Capri as a daily driver
Discussion
I don't know what it is... maybe I've been living in Essex too long, or maybe it's too many repeats of 1970s cop shows, but I'm starting to vaguely about getting a capri 
I'm currently looking for a reasonably rapid, RWD coupe with enough boot space for a mountain bike (minus wheels) and a bit of fun factor. Starting to think if there are some more unusual alternatives to the standard 944 or 3 series coupe responses and wondered if a 2.8 capri would make any sense?
Whatever I get has to be feasible as an only car commuting 13,000 miles a year in all weathers. It has to be reliable with a degree of practicality, but I'd prefer to go for a 'modern classic' with a bit of character too.
Just wanted to know a bit more about them. What sort of money do they go for these days? How reliable are they? How thirsty? Whats the handling like? What sort of performance figures do they return? (all relating to a standard car)
I'm currently looking for a reasonably rapid, RWD coupe with enough boot space for a mountain bike (minus wheels) and a bit of fun factor. Starting to think if there are some more unusual alternatives to the standard 944 or 3 series coupe responses and wondered if a 2.8 capri would make any sense?
Whatever I get has to be feasible as an only car commuting 13,000 miles a year in all weathers. It has to be reliable with a degree of practicality, but I'd prefer to go for a 'modern classic' with a bit of character too.
Just wanted to know a bit more about them. What sort of money do they go for these days? How reliable are they? How thirsty? Whats the handling like? What sort of performance figures do they return? (all relating to a standard car)
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one as a weekend car, but I'm not sure about a day to day driver.
The handling on the V6s is very RWD. There isn't a lot of weight at the back of the Capri to hold it down, so they tend to wag their tails with not much provocation. Fine when you want to play on a dry evening, but not good on a wet Monday morning in January when you just want to get to work. Consumption is generally <20mpg. Ford's reliability came a long way in the 80s and 90s, so you'll need a very understanding recovery service.
In comparison to modern vehicles, the 0-60 and top speed numbers are probably somewhere below that of a Mondeo 2.0. The thing is though, older cars aren't acoustically insulated like the new ones, and because you sit much lower in the Capri it feels like you are going much faster. It also feels like you are actually driving the car rather than telling some sort of auto guidance system where you want to go.
A 3 door Cosworth with LSD and ABS would be a viable day to day driver, but I'm not sure a Capri is.
The handling on the V6s is very RWD. There isn't a lot of weight at the back of the Capri to hold it down, so they tend to wag their tails with not much provocation. Fine when you want to play on a dry evening, but not good on a wet Monday morning in January when you just want to get to work. Consumption is generally <20mpg. Ford's reliability came a long way in the 80s and 90s, so you'll need a very understanding recovery service.
In comparison to modern vehicles, the 0-60 and top speed numbers are probably somewhere below that of a Mondeo 2.0. The thing is though, older cars aren't acoustically insulated like the new ones, and because you sit much lower in the Capri it feels like you are going much faster. It also feels like you are actually driving the car rather than telling some sort of auto guidance system where you want to go.
A 3 door Cosworth with LSD and ABS would be a viable day to day driver, but I'm not sure a Capri is.
Thanks Zad
I've owned a RWD car before (and do currently) as a daily driver, but I agree, if it's especially 'exciting' it might not be the best thing at 7am on a damp Monday morning.
I reckoned the performance would be about 8 seconds to 60 and 120mph'ish, not that I'm particularly worried about top end. Tractability and a decent 40 to 70 time are the main concerns. Sub 20mpg is going a bit far though. I presume the 2.8 is the Cologne engine rather than the Essex lump.
I am comparing it to other 'retro' cars (944, Scimitar, old Alfa GTV, e30 BMW) and not sure I'd want to go as recent as a Cosworth. At 24 in a reasonably built up area I doubt my insurance company would like it either. Looking for a day to day classic that can be used for a lengthy commute, but still give off all the right sensations.
I've owned a RWD car before (and do currently) as a daily driver, but I agree, if it's especially 'exciting' it might not be the best thing at 7am on a damp Monday morning.
I reckoned the performance would be about 8 seconds to 60 and 120mph'ish, not that I'm particularly worried about top end. Tractability and a decent 40 to 70 time are the main concerns. Sub 20mpg is going a bit far though. I presume the 2.8 is the Cologne engine rather than the Essex lump.
I am comparing it to other 'retro' cars (944, Scimitar, old Alfa GTV, e30 BMW) and not sure I'd want to go as recent as a Cosworth. At 24 in a reasonably built up area I doubt my insurance company would like it either. Looking for a day to day classic that can be used for a lengthy commute, but still give off all the right sensations.
Your performance estimates look about right assuming the car runs correctly,the later 2.8i was single leaf spring so not as tail happy as the early multi-leaf versions,there were a number of axle locating devices on the market and i wouldn't be suprised if they are still available.It should achieve somewhere between 25-28mpg but dont expect too much if your pushing it.I have owned a number in the past from the rather quick 3.1 i had overbored too 3.3 on triples,2.1 pinto and 2.8i special,they are ok as a daily driver but pretty agricultural by modern standards.
I should add the caveat that it was my mate who had the Capri rather than me. Reliability did become an issue but spares were fairly easy to obtain 5-6 years ago when he had it. It had plenty of go throughout the range, top speed was about 130 I think. As to engines, yes, the 2.8 and 2.9 are 'Cologne' units, the 3.0 is the 'Essex'.
Find a cheapy and try it. What have you got to loose? If you get a rough one for a few hundred quid you can probably sell it on for that again. This way you can decide easily enough before spending good money on a nice one. For nice smooth winter running you can transplant a 2.9 with all its efi for next to nothing. My own personal choice would be to avoid the LSD for a daily drive as it can get a little quick with the ass out action where an open diff just spins the wheel. go on try it! Just dont forget the dice and leopard skin seat covers for that authentic look.
If you want to make a Capri into a practical daily driver, these people seem to have everything you'll need. A swap to a 2.9 Cologne (12v or 24v) will make it a lot nicer to drive, and it'll run on unleaded too.
A good 2.8 Capri can be a sensible and reliable daily driver.
But the first thing to hit you won't be the clonky rear suspension or the tail happy handling, but the complete absence of anything even vaguely resembling brakes.
I fitted cross drilled and grooved discs, kevlar pads and stiffer front springs to reduce the dive, but the brakes are now merely crap instead of downright dangerous.
Mondeo calipers and bigger discs under 15" wheels is the way to go, provided you aren't bothered about originality.
The rear axle kit is still available, for about £50. I've just fitted one.
Most Capris are rotten, and a good one is expensive.
To put it into context, my E36 328 Coupe is miles faster, handles better, stops better, is more reliable, more comfortable, more economical and sounds pretty much as good as my Capri. It is worth about £2000. A 2.8 Capri in the same condition is worth twice as much.
Capris really are shite compared to a modern car, but I love mine.
But the first thing to hit you won't be the clonky rear suspension or the tail happy handling, but the complete absence of anything even vaguely resembling brakes.
I fitted cross drilled and grooved discs, kevlar pads and stiffer front springs to reduce the dive, but the brakes are now merely crap instead of downright dangerous.
Mondeo calipers and bigger discs under 15" wheels is the way to go, provided you aren't bothered about originality.
The rear axle kit is still available, for about £50. I've just fitted one.
Most Capris are rotten, and a good one is expensive.
To put it into context, my E36 328 Coupe is miles faster, handles better, stops better, is more reliable, more comfortable, more economical and sounds pretty much as good as my Capri. It is worth about £2000. A 2.8 Capri in the same condition is worth twice as much.
Capris really are shite compared to a modern car, but I love mine.
Well, amongst over semi-classics the only sensible modern car I'm considering is a 328 (I suppose an e30 325 is sensible-ish too) but the idea is something with perhaps a little more character that the modern saloons. By which I mean literally 'keeps you amused when sat in it' character not 'waiting for the AA again' character
I drove an XR4 a while back. I think it was a pretty dire example and that kind of put me off (very wallowy and absolutely no brakes!) and whilst it's probably a better car in practice, I do like slightly retro coupes (I like modern ones too for that matter, but my budget won't stretch to a new 350Z!)
Can anyone give me a rough price guide for the Capri?
I drove an XR4 a while back. I think it was a pretty dire example and that kind of put me off (very wallowy and absolutely no brakes!) and whilst it's probably a better car in practice, I do like slightly retro coupes (I like modern ones too for that matter, but my budget won't stretch to a new 350Z!)
Can anyone give me a rough price guide for the Capri?
Chris71 said:
Can anyone give me a rough price guide for the Capri?
2.8 Injection Capris fetch anything from about £1500 to £5000 depending on condition.Ignore the Brooklands Green 280 limited edition, as they command a big premium.
I paid £6000 for mine, but it is a 2 owner, 40,000 miler that is absolutely immaculate.
With the benefit of hindsight, I paid about £1000 too much for it, but it has never been painted, never been welded and is just like a 12 month old car.
If you can find a decent early four speeder with the tartan cloth interior, then buy it. They are lower geared and faster than the five speeders and the interior is harder wearing than the leather trim on the Specials.
Coincidentally, my old BMW has been in the bodyshop for the last week.
So I have been using the Capri every day.
It is totally practical, comfortable and effortless.
It is as quiet and happy at 85mph on the motorway as my BMW.
Apart from the marginal brakes it is a pleasure to use.
Gets lots of positive attention from the proles, too.
So I have been using the Capri every day.
It is totally practical, comfortable and effortless.
It is as quiet and happy at 85mph on the motorway as my BMW.
Apart from the marginal brakes it is a pleasure to use.
Gets lots of positive attention from the proles, too.
Pat H said:
Coincidentally, my old BMW has been in the bodyshop for the last week.
So I have been using the Capri every day.
It is totally practical, comfortable and effortless.
It is as quiet and happy at 85mph on the motorway as my BMW.
Apart from the marginal brakes it is a pleasure to use.
Gets lots of positive attention from the proles, too.
See you've got an e36 coupe on your profile, Pat. That's one of the alternatives I'm considering - that or an e30 touring with a few tweaks.So I have been using the Capri every day.
It is totally practical, comfortable and effortless.
It is as quiet and happy at 85mph on the motorway as my BMW.
Apart from the marginal brakes it is a pleasure to use.
Gets lots of positive attention from the proles, too.
Is it fair to assume the Capri is rather more 'exciting' to drive? Are the brakes an inherant flaw on them (spend a lot of time driving in motorway traffic!)? One of the reasons I got rid of my 924 was the scary (lack of) brakes!!
Chris71 said:
Is it fair to assume the Capri is rather more 'exciting' to drive? Are the brakes an inherant flaw on them.
The BMW is just a more up to date interpretation of the same formula. They both sound brilliant, have fun RWD handling and yet are completely practical.The BMW goes faster, stops better, handles better, grips better and steers better, just as you would hope and expect.
But driving the Capri is much more of an event, largely because of its lack of sophistication. Both cars are great, but the Capri really is a relic in comparison.
The brakes on all Capris are dreadful, but the performance of the 2.8 Injection really shows them up to be completely crap. In my opinion they are nothing short of dangerous in modern traffic. The good news is that they can be vastly improved at relatively little expense.
If performance is important to you, then buy an E36 328 Coupe. They are cheap to buy, inexpensive to run and are deceptively quick.
If you want to play at being Bodie and Doyle, then it has to be the Capri, just don't expect to be able to keep up with the sales reps in their turbo diesels.
What surprises me most about the Capri is all the positive attention it attracts. I find this amazing, because for the last fifteen years Capris have been on the receiving end of all sorts of ridicule.
The main problem with Capris is finding one that isn't completely knackered and rotten.
Ive had 2 capris as daily drivers, both mk3s
I had a 2.0 'laser' end of line special, still the cheapest models to buy, i had mine in 2000 when yo could pick up mint cars for peanuts
my current daily driver and only car is a late model 2.8i, with the 5 speed and LSD
The 2.8 has reasonable performance even by todays standards, 0-60 in around 8.3 seconds, (7.9 if its a 4 speed) and 125 mph if your brave
I dont do a huge amount of miles, but i did about 10k in the 2 litre and only the water pump failed during 18 months, the 2.8 has been a reliable car so far in 10 months of ownership, I do most of my own spannering, prevention is better than calling the AA
any half decent modern is gonna out perform the capri in every aspect, but thats not what they are about these days, I like mine for its individual looks, and the way it drives
the stories people will tell you about dangerous rwd handling is bo
ocks. Get some decent tyres on there, 15 " 195 x 50 are the best in my experience, but a good brand of 205 60 x 13 will be ok.
also the brakes are fine, all these people saying how shit the brakes are, chances are your using old fluid, and with brakes that havent seen a service in years. For sure these cars arent gonna stop like a modern car, but if you are using a decent make of pad, new fluids and calipers in good shape and the rear brakes are in good order, the brakes are perfectly acceptable. What is defintely noticable is that you need to push the pedal harder then in modern, (imho over assisted) cars
if its a car you love then go for it, but owning something like a capri isnt a decision you make with your head
I had a 2.0 'laser' end of line special, still the cheapest models to buy, i had mine in 2000 when yo could pick up mint cars for peanuts
my current daily driver and only car is a late model 2.8i, with the 5 speed and LSD
The 2.8 has reasonable performance even by todays standards, 0-60 in around 8.3 seconds, (7.9 if its a 4 speed) and 125 mph if your brave
I dont do a huge amount of miles, but i did about 10k in the 2 litre and only the water pump failed during 18 months, the 2.8 has been a reliable car so far in 10 months of ownership, I do most of my own spannering, prevention is better than calling the AA
any half decent modern is gonna out perform the capri in every aspect, but thats not what they are about these days, I like mine for its individual looks, and the way it drives
the stories people will tell you about dangerous rwd handling is bo
ocks. Get some decent tyres on there, 15 " 195 x 50 are the best in my experience, but a good brand of 205 60 x 13 will be ok. also the brakes are fine, all these people saying how shit the brakes are, chances are your using old fluid, and with brakes that havent seen a service in years. For sure these cars arent gonna stop like a modern car, but if you are using a decent make of pad, new fluids and calipers in good shape and the rear brakes are in good order, the brakes are perfectly acceptable. What is defintely noticable is that you need to push the pedal harder then in modern, (imho over assisted) cars
if its a car you love then go for it, but owning something like a capri isnt a decision you make with your head
Edited by OllieC on Thursday 21st June 19:10
Edited by OllieC on Thursday 21st June 19:11
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