Faults:

Nothing. In 11 years of ownership I just replaced routine service items. I was very meticulous with maintenance, which may have contributed to overall reliability. I think there was one year when I do no maintenance at all, I just put petrol in it and drove it.

Being an old Ford I did some minor mods to improve reliability and efficiency, such as electronic ignition etc... Had to keep an eye on the bodywork and use the Waxoyl to keep it solid.

General Comments:

After 10 years of ownership, I wanted something a bit quicker, but liked the car so much I modified it rather than get another car. There was still nothing wrong with the engine so I used that for another project (which still goes).

I fitted a tuned 2.1 and fitted a full fuel injection system from a Granada. I know now it's not original, but it still runs the original gearbox, suspension and axle etc... Very lively performance, can't see me selling it now.

Faults:

There have only been a couple of things that have been a problem. The radiator decided to give up the ghost, and the front end has become a little rusty. Mind you, what do you expect from a sixteen-odd year old car!

General Comments:

With the LSD the car does not lose its back end like the lower spec models.

The engine may not have the 0-60 times of modern performance cars, but it isn't far off.

Faults:

Heater blower motor stopped blowing - replaced with a brand new Bosch unit.

Thermostat leaking coolant - sorted with a new gasket.

Steering joint coupling is worn meaning play between the steering wheel and the front wheels - brand new coupling fitted (bought from Capri Club International).

Both steering rack gaiters split - two new ones fitted.

Differential was leaking oil - sorted by fitting a new gasket.

Rocker cover gasket went - fitted a new one.

Some stuff I've still to do:

Sump leaking oil - fit new gasket/seals.

Gearbox leaking oil and also a bit noisy - don't know, I'll probably have to fit a reconditioned one. This is the only thing worrying me about the car at the moment.

Rev counter not working.

Heated rear screen not working.

Track control arm bushes need replacing.

I'm going to get the cylinder head converted to run on unleaded (no Capris left the factory being able to run on unleaded). Also, while this is being done I will fit a new camshaft and all the bits to go with it. I think it needs overhauling as it's a little noisy.

General Comments:

Yes, it looks like a lot of work, but there is nothing serious. A lot of the faults are just due to the fact that the car is fifteen years old. You must expect gaskets, etc. to go, but the Capri is a great car to work as it's nice and simple and the engine bay is so roomy.

Don't be afraid to have a go yourself - it's very rewarding to look after and maintain the car yourself, and it's really not too difficult. There's a lot of information and support out there, so you will always have help if you get stuck. I'd recommend joining Capri Club International (CCI). It's great for spare parts, contacts with local clubs, and just general information.

Capris are great fun to drive and have plenty of power. There are lots of different modifications you can make or you can just keep everything as Ford intended. Whatever you do, you'll have fun doing it.

Buy one - you'll soon be addicted!