1978 Toyota Cressida, why not?

[vitessetony]

Hi there retro riders,

As per the title there is a 1978 Toyota Cressida literally around the corner from me for sale (£3999) it looks to have had some paint restoration recently and looks very presentable.

Firstly am I mad as I'll be using it as a daily driver however it is only an 8 mile round trip to work.

Does anybody know what I should look for specifically? And how difficult is it to hit with a lowering stick?

Seriously tempted but just need some advice as to whether to take the plunge and any potential pitfalls.

Here she is



Cheers

[andyborris]

Why not drive around in a very cool car....can't think of a reason not to!

And I've never seen an estate version before, so ultra rare, I think.

[duggers]

look for RUST in hidden but important places. Mechanicals will be fine. Check anything electrical, e/w etc works (if fitted in '78).
If it checks out ok that will be a lovely, rare but utterly cool ride.
Buy it, Buy it GO ON BUY IT.................

[vitessetony]

Thanks for the comments guys where should i be looking for rust specifically?

The sills and floors look solid all doors and the like look good (its been stored for a good while)

anybody know specifically the rot prone areas on these?

I'm getting too excited insurance is £95 a year and it'll be tax free in 2 years!!

[stonyray]

Apr 23, 2016 11:46:50 GMT vitessetony said:

I'm getting too excited insurance is £95 a year and it'll be tax free in 2 years!!

Not how tax works, unless they've changed the rules without my knowledge.

Only drawback might be the asthmatic performance, but if you don't mind not going fast. I cannot see a drawback.

EDIT: 40 year rolling exemption. Passed me by this one. www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/293910/TIIN_2507_8011_40_year_rolling_exemption_for_classic_vehicles_.pdf

[pOG]

Wow, that is one lovely lovely lovely Cressida.

[vitessetony]

Apr 23, 2016 13:13:39 GMT pOG said:

Wow, that is one lovely lovely lovely Cressida.

Yes I think so too, some more photos

[rmad]

That's my dream car right there.

Absolutely usable as a daily. Mine had chopped springs, but proper stuff is available. I'm not sure whether the estates have the same rear suspension set up though.

[vitessetony]

Apr 23, 2016 14:03:01 GMT rmad said:

That's my dream car right there.

Absolutely usable as a daily. Mine had chopped springs, but proper stuff is available. I'm sure whether the estates have the same rear suspension set up though.

Front is on coil springs rear is leaf spring set up, once its lowered it'll be perfect.

Spured on by the words of joy from fellow nutcases I just went and bought it, so now i have to tell my wife I'm selling my insignia so I can drive around in a 40 year old estate car as my only means of transport........I've always loved our couch anyway, very comfy for sleeping on....

[rmad]

Well done!

[vitessetony]

Apr 23, 2016 15:24:48 GMT rmad said:

Well done!

Thanks, any tips or sources for parts specifically for lowering?

Thanks

[rmad]

You can get angle grinders at Machine Mart! :-)

(in other words, I just cut the springs and got on with driving it - there's plenty of 'properly'lowered ones about though).

I think jabbo sorted some struts when he bought it from me. maybe he's got some info?

[vitessetony]

Apr 23, 2016 16:02:05 GMT rmad said:

You can get angle grinders at Machine Mart! :-)

(in other words, I just cut the springs and got on with driving it - there's plenty of 'properly'lowered ones about though).

I think jabbo sorted some struts when he bought it from me. maybe he's got some info?

Thanks mate i'll drop him a pm

[joem83]

Never mind, didnt read all the thread lol.

Nice purchase!

Will be more reliable than an Insignia as well.

[andyborris]

Surely an estate that size is right for sleeping in, air bed in the back....!

Blocks for the back springs, Escort ones are cheap enough and seem to fit most things with a bit of "easing".

[vitessetony]

Apr 23, 2016 16:16:13 GMT joem83 said:

Never mind, didnt read all the thread lol.

Nice purchase!

Will be more reliable than an Insignia as well.

X2 on being more reliable than the Insignia!

[vitessetony]

Apr 23, 2016 16:46:15 GMT andyborris said:

Surely an estate that size is right for sleeping in, air bed in the back....!

Blocks for the back springs, Escort ones are cheap enough and seem to fit most things with a bit of "easing".

Yeah I think a bed will defo fit in with the seats folded down. Thanks for the tip on the lowering blocks.

[andyborris]

Well done on the purchase, it's a great feeling, buying a new retro/classic and all too addictive, as many on here can attest to!

And point out to your other half, that'll it'll hold it's value, you're now envied by many of your peers and it'll be easy to spot in a car park!

[vitessetony]

Apr 23, 2016 17:40:03 GMT andyborris said:

Well done on the purchase, it's a great feeling, buying a new retro/classic and all too addictive, as many on here can attest to!

And point out to your other half, that'll it'll hold it's value, you're now envied by many of your peers and it'll be easy to spot in a car park!

All good points but alas points she's heard about 15 times in the last three years along with the promise that this is the last one!

to be fair she's fine as long as i'm happy. I'm pretty lucky really

[HoTWire]

I love this car. Good work