Hi, I'm new to this forum so sorry if this is in the wrong section.

I need some help buying a Capri. I have read the buyers guide on this website and know what to look out for in terms of things that go worng, but i am unsure what kind of car to expect for my money.

I currently have a 1971 Triumph Spitfire Mk IV, which i am looking to sell for roughly £3200ish, so my budget for a Capri would be roughly £2700 to £3000.

I am looking for a Mk III Capri 1.6 or 2.0 liter in mint or near mint condition and preferably completely standard. It also has to be at least 25 years old, for insurance purposes. Do you think, with the budget i have set myself, these criteria are realistic?

Any help that people can provide will be greatly appreciated.

If all you are after is one of the pinto engined capris (ie the 1.6 and 2.0) then that sort of money should by you a pretty mint one. Obviously being a classic car enthusiast you dont need telling what to look out for but check everywhere cause these cars can be a bitch for rust lol.

Happy Hunting

AndyH

Let people know where you live or want to buy a car from.

I'm sure once you've located a potential purchase, there will be someone that will be fairly local that might go and have a look if it's a treck for you.

Look at the resto projects for problem areas.

Matty

All of the last capris were made in the 'C' plate year of 1986, some were in storage at factory compounds or with Ford dealers and not registered until the 'D' & 'E' plate years so if it takes you a year to find one suitable they should all fit if your insurer accepts build date.
A 12,000 mile black 2.0 Laser was bid up to 6 1/2 thou a couple of years back but didn't make reserve but this was stored in a heated showroom and was immaculate. Three thou should get you a very very tidy Laser. Other models such as LS or S will be a bit older and Ghia & GL or L even older still so less often seen for sale but still well worth looking at if one comes on the market but in your price range the chassis, door posts, strut tops should have no corrosion showing and the paintwork shouldn't need any work. You might be lucky and find a tidy example for anywhere above 2 1/2 thou. Get to Evesham this sunday for the CCI Mild to Wild event if you can and ask around about LaserPage members - you'll find one or two, best place to be for your situation!
One or two photos on my workshop page - click photo below:

I think it is safe to say you do not need to worry about 25 yrs. All classic Car companies I know of are happy to classify the Capri as a Classic.

Even those who do use 25 will probably take the model start date of 78 or 81 for specials / brookies. I have used a few of the leading insurance companies with no issues so do not let that narrow your search. Obviously if you want tax exempt you will need to go build date pre 73.

I don't want to make a habit of agreeing with Simon but I've had mine on a classic policy for 3 or 4 years now and it only turned 25 this year.

Is that because he might one day go mad and tell you to jump off a cliff or kiss him and because you're in the habit of agreeing with him you might agree again by mistake and suddenly find that you're in a most bogus predicament?