Discussion
So we finally sell the Fiat Coupe and some swine walks away with a very nice car for £5k. It becomes clear very quickly that we need a 'car park car' for me to use to and from the station. I have a grand to spend.
It has to be a Capri doesn't it? Or what about a Scirocco? Or at a real push, a Peugeot 205 GTi. Or a Mk1 Golf GTi.
No - it's got be a Capri....
Anyone got one?!!! And what would you do?
>>> Edited by beljames on Friday 13th September 21:53
It has to be a Capri doesn't it? Or what about a Scirocco? Or at a real push, a Peugeot 205 GTi. Or a Mk1 Golf GTi.
No - it's got be a Capri....
Anyone got one?!!! And what would you do?
>>> Edited by beljames on Friday 13th September 21:53
You don't even need to put the concrete in the boot - just put decent tires on it, file the 3 holes for each macpherson strut inboard about 5mm to give it a bit more front end grip & put some nylon bushes on - voila!, a car that goes round corners & is throttle adjustable around corners (best going for a 2L at least - I'm assuming the 2.8s & 3.0s will still be more than you want to pay for insurance)
the 2.8s can be had for well under a grand and use the anti roll bar on the rear to prevent spring wind up so they don't tramp like the earlier 3 litres. I'd even forget the good tyre bit, put really crap tyres on and have some serious fun at license-saving speeds, good tyres just mean you have to go faster to have fun imo. My 2.8 was the best hooligan car I've ever owned, wish I still had it - in fact I might even buy another just for the hell of it. Top car. Top fun. you know you want to ...
Had quite a few 3 litre Crapis myself ranging from MK 1's to MK 3's and only got rid of the last one about a year ago. Bl**dy good fun 
The fact that they are sooo tail happy is all part of it.
Lower the front end 35mm, fit a double anti-roll bar to the front as well and if you get a 2.8i, you'll benefit from single leaf springs on the back. (Handles slightly better than a soggy banana sandwich)
Can't beat the burble of a V8, but still love the sound of the old Essex V6!
Now, where's the Exchange and Mart???
Mark
The fact that they are sooo tail happy is all part of it. Lower the front end 35mm, fit a double anti-roll bar to the front as well and if you get a 2.8i, you'll benefit from single leaf springs on the back. (Handles slightly better than a soggy banana sandwich)
Can't beat the burble of a V8, but still love the sound of the old Essex V6!
Now, where's the Exchange and Mart???
Mark
Don't hesitate go for a Capri. I had a 2.8i a few years ago. Great car, oversteer when you want it (and when you don't!). Watch out for body rot around the 'A' pillar near the door hinges other rot is easier to repair. Alternately buy a rough one with an MOT and have a year of fun then bin it!!
Much under-rated car, especially the 2.8i
I loved both my 1.6 Laser (hey, I was young and couldn't afford the insurance on a 2.8), but it was dog slow. Both my 2.8's were real hooligan cars. Great fun, and as has been mentioned you don't need to pile on the speed to get it (especially with ropey tyres!).
Even though I now run a mint 300ZX Twin Turbo, I still miss my old Capri and I'm sure I'll have another one day, just for fun. (if they haven't all rusted away by then!).
The only thing's I didn't like were the tin-worm and the crapi heater! After owning them for about 8 years, even the "Essex Boy" and "Professional's" gags were water off a ducks back!
Buy one, you won't regret it.
I loved both my 1.6 Laser (hey, I was young and couldn't afford the insurance on a 2.8), but it was dog slow. Both my 2.8's were real hooligan cars. Great fun, and as has been mentioned you don't need to pile on the speed to get it (especially with ropey tyres!).
Even though I now run a mint 300ZX Twin Turbo, I still miss my old Capri and I'm sure I'll have another one day, just for fun. (if they haven't all rusted away by then!).
The only thing's I didn't like were the tin-worm and the crapi heater! After owning them for about 8 years, even the "Essex Boy" and "Professional's" gags were water off a ducks back!
Buy one, you won't regret it.
Thanks for all the feedback.
Finding one is proving to be a bit of a bugger - especially as I should be getting it sooner rather than later.
I'm not too bothered about the engine size. At least that is what I am telling myself - with a 4.0 litre Chimaera in the garage a 2.8i is not a sensible second car. But if I see one good enough I'll have it!
There are three types for sale.
The minters, which sell for anything up to £5k. Don't want one of those - I don't intend to look after it very well, other than keeping it running!
The dogs, which sell for less than £300. I don't want one of those, because I need to run it daily.
And the third type, as far as I can tell is the latter masquerading as the former.
I saw three over the weekend. One was an immaculate 2.0 for £1k but was sold 5 minutes before I got there. The second was a 2.8i for £1250, which was rusted to buggery. No MOT etc. The third was a 2.0 that didn't start and the owner said it had been like that for a year (£800)
If anyone has got one, please let me know. The cash is here!!!
>> Edited by beljames on Monday 16th September 21:16
Finding one is proving to be a bit of a bugger - especially as I should be getting it sooner rather than later.
I'm not too bothered about the engine size. At least that is what I am telling myself - with a 4.0 litre Chimaera in the garage a 2.8i is not a sensible second car. But if I see one good enough I'll have it!
There are three types for sale.
The minters, which sell for anything up to £5k. Don't want one of those - I don't intend to look after it very well, other than keeping it running!
The dogs, which sell for less than £300. I don't want one of those, because I need to run it daily.
And the third type, as far as I can tell is the latter masquerading as the former.
I saw three over the weekend. One was an immaculate 2.0 for £1k but was sold 5 minutes before I got there. The second was a 2.8i for £1250, which was rusted to buggery. No MOT etc. The third was a 2.0 that didn't start and the owner said it had been like that for a year (£800)
If anyone has got one, please let me know. The cash is here!!!
>> Edited by beljames on Monday 16th September 21:16
I'm currently in a similar situation, the cars available for £1000 and less are a real problem cause there is so much cooll stuff, decided on a robin reliant/regal in the end, rear wheel drive with a full aluminium engine you know! (roll cage may be added, along with this way up' sticker on the back) still looking for a good one tho'
>> Edited by hoganscrogan on Tuesday 17th September 12:34
>> Edited by hoganscrogan on Tuesday 17th September 12:34
quote:
Ummm, what about a XR4i?? Similar handling, same engine......... just a thought.
I made this mistake, bought a pearl of an XR4i for just on 1500 pounds, adjustable suspension, 16 inch wheels, full magnex exhaust. previous owner had spent a fortune and it drove like new. Unfortunately it handled like a pig, chronic understeer and waaaaaaay slower than the capri due to it's 1400 kg kerb weight.
the rover alternative sounds good, but they also rot like crazy. I looked at chevette HS and lotus sunbeams but they're a bit more fragile and difficult to find in this price range. Still think a 2.8s they way to go. yippee.
quote:
quote:
Ummm, what about a XR4i?? Similar handling, same engine......... just a thought.
I made this mistake, bought a pearl of an XR4i for just on 1500 pounds, adjustable suspension, 16 inch wheels, full magnex exhaust. previous owner had spent a fortune and it drove like new. Unfortunately it handled like a pig, chronic understeer and waaaaaaay slower than the capri due to it's 1400 kg kerb weight.
the rover alternative sounds good, but they also rot like crazy. I looked at chevette HS and lotus sunbeams but they're a bit more fragile and difficult to find in this price range. Still think a 2.8s they way to go. yippee.
Yeah, they rot, but after a year of two of sideways action, you can sell the engine and box to a kit car builder for a few hundred quid, giving you seriously cheap transport
Come on, someone buy this off me
quote:
What was the XR4x4 like?
Did the 4WD cure the understeer? - or just add even more weight.
Surely if you strip EVERYTHING out it'd be OK?
It cured some of the understeer, but not all of it - and lift off oversteer could be quite vicious. I've got two at home - one with a full cage, seam welded, no trim etc and around Goodwood I was able to keep up with most of the 7's......
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