83 Capri GS advice requested

[joebuckskin]

So, I've been looking around for a new DD for a few weeks because my wifes car crapped out. We've been looking for something a little newer, but then this popped up a mile from my house.

You guys helped steer me from a bad decision on a Turbo Coupe a few weeks back, so what do you think of this?

I actually talked to the guy and told him about posting it on the site. It may pop up on here for sale if I don't snatch it up. I didn't think my wife would go for it, but she actually likes it a lot. :)

He's asking $1700. 74,000 miles, V6.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/payngin/th_capri2.jpg (http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/payngin/capri2.jpg)

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/payngin/th_capri.jpg (http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/payngin/capri.jpg)

Thanks guys.

[joebuckskin]

I'm trying to find out what sort of mpg's I can expect from the 3.8 and opinions on reliability.

The car doesn't appear to have been abused, just needs a tune-up and other basic maintenance.

Thanks.

[75coug]

That Capri looks like a decent survivor, with a very reasonable number of miles for its age. You just don't see many like it these days. I can't help you on the question of mileage, but hopefully someone can do so. How does the interior look?

Good luck.

[joebuckskin]

Aside from the dash pad, the interior is mint. It still has the factory radio, never removed, perfect cargo cover and suprisingly plush seats. Honestly, it has the nicest interior I've seen in person in these cars that wasn't at a car show.

I'm going to talk to the guy tonight and see what we can work out.

[dahberg]

Sweet! Car looks to be in great shape. If the interior is gray, a replacement dash pad should not be to hard to find. I am far from being knowledgable on the MPG but would expect you could get 18-20 in town and 24 at minimum on the freeway. Hard to believe it has been maintained so well. Is the underside rusty? The tail pipe looks to be a bit rusted, but then what would one expect on a 25 year old vehicle. Nice score...

[joebuckskin]

The interior is blue, so I'll start the search for that pad once I get it home. I thought I'd never find a caramel one for my '81, so now the search for a blue one will give me something to do. :)

The under side is spotless. The front passenger fender has a dent that will pop right out. The only body concern I have is a slight tear in the nose right on the front corner. I think it'll be an easy fix.

I drove it around and it runs great. No noise or knocks. Idles smooth. It needs an alignment and a tail pipe for sure. The biggest concern mechanically is the oil pressure was running all the way High on the gauge. It didnt act up, so I'm thinking too much oil? Bad gauge? It moved around a bit depending on how much gas I was giving it.

I appreciate the input. I just don't have the money to buy a car that will end up biting me in the rear. I need to be reassured that I'm not just jumping into it because I'm excited about it. :)

[eeprete]

Just Dashes restores dashpads, not sure if you know. They will make it look like brand new again and you won't have to go shopping for another that will be likely just as aged.

I'd rather see a gauge read too high than too low, but also remember they are electrical and not mechanical gauges.

Good luck with it!

[joebuckskin]

Well, I ended up deciding it would be more financially responsible to put the money into fixing my wife's car or putting a down payment on something new (with a warranty) instead of buying this. We're planning to have a kid in the next two years so she'd like a few more safety features on her DD. I've kicked the tires so much, I think the kid is tired of looking at me.

Its a nice car and I'd like to see someone on here snatch it up. I told him again to post it on here. If you're interested, PM me and I'll give you his #. It needs an a/c recharge, alignment and tailpipe. You'd also need to pop the dent out of the passenger side fender.

I'm bummed out that it looks like it wont be in my garage, but I've still got two other four-eyed rides for now.