The Chief

I've notice that some of the early Corrado 1.8 and 2.0 16 valves are getting pretty good buys now. has anyone driven or owned either of these models???

what do they go like??

I'm not interested in the G60 (too complex and unreliable) or VR6 (too expensive)

any input much appreciated


Thanks Guys!

TheBigMan

Supercharged Corrado's are cheaper to maintain than you'd think.

Harry_Boy

Speak to/PM Corradoboy. Dave is the font of all knowledge on things Corrado....

I used to own a VR6, if that helps. Wonderful car!

The Chief

I'm sure if you got a good one that may be the case but to be honest i've heard all sorts of scare stories!!!

TheBigMan

Typical internet scare-mongery!!

Rebuilding the thing is not expensive. do reserarch and you may be surprised!! ignore the horror stories, if you believe all of them you'd never buy anything.

Dracoro

Basically go for the 16v (1.8, 2.0) NOT the 2.0 8v.

Although get the VR6, it's the best Prolly best car I ever owned. They may be expensive to buy, but get the right one and it'll hardly depreciate.

parkers review - http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/ca...x?range_id=347

NewLabour

Jabbasport Stage 4 is a good rebuild and upgrade option for the G60, set you back about £600 though.

G60 Corrado is a great car, I wouldn't mind one myself if I had room for yet another motor.

TheBigMan

Exactly. £600 isn't exactly expensive. People hear "supercharger" and assume "$$$$$$$$$$$$$$".

It's not the case.

The Chief

Yeah but £600 is over a third of the cost of what i am willing to spend on the car - and yeah i am as tight as a ducks a*se.

i have seen a 2.0 16v - what are these like?

there is no way i am buying a VR6 this is just a stop gap for the time being
and 'sides cant afford one 'sniff!'

NewLabour

A Corrado for banger money? I'm interested!

The Chief

Loads for £1500

TheBigMan

Buy cheap - buy twice.

corradoboy

I've still got my 1.8 16V alongside the Scoob They are a great car, but lacking in power by todays standards. The chassis makes up for a lot of the power deficit, as mine can easily outcorner my outragiously understeering Scooby. Dead in the water after the apex and the turbo kicks in though

There are loads out there, and many are dogs. Tread carefully. The body is solid, but if damaged costs the earth to fix. When someone stoved in my door on a snowy day the doorskin and trim was £750, plus paint, fitting and vat Bonnets are IRO £800, as are front bumpers. The ride is harsh to say the least, and you will find yourself cursing the council for all the potholes, but it rewards you with one of the best and most communicative FWD chassis' ever made. Steering is precise with almost no understeer, and the back end can be thrown out a bit with some lift off. The interior is stuck well and truely in the 80's, and trim has a habit of coming off in your hand

On G60's make sure you see receipts for regular 'Charger rebuilds (approx every 30k).
On VR6's beware of oil pump failure, it costs a fortune to repair.
On all, check the PAS pipes for leaks. Again, pricey !
If the 'box feels too loose, or you struggle to select any gears, check the cable linkages.
The stiffness puts a lot of stress on top mounts and bearings if driven hard.
Make sure the electric wing, mirrors and sunroof all work. Also, central locking is troublesome as it works on air pressure. Splits or disconnected pipes cause opening/closing problems and can cause pumps to fail.

To sum up, VR6 is awesome, but can be slower in twisties due to the engine weight causing washout. G60 are good, but need reqular servicing. 16V are a great budget buy. The earlier 1.8 has the same power and slightly more torque IIRC than the 2l which replaced it, but if you can get a lower mileage later car then go for it.

Have a look on HERE for more help and advice, and maybe find a well loved enthusiasts car in the For Sale forum

PS. I'd sell you mine, but the G/F drives it now and won't part with it for love nor money

The Chief

But they are getting old. If you shop around and it is standard and looked after i thing they're genuine bargains to be had.

my buddy picked up a G reg BMW 318is for 1200 quid and it has not let him down and it is really mint.

Mileage is not really an issue i have just flogged my A6 2.8 quattro and that had 148k on the clock and it ran as sweet as anything - unfortunately it drank like George Best.

Be wise and the bargains will come.

TheBigMan

When I say cheap I mean buying something that will do the job in order to save a few pence. Bargains can be had - depends how long you're prepared to look around for......

The Chief

i think a lot of German cars if looked after stand the test of time more than most i.e. better than French crap (flame suit on) haha i'm sure you know what i mean.

I saw a L reg 2.0 16V in Autotrader for £1500 totally standard looked ok.

anyway thanks for your input buddy,