MY FORMER (and beloved) Toyota Cressida
1990 TOYOTA CRESSIDA:
A former diplomatic car (OEV); tax-paid - not subic. This was brought in through diplomatic channels but, take note, custom fee has been paid (CR).
Plate number: TGJ 247 Thursday coding
The pictures shown are the actual pictures of my car.
General Description:
22R Engine (carburetor-type) - I saw a coaster (small bus) once with the same engine! - it runs on unleaded gasoline (I usually use Caltex Silver). Timing chain (not belt) eto, so this is one very reliable and long-lasting powerplant! Tiyak na matibay!
RX-80 designation - this is different from the american version which is MX-83 (with the 7M-GE engine - pag 22R po ang engine, hindi siya US version). The Cressidas (last generation) locally are usually of this variant (unless imported directly from the US or elsewhere) or the one with the 1G-FE powerplant. These are usually brought here through diplomatic channels (ADB, embassies, etc). In this case, this was coursed through the UN and was used by one of its directors (who now is a secretary general).
Automatic Transmission - 4 speed (the gear shift knob - the one which your thumb presses - is on the left, unlike other imported cars na nasa right ang knob - check out interior picture below)
Mileage: Around 150k++ kms - When I got it, it had more than 100,000 kms on its gauge
Rear Wheel Drive - just like your typical BMWs, drift-cars, and other select automobiles - very stable and planted...
Original Silver Color - it is still very presentable
Opulent Maroon Interior - still intact and presentable
All Power (except for window) - power steering still works - used to be power antenna pala (but my friend's son loved it so much, he pulled it off! hehehe)
JVC CD tuner - fully functional
HID (low beam only).
US Tint.
Alarm.
Reverse sensor (most of the accessories are courtesy of Jeff - Araneta).
14” 75-80% tires - with original Cressida hubcaps
Good running condition (maintained by my reliable mech [and friend] whom I've known for quite a long time already) - best to be maintained by a mechanic who knows it by heart, baka kasi pagpraktisan lang...
With ORIGINAL Cressida Owner’s Manual (I also have soft copies of everything you need to know about the car, including online links which can be of tremendous help).
picture courtesy of ebay
Addendum:
Replaced the radiator with a surplus one (the old one was beyond repair)
Regular tune-ups (typical replacements with new NGK high tension wire) - last tune up and oil change: December 2011
Replaced the overhead gasket May 2009 (FYI: all parts are available – brand-new or surplus; I get mine from CELICA Araneta Avenue Q.C. <map shown below>– near SM Centerpoint for the former; Banawe, Marikina, Sauyo, Saulo for the latter - although brand new parts abound in Banawe as well). Timing chain at this time was replaced for preventive maintenance as well.
Replaced brake pads and brake shoe (late '10)
Replaced brake pads and brake shoe (late '10)
ATF fluid replacement (January 2011)
Paint is generally ok
Suspension done at Zee Carplus (Aurora Boulevard, QC) - the owner (Toti) knows the car by heart...
picture courtesy of: http://media1.ph.88db.com/db88uploadfiles/2006/09/24/463BB70A-51B5-4864-83AF-1B4AB12807B5.jpg
AC checks done by Mang Mario (QC – at the back of SM North) - cool AC
The shop for my mechanic of this ride is located near Batasan, QC (Kuya Ernie) - IBP road (near Congress)
Note:
The car has been with me for approximately 6 years already. I am a Cressida enthusiast – I’ve had several of these rides through the years (from the first gen to the last - which is this one - this is actually my second last generation Cressida - first one was a manual with a 1G-FE powerplant).
This car was the top of the line luxury sedan of Toyota during the early 90’s. Not that popular here though. Production was stopped to give way to the entry of the venerable Lexus edition.
Automatic transmission is generally ok. There is a nuance however. You have to start the engine for around 3-5 minutes before it will start shifting to the second gear. What I usually do is start the engine for a minute then I put it in the drive, then I would drive around (first gear) muna, then at 3-5 minutes I will press on the accelerator and check if it will shift. It has been like this for 5 years already and I didnt find it necessary to replace the transmission. Shifting usually happens at 20 kms/ hr - for the second gear, then at 40kms/ hr (for the third gear), then around 60kms/hr - for the last gear.
The driver essentially does the shifting. For 2nd gear, you have to release gas pedal beyond 20kms/hr for it to shift. Beyond 40 on 3rd. And beyond 60 on 4th. Those who have been using older automatics are familiar with this technique.
A friend suggested to replace the carburetor - it might be the culprit. But I haven't done this because I am not sold on the idea. It could be possible though...
All gauges are functional. Interior is still classy.
The 22R engine is the same as that of pick up trucks (Hilux, 4runner, even the RWD Celica) so parts wouldn’t be much of a problem. You can google the 22R engine so you can read about the reliability and durability of this indefatigable workhorse. Great for cruising (2.4L ang displacement, but do take note, this is not built for speed). The car is quite long and heavy, hence the big engine. Maintenance cost is essentially the same as that of its brethren.
As mentioned earlier: all parts are available – brand-new or surplus; I usually get mine from CELICA Araneta Avenue Q.C. – near SM Centerpoint for the former; Banawe, Marikina, Sauyo, Saulo, etc. for the surplus stuff ).
Celica Motor Sales Corporation
CELICA map:
Celica Google Map
Celica Motor Sales Corporation
CELICA map:
Celica Google Map
I find the fuel consumption to be on the high side (average: 5 kms/L). Malakas po sa gas, kaya alalay lang sa gas pedal. A highway drive can make it 7 kms to the liter at the very least...
picture courtesy of: http://rlv.zcache.com
Not much problem except for the typical snags of older sedans.
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http://www.reggiestropicalfish.com/important.bmp
The farthest I've driven this to the North is San Quintin, Pangasinan.
picture courtesy of: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons
The farthest to the South naman is Lucena City, Quezon Province.
picture courtesy of: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons
When I was assigned (for around 2 years) at Liliw, Laguna, this brought me there and back without any major hitch. This really has been a great and dependable companion to me for the past years.
http://friscodepot.com/store/images/LP-234-2.jpg
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Used to be my daily ride (work is at ORTIGAS CENTER):
picture courtesy of: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/robinsonsequi-normanaquino.jpg
Home is at MERVILLE PARK, PARANAQUE.
Maraming salamat po for your time and God bless!
