1992 Toyota Cressida Engine leaks

X_G888

MEMBER
1992 TOYOTA CRESSIDA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I have rarely my Toyota Cressida for 10 years now until recent months, when I need to use it everyday for work.
I dont push the car to its limits and I take very good care of it too.

However my problem is this over the last 3 years I had to do major engine repairs every year, and I never changed the repair because they are badged Toyota dealers.

First year they strip the engine apart gave the gaskets a acid bath and fixed the leaks on the engine.

Second year they told me told me the engine was leaking again. This time from the bottom the the engine, so they striped the engine out again.

This year 3 months earlier they checked it out for an engine noise they told me the alternator will need replacing when noise lastes for 30min after startup, but apart from that its in tip top shape.

And Yesterday I checked the engine for really loud noise, I find the engine to be oil less.I fill it up drive it down there and they told me I had 3 seals leaking.

Currently the mechanics repairs has cost me around 4000-5000 dollars for the 3 years

So my questions is:
1. Could the previous owners ran the milage/ did something funny to the car?

2. Is my car maintenance shop not doing what they are getting paid for?

2 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

I don't think that the previous owners would have anything to do with your repairs, to me it sounds like the work shop is not doing a very good job, These engines are very reliable, and if repaired with care and attention to detail, (some what lacking these days) it should be as good as new, How sure are you that a qualified mechanic did the work, was it done by an apprentice learning his trade, yes we all have to start somewhere, but if a non qualified person is working on a car there should be a fully qualified person supervising to make sure all is well. Maybe this is the case here, you may never know, make sure that if you get them to do any work, make sure its by a qualified tech or being supervised at a minimum.

Mark (mhpautos)

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008 AT 6:29 AM

X_G888

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi mark,

I know what you mean, the first couple of repair shops all said they can do the job but I always had problems when I got my car back (some even tried to rip me off, example changing my timing belt which did not need to, fixing oil leaks that was not there), so I decided to switch to a Toyota store for repairs instead because they would have the resources and knowledge (assuming) to carry out the work. But taking you comments into consideration I have been almost 99% certain that they are getting apprentice to do my car. Their service reps gives me quick turn arounds and are very knowledgable about my car, but for their mechanics I am highly doubtful.

My next question is does anyone in Sydney, Australia know a good experienced Mechanic that is good with Toyota Cressidas? --- Price is not a issue (this quote does not include you ripping me off), I just want the car to be in tip top shape.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008 AT 4:57 PM