VW Corrado Review (1989 to 1996)

Quick Summary

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.

Overall:

Models Covered:3-door Coupe, 1.8, 2.0 8v & 16v, 2.8 V6 [1.8 16v, 2.0 8V, 2.0 16v, G60, VR6

COUPE TEARAWAY

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...
Used VW Corrado for sale

History of the Corrado

Right hand drive Corrados arrived in the UK in May 1989. The first cars had the Golf GTi's 1.8 litre 16-valve engine. It took a further two years before the Corrado began to realise its potential, with the April 1991 release of the supercharged G60 model in right-hand-drive form (it was previously a special-order left hooker).All these early models had alloy wheels and featured standard central locking and power steering. The rear spoiler was electrically powered and programmed to rise automatically at 40mph. It probably did more for conversation in following cars than it did for Corrado aerodynamics at such relatively low speeds.In March 1992, the 1.8 litre engine was enlarged to 2.0 litres, and a catalytic converter became standard, as did anti-lock brakes. Power remained the same 136bhp but torque increased to improve driveability.The Corrado's best engine arrived in September 1992 with the six-cylinder VR6. It was a bigger, 2.9-litre version of the Golf VR6's 2.8 and turned the Corrado into the first 150mph Volkswagen. Automatic transmission was also introduced in combination with the VR6 engine. Production of the G60 ceased at the same time and the car was, sadly, phased out in 1996.
Used VW Corrado for sale

VW Corrado Road Test

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.
Used VW Corrado for sale

Buying a VW Corrado

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 G60's 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.
Used VW Corrado for sale

VW Corrado Typical Pricing

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 £500 for an 89G 1.8. A 2.0 litre on a 92J should be around £1,000, while £1,500 or thereabouts is fair money for a 92K G60.If your heart is set on a VR6, the first 92K examples start at £1,500 and move upwards to £2,000 for 1994 cars and as much as £3,000 for the last 1996N-registered models.
Used VW Corrado for sale

VW Corrado Parts

(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.
Used VW Corrado for sale