Ford Capri - first time buyer

[AndySuperSport]

Hi all,

I'm considering a Capri as I've wanted one for years and I'm a bit fed up of bits going wrong on modern cars. So rather than grab a UN-spec Dacia Sandero...

Ideally I'm after a MK3 as I like the shape the most, so are there any pitfalls I should be aware of? I'm non-plussed about engine size and I've seen a couple of 1.6s that I don't mind the look of.

I know rust will be an obvious thing to watch out for but how about general reliability? I fully intend to use it as a daily driver, is this a good idea or am I in for a world of trouble?

Cheers

Andy

[georgezippy]

You are very much at the mercy of how it's been looked after.
I occasionally use my laser for monumental mileages but it's pampered, lives in a garage, has an EFi conversion (better power and economy), and generally gets first class maintenance. Consequently nothing ever goes wrong with it. It does 5000 miles per year in all weathers.
I am in the middle of a 700 mile weekend away with it, as my daily driver has a failing wheel bearing, so i needed to get the Capri out, it's going fine and am convinced it will continue to do so.
If you leave one outside and use it daily it will be a shed after a couple of years given how long they've all been around already.

Buy on condition, listen for whining gearboxes and rumbling wheel bearings. Nothing is that expensive to fix apart from bodywork.
If you get a shiny one it's at risk of being pinched, as some parts are at a premium and a nice Capri is worth a lot as parts on ebay.