HOW TO GET ONE IN YOUR GARAGE
An expert’s view ANDREW CHAPPLE, VOLKSWIZARD
“I recently bought a Corrado VR6 to keep forever because the sleek body, low-slung driving position and snarling narrow-angle V6 make a very special combination. All that weight over the nose coupled with its lofty ride height doesn’t suggest agility, but the Passat rear bushes that induce passive rear-wheel steer create neutrality while retaining a plush ride, helped by the modest 15in Speedline wheels. The VR6 engine is tough and bodywork is far more rust resistant than the contemporary Mk3 Golf’s, but parts are much harder to source now, both new and used.”
Buyer beware…
■ ENGINE
With the VR6, it’s worth doing plenty of oil and filter changes. Listen for timing chain rattles as the part can let go at 100,000 miles. The 1.8-litre 16-valve can have stabilisation valve problems that cause erratic idling. Check the G60 has paperwork supporting supercharger maintenance or rebuild.
■ TRANSMISSION
First and second gear should select without graunching, even when the gearbox is cold.
■ BODY
The front wings and sills can corrode. The battery floor holds water and can rot out. Front and rear screen surrounds can rust. Check the rear panel still bears a Vw-spec sticker because its absence could mean a crash repair. Ensure the active spoiler deploys (above 50mph). Replacement headlights and foglights are rare and expensive. Headlights can be restored but not foglights. The model’s door handles are known to be weak, though Passat rear handles are a cheap substitute.
■ BRAKES
If the car has ABS, check the warning light goes out. Also, check the engine with your foot on the brake pedal: you should feel the ABS pulse.
■ INTERIOR
Ensure the heater works. Post-1992 cars had temperamental systems with round dials that didn’t like hamfisted use. If the footwells are damp, suspect the heater matrix, door seals or a blocked scuttle drain.
Also worth knowing
The VR6 Storm was a Uk-only limited-run Corrado. Introduced in 1995, it gets some discreet ‘Storm’ badging, 15in BBS alloy wheels and some standard equipment – such as heated leather seats – that were optional on the regular VR6. Two colours were offered, although Mystic Blue was made unique to the special edition. Only 500 Storms were built and fewer than 10 remain driving on UK roads at the time of writing.
How much to spend £3000-£4999
Most used Corrados have mileages north of 100,000, but at this price range those numbers tend to be in the stratosphere and conditions are rough at best. There’s a mix of variants, albeit generally early 1.8-litre 16-valve and G60 cars.
£5000-£7999
Mileages are closer to 100,000 and conditions are better. It’s best to look for 1.8-litre 16-valve and G60 cars here. VR6S are present but tend to be in worse shape.
£8000-£11,999
Increasingly respectable, though high-mileage, VR6S start to appear here, and you might see the odd 2.0.
£12,000-£15,999
Some of the best 1.8-litre 16-valve, 2.0-litre and G60 cars you’ll see, some with mileages below 70,000.
£16,000-£19,999
Really good VR6S and mileages that sometimes dip below 100,000.
£20,000–£30,000
The very best VR6S. Rare Corrados with fewer than 50,000 miles and/ or in immaculate condition. Good examples of the Storm at the top end.
One we found VOLKSWAGEN CORRADO VR6, 1993, 117,000 MILES, £8499
This car’s in good condition, with all its electronics, including that active rear spoiler, in working order. It has some issues as most examples do – such as its sunroof not working – but nothing that appears too detrimental.