Another Brit newbie ;)
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Another Brit newbie ;)
Hi all
as it says here another Brit n00b, currently just researching what to replace my 2005 Mustang with. A sad fact of life is most of what I'd (sensibly) like I can't afford (I'm totally hooked on the Prowler but they are stupid $$ and let's not even talk about bullnose TransAms!!!) so I'm looking for something I can enjoy and won't get mrs WaylanderUK trying to go all Bobbit on me
I'll start off by saying that as nice as the C5 is we already have an SLK so it really would be redundancy in terms of what it'd be used for and she's not convinced by the C4 which (in Corvette terms at least) leaves a C3. My concern at this point is that the newest of these is 35 years old and they seem to have a fragile reputation especially where salt on the road is concerned - hence research!!!
I've narrowed down what years I'd like, these being '78-'82 (what can I say I like the bubble). Colour-wise I'm not a fan of black (though I do like the pace-car), two tone (pace-car again & I like the CE). Not really worried about originality (I saw a lovely one for sale with a stroker lump which would have been amusing
!), but have no interest at all in 'a project'.
What's the C3 up against? Possibly a 70-73 Mustang (though that would likely be too hard on my budget and are even older) more likely a 2000-2004 Lightning (I know apples and pears, but I still miss the one I had 7 years ago).
The problem we across the pond have is that although there are usually some for sale quite obviously there is a waaaaay larger selection in the US and (possibly) more importantly quite a few sunshine state cars (which should reduce the spectre of rust?)
Anywho - enough rambling for the time being, "Hi!"
as it says here another Brit n00b, currently just researching what to replace my 2005 Mustang with. A sad fact of life is most of what I'd (sensibly) like I can't afford (I'm totally hooked on the Prowler but they are stupid $$ and let's not even talk about bullnose TransAms!!!) so I'm looking for something I can enjoy and won't get mrs WaylanderUK trying to go all Bobbit on me
I'll start off by saying that as nice as the C5 is we already have an SLK so it really would be redundancy in terms of what it'd be used for and she's not convinced by the C4 which (in Corvette terms at least) leaves a C3. My concern at this point is that the newest of these is 35 years old and they seem to have a fragile reputation especially where salt on the road is concerned - hence research!!!
I've narrowed down what years I'd like, these being '78-'82 (what can I say I like the bubble). Colour-wise I'm not a fan of black (though I do like the pace-car), two tone (pace-car again & I like the CE). Not really worried about originality (I saw a lovely one for sale with a stroker lump which would have been amusing
!), but have no interest at all in 'a project'.What's the C3 up against? Possibly a 70-73 Mustang (though that would likely be too hard on my budget and are even older) more likely a 2000-2004 Lightning (I know apples and pears, but I still miss the one I had 7 years ago).
The problem we across the pond have is that although there are usually some for sale quite obviously there is a waaaaay larger selection in the US and (possibly) more importantly quite a few sunshine state cars (which should reduce the spectre of rust?)
Anywho - enough rambling for the time being, "Hi!"
Last edited by waylanderUK; Mar 18, 2016 at 11:00 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 552
From: Manchester
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '13
Hi all
as it says here another Brit n00b, currently just researching what to replace my 2005 Mustang with. A sad fact of life is most of what I'd (sensibly) like I can't afford (I'm totally hooked on the Prowler but they are stupid $$ and let's not even talk about bullnose TransAms!!!) so I'm looking for something I can enjoy and won't get mrs WaylanderUK trying to go all Bobbit on me
I'll start off by saying that as nice as the C5 is we already have an SLK so it really would be redundancy in terms of what it'd be used for and she's not convinced by the C4 which (in Corvette terms at least) leaves a C3. My concern at this point is that the newest of these is 35 years old and they seem to have a fragile reputation especially where salt on the road is concerned - hence research!!!
I've narrowed down what years I'd like, these being '78-'82 (what can I say I like the bubble). Colour-wise I'm not a fan of black (though I do like the pace-car), two tone (pace-car again & I like the CE). Not really worried about originality (I saw a lovely one for sale with a stroker lump which would have been amusing!), but have no interest at all in 'a project'.
What's the C3 up against? Possibly a 70-73 Mustang (though that would likely be too hard on my budget and are even older) more likely a 2000-2004 Lightning (I know apples and pears, but I still miss the one I had 7 years ago).
The problem we across the pond have is that although there are usually some for sale quite obviously there is a waaaaay larger selection in the US and (possibly) more importantly quite a few sunshine state cars (which should reduce the spectre of rust?)
Anywho - enough rambling for the time being, "Hi!"
as it says here another Brit n00b, currently just researching what to replace my 2005 Mustang with. A sad fact of life is most of what I'd (sensibly) like I can't afford (I'm totally hooked on the Prowler but they are stupid $$ and let's not even talk about bullnose TransAms!!!) so I'm looking for something I can enjoy and won't get mrs WaylanderUK trying to go all Bobbit on me
I'll start off by saying that as nice as the C5 is we already have an SLK so it really would be redundancy in terms of what it'd be used for and she's not convinced by the C4 which (in Corvette terms at least) leaves a C3. My concern at this point is that the newest of these is 35 years old and they seem to have a fragile reputation especially where salt on the road is concerned - hence research!!!
I've narrowed down what years I'd like, these being '78-'82 (what can I say I like the bubble). Colour-wise I'm not a fan of black (though I do like the pace-car), two tone (pace-car again & I like the CE). Not really worried about originality (I saw a lovely one for sale with a stroker lump which would have been amusing
!), but have no interest at all in 'a project'.What's the C3 up against? Possibly a 70-73 Mustang (though that would likely be too hard on my budget and are even older) more likely a 2000-2004 Lightning (I know apples and pears, but I still miss the one I had 7 years ago).
The problem we across the pond have is that although there are usually some for sale quite obviously there is a waaaaay larger selection in the US and (possibly) more importantly quite a few sunshine state cars (which should reduce the spectre of rust?)
Anywho - enough rambling for the time being, "Hi!"
They are no more fragile than any other old classic as long as you do your research and don't buy a lemon. Read the sticky at the top of the page to see what to look out for. Main things attacked by the rust are the windshield frame, body mounts & birdcage.
As with all old cars, buy the most you can afford.
So not to jinx my cars, I'm not going to say that they're pretty reliable with routine maintenance.
Ooops
Stuart
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,200
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi wUK,
I'd advise you to buy a car that has not been modified but has been well maintained while it was being driven using service replacement parts.
This will get you a car in the U.K. that is NOT full of mysteries and owner inspired changes….. which will allow you to at least know what you're starting with.
There are too many threads here that ask "what is this part hanging down by my starter" or "what are these seven wires that have been snipped off for". Poorly maintained and poorly modified cars can drive a new owner crazy.
I agree with Stuart…. buy the best you can possibly afford…. there's ALWAYS a reason why a car seems cheap.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
I'd advise you to buy a car that has not been modified but has been well maintained while it was being driven using service replacement parts.
This will get you a car in the U.K. that is NOT full of mysteries and owner inspired changes….. which will allow you to at least know what you're starting with.
There are too many threads here that ask "what is this part hanging down by my starter" or "what are these seven wires that have been snipped off for". Poorly maintained and poorly modified cars can drive a new owner crazy.
I agree with Stuart…. buy the best you can possibly afford…. there's ALWAYS a reason why a car seems cheap.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 182
Likes: 27
From: Somerville Alabama
I hate the bubble! LOL
Oh, and welcome from this n00b here on the other side of the pond!
Actually it's not hate really, just that it conflicts with my love for the previous incarnations of the C3's. I can't see past that and never liked the later version.
I sure agree about the Prowler on both counts.
How about a 1964 to 1966 Plymouth Barracuda? Don't take me too seriously though.
Those fascinate me every time I see one, talk about a glass-back! Unfortunately, and that goes for the later C3 too I suppose, they usually suffer from too much sunlight breaking down the interiors. At least that's what I've seen of some and heard about. Not sure that's a universal fact or opinion or what.
Oh, and welcome from this n00b here on the other side of the pond!
Actually it's not hate really, just that it conflicts with my love for the previous incarnations of the C3's. I can't see past that and never liked the later version.
I sure agree about the Prowler on both counts.
How about a 1964 to 1966 Plymouth Barracuda? Don't take me too seriously though.
Those fascinate me every time I see one, talk about a glass-back! Unfortunately, and that goes for the later C3 too I suppose, they usually suffer from too much sunlight breaking down the interiors. At least that's what I've seen of some and heard about. Not sure that's a universal fact or opinion or what.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I hate the bubble! LOL
Oh, and welcome from this n00b here on the other side of the pond!
Actually it's not hate really, just that it conflicts with my love for the previous incarnations of the C3's. I can't see past that and never liked the later version.
I sure agree about the Prowler on both counts.
How about a 1964 to 1966 Plymouth Barracuda? Don't take me too seriously though.
Those fascinate me every time I see one, talk about a glass-back! Unfortunately, and that goes for the later C3 too I suppose, they usually suffer from too much sunlight breaking down the interiors. At least that's what I've seen of some and heard about. Not sure that's a universal fact or opinion or what.
Oh, and welcome from this n00b here on the other side of the pond!
Actually it's not hate really, just that it conflicts with my love for the previous incarnations of the C3's. I can't see past that and never liked the later version.
I sure agree about the Prowler on both counts.
How about a 1964 to 1966 Plymouth Barracuda? Don't take me too seriously though.
Those fascinate me every time I see one, talk about a glass-back! Unfortunately, and that goes for the later C3 too I suppose, they usually suffer from too much sunlight breaking down the interiors. At least that's what I've seen of some and heard about. Not sure that's a universal fact or opinion or what.
Sun-light.... sunlight.... sun LIGHT???? Nope not sure what you mean there - what is that phenomena? Do you mean to tell me that it's not always grey and drizzling?
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,153
Likes: 9,283
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Welcome aboard. Good luck in your search for your C3. Wondering if you're a top gear fan and looking forward to Clarksons new show? I know both shows try to outrage people for free advertising, but I still get a good laugh.
The for sale pages here have plenty of good deals and if the price is unreasonable, people will say so. There are good deals in canada as well. Probably lower miles as well as the driving season is shorter, and the exchange rate is favorable to you as well.
Again good luck
The for sale pages here have plenty of good deals and if the price is unreasonable, people will say so. There are good deals in canada as well. Probably lower miles as well as the driving season is shorter, and the exchange rate is favorable to you as well.
Again good luck
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Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Somerville Alabama
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: The Rock Arkansas
Elite Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
Welcome from across the pond! You have decided on the greatest generation! Buy the most Vette you can afford is always a good rule of thumb. Happy hunting!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 143
Likes: 6
From: Berwick Victoria
waylanderUK 
Welcome (from an Aussie) as you have stated in one of your replies, about grey and drizzling rain, steer clear of T-Top models, as these all leak at some stage of there life, and if you dont have a direct link to a seller of the rubber seals you will be forever changing these seals. This is just my thoughts on buying a C3 as they are a pleasure to drive and sitting on a wet seat is not part of the pleasure
Bill.
Welcome (from an Aussie) as you have stated in one of your replies, about grey and drizzling rain, steer clear of T-Top models, as these all leak at some stage of there life, and if you dont have a direct link to a seller of the rubber seals you will be forever changing these seals. This is just my thoughts on buying a C3 as they are a pleasure to drive and sitting on a wet seat is not part of the pleasure
Bill.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 552
From: Manchester
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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waylanderUK
Welcome (from an Aussie) as you have stated in one of your replies, about grey and drizzling rain, steer clear of T-Top models, as these all leak at some stage of there life, and if you dont have a direct link to a seller of the rubber seals you will be forever changing these seals. This is just my thoughts on buying a C3 as they are a pleasure to drive and sitting on a wet seat is not part of the pleasure
Bill.
Welcome (from an Aussie) as you have stated in one of your replies, about grey and drizzling rain, steer clear of T-Top models, as these all leak at some stage of there life, and if you dont have a direct link to a seller of the rubber seals you will be forever changing these seals. This is just my thoughts on buying a C3 as they are a pleasure to drive and sitting on a wet seat is not part of the pleasure
Bill.
Don't know where waylander lives but I'm on the outskirts of Manchester - well known for our rain and I've had no issues with rain getting in. To be fair, if it looks like rain they stay at home but I have been caught in a deluge or two and apart from it misting up the glass they've been ok.
I wouldn't rule them out..
Stuart
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
cheers guys 
as things stand my Mustang S197 is up for sale which should give me lots of time to research.
As I said in my first post I really can't see anything at this point that beats either the F150 Lightning or a C3 so let's see how the next 6 months pans out
as things stand my Mustang S197 is up for sale which should give me lots of time to research. As I said in my first post I really can't see anything at this point that beats either the F150 Lightning or a C3 so let's see how the next 6 months pans out
