks a year. Amazingly for a 12 year old car, everything worked. The antenna, the cruise control, the safety belts, the electrical control of the chair and the airco just needed freon.

I did not know the car, but when I started driving it, I fell in love. It is more fun driving the Cressida then driving my Volvo S60 back home in Brussels.

I have Cressida 92 model with R22 engine. After 12 years using it with 550,000+ on the clock it's still OK. Oh by the way I drive about 260km a day with a fast 160km/h to 180km/h and the engine still OK.

I am the oner of a 1991 Cressida Grande, which I purchased in March 2002. In April 2003 a total engine rebuild undertaken once the car blew a head gasket. Once the head was off the car 'Pitting'was discovered on the top of the block. The block was decked, pistons replaced & machined (to compensate for the block being decked) timing belt replaced, new water pump, hoses, belts etc. Total cost $4713.50 AUSTRALIAN. The car runs like a dream & cannot fault it in any way. BUT and this is a very BIG, but it has BLOWN A HEAD GASKET AGAIN August 12-2004 only after 20000 klms. Upon removing the head, pitting was found on the top surface of the block AGAIN & around the water cooling jackets of the block & cylinder head predominantly on the exhaust side. After making inquieries I was advised it is a common problem caused by electrolysis. "Just fill the pitts with plastic metal & draw file flat & sand smooth. Skim the head & use STANDARD HEAD GASKET coated both sides with PERMATEX NO.3 aircraft gasket cement (does not harden) " is what I was advised. When re-filling cooling system use only TOYOTA INHIBITOR & run an ADDITIONAL earth strap off the exhaust side of the motor. When re-tensioning the head after 200-300 klms, re-tension to 68-70 FT/LB. ALSO add a sacrificial anode in the cooling system to slow down the attack to your motor. Change coolant/inhibitor at recommended intervals & check anode at the same time. GOOD LUCK as this problem is starting to rear it's head as the model ages gracefully. It only seem's to affect this family group engine, as all the others are OK. I know my valued possession is up for SALE now & the tyres have not even done 500 klm (brand new GT RADIAL,128 Champiro tyres) EXCELLENT TYRES. The only thing I have left to say is HONDA HERE I COME!!!

How is the leather seats mate? I was shopping around for Cressida Grande model, but I found quiet a number of leather seats are broken.

Good car! I just Bought 1991 GLX model.

I have had my 1992 Cressdia Grande for about 8 months now. I first bought it with a blown head gasket and had it replaced straight out. From this point I have done approx 30,000 k's and had no problem with it. The only other problem I have had has been the rocker cover came loose and oil welled up in my spark plug wells. Otherwise the leather has been great, not one problem with the electronics and with the supra engine it just rips and kills Commodores! Also bags it up and goes sideways amazing with the lsd. Yes I am 19 lol :) Very recommended car, can be very expensive, but awesome none the less!