Looking for an R8 cabriolet
Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2024 3:55 pm
Hey guys.
I've decided I want a 200 cabriolet.
Viewed one advertised locally recently, an early (1992) 214 - I absolutely loved it, but "head" decision was to look for something better.
This one was generally scruffy, although not too rusty overall, but did have quite a nasty rust hole in the top corner of the windscreen frame. Engine was making a knocking sound at low revs, I think piston slap, although seller suggested tappets, pronounced when engine cold, and quiet when revving, but still apparent once engine had warmed up. I also noticed quite a lot of water coming out of the exhaust while running, possibly condensation but still quite worrying...
It drove brilliantly though, ran nicely, quick enough for me and much "tighter" than I was expecting, nice steering and ride and minimal "scuttle shake" compared to their reputation. Gearbox and clutch both nice to use too. Despite the issues I reckon it had been well maintained over the years...
So questions - I think I'd really like a K-series and the 1.4 appeals fitting into the lower tax band... it seems the 1.6 is more common which I assume is Honda? I also like the earlier interior/dash compared to pictures I've seen of facelifted cars. Is the 1.4 common or harder to find? What other engines were fitted to the soft top car? Obviously "buy on condition" is the sensible advice but what engine options and variations were made to the cabriolet over the years? Oh, and are electric hoods problematic and if so can they be converted to manual operation easily?
Have also read elsewhere online that these cars are very variable in terms of general rattlyness/scuttle shake. Is there anything in this? Would travel for the right car but it would be disappointing to do that only to find it's rubbish to drive.
Oh, and has anyone got anything for sale? I'd hope that a couple of grand would buy a decent usable car (scruffy is OK, terminal issues less so) and would travel. Saying that cheaper would be fine and I would stretch the budget for something really nice. I'm in Devon.
I've decided I want a 200 cabriolet.
Viewed one advertised locally recently, an early (1992) 214 - I absolutely loved it, but "head" decision was to look for something better.
This one was generally scruffy, although not too rusty overall, but did have quite a nasty rust hole in the top corner of the windscreen frame. Engine was making a knocking sound at low revs, I think piston slap, although seller suggested tappets, pronounced when engine cold, and quiet when revving, but still apparent once engine had warmed up. I also noticed quite a lot of water coming out of the exhaust while running, possibly condensation but still quite worrying...
It drove brilliantly though, ran nicely, quick enough for me and much "tighter" than I was expecting, nice steering and ride and minimal "scuttle shake" compared to their reputation. Gearbox and clutch both nice to use too. Despite the issues I reckon it had been well maintained over the years...
So questions - I think I'd really like a K-series and the 1.4 appeals fitting into the lower tax band... it seems the 1.6 is more common which I assume is Honda? I also like the earlier interior/dash compared to pictures I've seen of facelifted cars. Is the 1.4 common or harder to find? What other engines were fitted to the soft top car? Obviously "buy on condition" is the sensible advice but what engine options and variations were made to the cabriolet over the years? Oh, and are electric hoods problematic and if so can they be converted to manual operation easily?
Have also read elsewhere online that these cars are very variable in terms of general rattlyness/scuttle shake. Is there anything in this? Would travel for the right car but it would be disappointing to do that only to find it's rubbish to drive.
Oh, and has anyone got anything for sale? I'd hope that a couple of grand would buy a decent usable car (scruffy is OK, terminal issues less so) and would travel. Saying that cheaper would be fine and I would stretch the budget for something really nice. I'm in Devon.
