1990 Volkswagen Corrado 16V review from UK and Ireland

Cracked headlight lens left by previous owner - result: instead of 30 quid for a new lens, 180 for a new headlamp assembly to replace a corroded reflector.

HT leads replaced at 90,000.

Timing belt and tensioner replaced at 81,000 as added insurance, old ones were O.K.-ish.

Synthetic gearbox oil added at 95,000 to aid shifting on a wearing 2nd gear, better, but 2nd's synchro is wearing.

Front and rear brake disks replaced at 95,000 (probably original set).

Parcel shelf strap broke!

The handling of this car is great, real fun on twisting roads. It's a bit heavy for the 1800 16V engine though, and the car lacks low down torque in comparison with the pull from 4-7000 rpm. As a result it's a bit miserable to drive in town - 2nd, 3rd, 2nd, 3rd etc... if you don't get above 40.

I love the cars looks though, especially in black (when clean) and the VW quality is definitely there, the interior looks and feels better than my sister's 2 year old 20,000 mile Peugeot 306, even at 101,000. I will probably hang on to this car for a very long time.