1990 Volkswagen Corrado 16v review from UK and Ireland

Nothing major, given the age of the car and the mileage.

Both engine mountings replaced.

Rear brake caliper sticking.

CV joints and boots replaced.

Major problems with a badly aligned exhaust (constant boom at 3500 rpm), but not the fault of the car. Sorted now, but took ages to fix.

Headlight switch replaced.

Will need new brake discs quite soon (again, OK given the mileage and age)

Rear screen washer not working.

New off-side headlamp (internal corrosion). Had to buy new from VW (130 pounds!!!)

Cracked fog-lights (common problem).

Driver's seat bolster, starting to show its age, seat also tearing.

Headlights not particularly powerful, but not sure what the problem is as both have been replaced quite recently.

Given the mileage and age of the Corrado, reliability has been first rate. It is fun to drive, reasonably quick, but let down by (to my mind) an excessively harsh ride, especially in town. High speed stability is excellent, as is handling and road-holding.

Apart from a few minor niggles the car has performed faultlessly. It is one of the few cars that I have owned that actually brings a smile to my face, whenever you floor the throttle. I previously, owned a Golf GTi 8V, and sometimes miss the flexibility of this engine, since the 16V is rather peaky, but its willingness to rev is a definite plus.

The car looks good too... I find myself, looking back at it all the time!!!