HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE

An expert’s view GARY CONWAY, OWNER, GCAP PERFORMANCE

“The Corsa VXR’S biggest problem is failure of piston four. It’s a cooling issue that causes the ringlands, where the piston rings sit, to crack. Basically, the piston casting is poor. If it’s down on power, misfires and smokes at idle, it’s likely to be piston four. Catch it early and have all the pistons modified before it breaks and destroys the engine. Otherwise, the Corsa is a tough little thing. My demo car is a Nürburgring VXR with a forged engine, custom camshafts, a Garrett GTX30 turbo, an uprated swirl pot and large 875cc fuel injectors. It makes about 500bhp. I’ve changed the diff to a Wavetrac to help keep it on the road.”

Buyer beware ENGINE

Low power, noisy acceleration, reluctance to maintain high speeds and blue or grey exhaust smoke suggest turbo problems. Check that only the recommended engine oil has been used. Listen for misfires and poor performance, suggesting low compression (see ‘An expert’s view’). Check the timing belt has been changed at 60,000 miles or 10 years.

GEARBOX

The Getrag M32 ’box has its problems, including whining from behind the glovebox area, a twitchy gearstick as you change gears and a disc-like rubbing noise when turning right or left at 30mph. They’re generally caused by a worn bearing on sixth gear. Second, third and fourth-gear selection issues are common and caused by ham-fisted drivers. The standard open diff can get noisy.

WHEELS, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

Check for worn rear wheel bearings. Check the condition of the ABS system and for fault codes by pressing down the brake and accelerator and turning on the ignition system. Codes will be displayed in instrument binnacle.

BODY

Jump or bump starts can cause a voltage spike that knocks out the body control module controlling the windows, locking and ignition. Check the alignment of the front bumper with the wheel arches because the securing clips often fall out.

Also worth knowing

Let the engine warm up before giving the turbo stick. You can view the coolant temperature by pressing the mileage reset button four times and holding for 10sec. Now press five more times. The lower of the two figures in the trip display is the coolant temperature.

How much to spend £2000-£3995

Range of 2007-08 cars, typically with around 90,000 miles.

£4000-£5995

More 2009 cars and mileages around 50k-70k. Some 2010 and 2011 cars with decent mileages for around £5500.

£6000-£6995

Low-mileage 2008-10 cars and lots of 2011-12 cars with around 50,000 miles.

£7000-£7995

Nice 2012 cars plus lowish-mileage 2013-14, including some Nürburgrings.

£8000-£9995

Lots of last-of-line cars, including Clubsports, but also some early, low-mileage 2015 new-model VXRS at around £9995 with franchised dealers.

One we found VAUXHALL CORSA VXR NURBURGRING, 2011/61, 68,000 MILES, £6582

Unusually precise price for this dealeradvertised Nürburgring. Has had just one owner, which is rare for a VXR. No mention of service history, but assume it has some. In any case, it will be given a 142-point approved used check.