BLACK V5

Anybody on here own or have owned one? Thinking of getting a 2.3. A few about at bargain prices. Just thinking about general running costs and any common problems. Must be cheaper to run than the scoob. Insurance a third of the price for a start.


Cheers for any advice.

RRH

Had two of them, a 1988 2.3-16 and a 1992 2.5-16.

The first can I had from 15000 miles and ran to 140,000. Never missed a beat.

The 2.5-16 was a Friday afternoon car, had quite a few probs. Sold it at 60,000 miles.

Both were great to be honest; my mate had an M3 at the same time and the Merc seemed far superior to both of us.

The manual is the car to go for. Not sure I can offer much more advice; they handle beautifully, are quite quick for their age, and at the time would lap most of the race tracks quicker than the cossies of the same age.

Many now are suffering from rust, rear arches and sunroof are favourite places. Make sure that the car you are looking at is actually a cossie and not a look-a-like. You are unlikely to find any with up to date service history, but try to find one with its early history intact. I would be inclined to avoid cars with no service history whatsoever. Also be wary of cars with wheels bigger that 16" or 17" as the suspension will have taken a lot of extra strain.

PM me if I can be of any more assistance.

Simon

fatscoobyfella

Ive had a 2.3 and a 2.5..Both were manuals,the 2.3 seemed to have the edge for me.
There pretty quick and nimble for a car of there size.As has been said,rust and rocket ship miles are gonna be your problems now,just aim for one that has the littlest of both.
Try and get FULL leather and a rare colour..Think Almadine was one of the rarest ones.
I had a silver one and a black one..The silver one always looked fresher if ya get my drift.
I had no problems with either,but put a full stainless on the 2.3 at a cost of £800.
There not very good on fuel from what i remember,but its only to be expected.
Just make all your usual checks of a 12yr old + car..

BLACK V5

Thanks for the replies. Going to look at one today. 1987 2.3. Looks tidy on the dealers website. It says silver but looks more of a goldish colour.

RRH

That'll be smoke silver. My first one was that colour, the second was almandine, which looked pink when the sun shone on it