(1987-1995)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
There are three main types – VR6 and four-cylinder 16-valve and G60 (supercharged) variants. Try to avoid the G60 unless it’s been well looked-after by specialists – one owner described them to us as ‘a grenade with the pin out’. Volkswagen misdescribed them as ‘maintenance-free’, so many have undergone years of neglect and need a significant re-build. The naturally-aspirated four-cylinder models are better, with both 1.8- and 2.0-litre models producing similar power owing to softer cams in the larger engine; hybrids have been made that are significantly quicker.
Check there are no ABS issues and make sure there’s a bulb in. Many have used this trick to hide issues – usually a wheel sensor – but a broken warning light is now an MoT fail point. Unless they’ve recently been done, budget for new bushes all round, but the good news is that on the cars which need a catalytic converter the part tends to be reliable. Brakes are less than perfect, especially on the VR6. Many fit larger 288mm units discs from a late Golf VR6 or the 312mm parts from a Golf MKIV. The latter need bigger wheels, so don’t dismiss cars with aftermarket alloys. These are worthwhile mods, though there’s no real price premium. If the car’s been significantly lowered, walk away. Cheap lowering kits have a detrimental effect on the handling. Make sure that any non-VW suspension components have come from a reputable manufacturer for the same reason.
Corrados are pretty rust-resistant unless they’ve had poor repairs or modifications. Sills get scrapes, rear arches are modified to take bigger wheels and screen changes aren’t always performed well, all of which can lead to rust. Corrosion between the door skins is common and the fuel filler area and sunroof drain channels need to be inspected thoroughly. Early cars had a desirable 90mm front spoiler while later cars had a 50mm deep spoiler; these may have been swapped.
Make sure that all of the toys work. The sunroof is the biggest worry, but Golf MkIII parts can be fitted. The wipers aren’t brilliant and many owners replace them with Audi TT or VW Lupo items. Same goes for the headlamps – a relay loo
