Buying a Capri

AC302 · 01-05-2017, 11:03 AM

Hi,
I am thinking of buying Capri, one of the convertible ones, and was looking for some advise on the things to look for in any per purchase inspection.

Cheers,

Capriman · 03-05-2017, 10:26 PM

I'm old school Capri's however I've always been advised by knowledgable Convertible owners only to look at the 1991 models onwards. There were too many little things wrong with the original SA and SB (update) models. Go for the SC or SE models. Contact the local Capri Club for more info.

AC302 · 04-05-2017, 02:00 PM

Thanks and how about dealing with the wife???

xax2 · 04-05-2017, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capriman

I'm old school Capri's however I've always been advised by knowledgable Convertible owners only to look at the 1991 models onwards. There were too many little things wrong with the original SA and SB (update) models. Go for the SC or SE models. Contact the local Capri Club for more info.

Don't completely discount the early convertibles. I've got 2 of them. One was my fathers that he purchased Brand New and was the first one delivered to the Ford Dealer in Lilydale (so a very early build). It has been a great little car with nothing going wrong at all. It's a turbo and great to drive.
The other I purchased as a second car to leave at the holiday house. Great fun down the coast in summer.
These models did get a bad wrap in the first few years and I'm sure there were some individual examples that were not great, but that doesn't apply to all. They are relatively simple to fix, inexpensive to run and great value for money to buy. Talk to a few people that have actually got them and most are happy.

AC302 · 04-05-2017, 04:32 PM

Thanks for your feedback, it was very positive. Now how about the wife? what do I do there?

xax2 · 04-05-2017, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC302

Thanks for your feedback, it was very positive. Now how about the wife? what do I do there?

??????????????????????
If you can't buy a $1500 car without coping grief...my best advice is to 'grow a pair' !!

AC302 · 05-05-2017, 03:35 PM

Fair comment, I will take your advise on board.....

**Uncle_Ken** · 11-05-2017, 08:33 PM

Its funny cause I have been thnking about the same thing !!
UK

AC302 · 11-05-2017, 11:30 PM

How about the wife problem?

**Uncle_Ken** · 13-05-2017, 07:01 PM

She likes 'small' cars. My XR8 AUIII is to big. Im thinking 88, 89 and put it on historic plates

Capriman · 13-05-2017, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle_Ken

She likes 'small' cars. My XR8 AUIII is to big. Im thinking 88, 89 and put it on historic plates

The Aussie Convertibles were first displayed at the Sydney Motor Show on October 6th, 1989 and they went on sale in November, 1989!

There were 43 in a pre-release batch from 1988 that were sent to the US for testing and abuse before the 'yanks' would finally commit! None of those saw the light of day on Australian roads.

In Victoria, you can get up to an early 1992 SC model on the Club Permit Scheme.

**Uncle_Ken** · 14-05-2017, 10:28 AM

I would love to work on a 75, 76 (back when I was 18) but they are hard to find. The late 80s seem a good cost point and something different to play with.
UK

BT's GTP · 27-05-2017, 10:50 PM

I actually have 3 92 SC CLUBSPRINTS. On e is boosted, lowered and stiffened suspension and they are a blast to drive. Well rust proofed, hard to kill engine and awesome with the top down

AC302 · 28-05-2017, 10:09 AM

Thanks, that is exactly as I suspected. It will look good sitting beside my AC Cobra in the garage I think. What should I look for when accessing a car?

BigJamo · 28-05-2017, 02:16 PM

Happy car hunting.
All i can suggest is to take your time and not jump at the first one.
I had to wait 18mth for the car we wanted. (FG in sig)

**Polyal** · 28-05-2017, 02:30 PM

Why would you get one of these over a MX5?

allanv6gt · 01-06-2017, 04:38 PM

boot is twice as large, has four seats (even if 2 are kid-size or occasional only), slightly bigger outside and inside. Yes, the Capri conv. is front wheel drive.

The MX5 is rear wheel drive and feels tiny, and very chuckable. But weekends away are a challenge luggage-wise.

And I have driven both, each some hundreds of kms on highways and back roads.

But both of these are nothing compared to my Stag.
(Okay, I'm now waiting for the disparaging comments .... but have you been in a Stag with the roof down?)

gassa · 08-06-2017, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC302

Thanks, that is exactly as I suspected. It will look good sitting beside my AC Cobra in the garage I think. What should I look for when accessing a car?

Early ones had water and wind leaks on soft top, look at rear window if yellow. headlight relays play up. most parts were laser. frt and rear bumpers were poor fit. hence washers on mounting bolts. great with roof down, pay top insurance because a coupe.

gassa