A Few Questions For The Gurus

[180Shauny]

G'day All,
I'm looking into the possibilities of Legnum ownership as they appear to be a truly epic family wagon. I've read the review and a few other bits and pieces and was hoping you could help me with a few noob questions.
1. I've driven a Stagea before, how does the Legnum compare?
2. I hear cruise control is not available, has anyone fitted an aftermarket unit? Does it work?
3. I hear parts like timing belts, etc are hard to get in Australia. How much am I looking at to get a set of belts from Japan/NZ?
4. The cooler for the gearbox, what is involved and how much is it?
5. My impression so far is that this is an awesome car as long as you don't get a lemon. Are there any common problems I can expect? Are they expensive to fix? I own an MR2 now and accept that costs are always higher when you want a splendiforous car.
6. I'm 25 with rating 1 for life, any ball park figures on insurance? Any recommended insurers?

That's enough for now, thanks in advance!

 

[mookers]

To answer your questions:

1. Search is your friend
2. Search is your friend
3. Search is your friend
4. Search is your friend
5. Search is your friend
6. Search is your friend



ok well you may have tried searching already - sometimes the information is harder to find than it ought to be. First place to start would be all the stickied threads, especially this one: http://ozvr4.com/forums/showthread.php?11-INDEX-Look-here-FIRST.

My real answers to your questions:
1. No idea about the drive, but the styling is no contest.
2. Aftermarket cruise control has been fitted to at least one car here on the forum, with success.
3. Full 100,000 km service kit, including belts and water pump, can be anywhere from $500 to $1000 depending where you source it from.
4. I think people are using a $100-$150 unit you can get locally. Not too hard to install from what I hear (I drive a manual).
5. Common problems... the dash clock. Fix is free if you already own a soldering iron Auto transmission wave spring - not so expensive to preventatively replace, but very expensive to fix. Ticking hydraulic lash adjusters - annoying but most of us put up with it. Searching will turn up more, there's an entire thread I think.
6. Ring around. It varies so much even within one provider that there's no way to predict what you'll be quoted. Note that the mainstream companies will probably not want your business however.

 

[180Shauny]

Thanks Mookers, will do. I had looked around but managed to miss the big thread saying LOOK HERE FIRST...

 

[bradc]

The Stagea's are a lot heavier and bigger than a Legnum closer to a Commodore almost! They are the perfect combination of handling and performance.

 

[ConnerS]

My Legnum is fitted with cruise control and wired directly into my evo momo wheel.
It may or may not be up for sale soon though as that car is now written off but i have plans to buy another one and swap almost every aftermarket part to the new Legnum. It cost the original owner roughly $1000 so expect it up for sale for ~$400 to $500. havnt decided what its worth yet

 

[bradc]

Can you put up some pics of the cruise control system?

 

[TME_Steve]

PM sent on cruise

 

[RxR]

6- I have rating one, being 23 my insurance through JUST CAR is 1300 but i would assume over 25 would be alot cheaper.
How soon are you looking to buy?
I have a stock manual black, and am potentially selling late this side of xmas or by march next year. depending on how a friends Crewman SS drives (im thinking of a VY ss wagon man)

 

[ConnerS]

Would you like any more specific photos?

 

[180Shauny]

Awesome guys, thanks so much for the help! I have to say this site is a gold mine, on MR2.org we do our best but you've really got it down pat!

RxR, I'm definitely interested, I'd given up hope of finding a manual. Will PM you.

Finally one more small thing, is there anyone around the Doncaster area that might consider letting us see it up close and maybe take us for a ride? Trying to sway the boss (woman) but she's a bit intimidated...

 

[mookers]

Finally one more small thing, is there anyone around the Doncaster area that might consider letting us see it up close and maybe take us for a ride? Trying to sway the boss (woman) but she's a bit intimidated...

Come to the next wash meet if you can. Hasn't been scheduled yet, but.

 

[JiMi]

i'm in reservoir if you wanna shoot over one night i can take you for a spin. pm me and we can sort something out