Volkswagen CORRADO (1989 - 1996)
MODELS COVERED: 3-door Coupe, 1.8, 2.0 8v and 16v, 2.8 V6 [1.8 16v, 2.0 8V, 2.0 16v, G60, VR6
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
Once upon a time, Volkswagens were, as the name suggests, in German, 'people's cars' sensible and solid transport. Even in the mid-Eighties, despite the success of the Golf GTi, people still thought of Volkswagens as dependable rather than desirable. All that changed in 1989 when the company unveiled the Corrado. It was undoubtedly the most elegant
Volkswagen to date and would go on to be the company's fastest ever car. It died at the hands of Volkswagen's cost-cutting accountants, after an all-too-brief six years in production. It seems there's no longer any room for low-profit image leaders...
Equipment levels are high, though later cars were better specified, which adds both desirability and resale value. Whatever you spend, you'll be buying a great-looking sports car that can
seat four adults something lacking in many other coupes. The other advantage to Corrado ownership is the Volkswagen dealer network. Parts are plentiful, though not always cheap. In VR6 guise, this is a 150mph car, though not a temperamental one.
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Look after it, and it should return the favour.
As you might expect, six-cylinder cars are much sought after and prices are still relatively high. The earlier G60 supercharged cars, though more rare, offer more than enough performance but are much more affordable. Prices start around £1,500 for an 89G 1.8.
A 2.0 litre on a 92J should be around £2,500, while £3,000 or thereabouts is fair money for a 92K G60. If your heart is set on a VR6, the first 92K examples start at £3,500 and move upwards to £4,500 for 1994 cars and as much as £5,500 for the last 1996N-registered models.
The danger with buying any used performance car is in how well it's been looked after. You really do need to check the service history, especially with the G60 and VR6s, and look closely for signs of suspension, tyre, clutch and gearbox damage. Four-cylinder cars need their cam-belt changed at around 70,000 miles - the VR6's camshafts are driven by more durable chains and sprockets. Additionally, a belt drives the G60s supercharger. This should be checked for wear (as should the supercharger itself as repairs are pricey). Being Volkswagens, the cars are built very solidly, though some early cars suffered a little from patchy interior trim quality.
Most problems should have been remedied by now but check that everything fits without squeaks and rattles.
(Approx) For a new clutch, expect to pay around £70. A set of front brake pads will set you back £30 to £35 and a headlight lens should be about £20. Some parts prices will scare you, though. Try £790 for a full exhaust system the catalytic converter alone is over £425.
The Corrado was always an outstanding handler. Indeed, early 1.8-litre cars were criticised only for being underpowered; such was the excellence of the basic chassis. Show any Corrado a winding road and it can't fail to impress. The ride can be a little on the firm side, but this is a sports car, after all, and precise handling is what
Volkswagen intended it have.
This coupe is sadly missed by car enthusiasts everywhere. With Volkswagen still not showing any signs of developing a successor, this car has classic written all over it.
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