Pre_buying Corrado inspection

[stormseeker 0]

Well, I'm off tomorrow to look at a Corrado VR6 with a view to buy - what are the Corrado specific things I should be looking out for?

 

The car is '96 N Met Blue with black leather, 82,000 miles. Almost complete VW service History + receipts, 3 previous owners, all old MoTs and old HPI certificates from previous sales. The garage where it's for sale describe it as "mint" & "superb" & "perfect" etc, but they would, wouldn't they :?

 

I should hopefully be going with a mate from work who was a mechanic in a previous life, so he's going to do the serious imechanical nspection, but I wondered if there's any specific quirks/foibles to look out for on a VR6 Corrado, never having owned one before :)

 

I'm also not too hot on the 82k miles - what do you lot think about that sort of mileage on a '96 N ?

 

(I've read the Parker's Price guide thing about the Corrado that vaguely says "look out for thrashed engines, worn brakes & suspension" etc - great help that!)

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Chris

[dazzyvr6 0]

http://www.vw-corrado-club.co.uk/main.htm check out the buyers guide

[stormseeker 0]

D'oh - should've checked there!

 

One thing I forgot to mention before - can anyone give me a quick guide on what the trip computer (is it the MFA?) should do? I seem to remember from somewhere that a dodgy one might be a sign of clocking???

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

Chris.

[Jim 2]

Hm...

 

Should have (from memory and in no particular order) the following modes :

 

Time, Outside Air Temperature, Oil Temperature, Driving Time, Average MPG.. and I think there is another but not sure.

 

There are 2 possible modes on the MFA 'stork' - mode one is the current drive, and mode 2 is the 'total' and average of every drive since the battery was last disconnected.

 

HTH! And I hope the Corrado you see tomorrow is the one!! :)

 

(BTW : 82,000 miles is just fine on a VR.. its just getting run in there!) :)

[vr6storm 0]

as for things to look out for(in no order btw)

1)make sure that the oil level is at/near the max and is relatively clean.......much lower points to careless ownership

2)it might sound a tiny bit tappetty(could be down to too thin an oil being used) and also have a very slight uneven idle this is normal,though through the rev-range it should be silky smooth and refined

3)make sure the spoiler rises at either 40/45mph(early cars) or 56mph(later cars)and that it can also be raised manually

4)make sure all the other electrics work too

5)check that there is no oil mixing with the water in the expansion tank....if it is it could be either the oil/water heat exchanger(£40ish part + fitting)or worse the h/gasket(£200++) also check the oil-filler cap...though don't automatically think that if there is a slight mayo on it that the h/gasket's failed as it could just as easily be condensation

6)all vr6's have abs fitted.....make sure that the abs light goes off within seconds of starting the car...if there is no abs light fitted or it doesn't go off then this points to either an expensive fault or that the abs has been removed

7)make sure the s/roof opens and closes without twisting as this can be quite expensive to fix

8)make sure that the tyres are wearing evenly if not this points to the steering geometry being out and could also be an expensive suspension problem

9)door handles are prone to breaking and can be expensive to fix....one of the signs is a stiff handle when opening the door

thats all from the top of my head

it might be an idea getting a vw-dealer or specialist to inspect it is so that they can also check the dtc's(aka fault codes) with the vag-com software............as these can be expensive to fix and can cause all sorts of future problems

hth

[vr6storm 0]

oh also forgot.......check the heated seats heat-up......cos with this weather they are an essential on leather seats :D

[stormseeker 0]

Saw it, drove it, haggled over it, BOUGHT IT!

 

 

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

 

Can't pick it up til next Wed/Thu though....

 

counting the seconds down til then...

[vr6storm 0]

Saw it, drove it, haggled over it, BOUGHT IT!

 

 

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

 

Can't pick it up til next Wed/Thu though....

 

counting the seconds down til then...

 

5 more sleeps then :lol:

 

btw how did you find our advice????was it helpful???

[Fat Tony 0]

A little bit late but found this :

 

http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/jsp ... rd=Corrado

[stormseeker 0]

Advice was very helpful thanks, I'd printed off the CCGB buying guide & the channel4 one too & taken them with me.

 

It was useful in that the dealer knew (I think) that we were serious about the car, giving it such a thorough going over. He reckons he gets loads of punters who turn up, walk round the car once and then immediately want to test drive it.

 

This car had the most history I've ever seen! A big blue ring binder with EVERY bill, receipt, old MOTs & Tax discs, going back over its whole life. Even credit card receipts (with the previous owners' details on D'oh!).

 

Luckily (?) the ABS warning light came on as I was test-driving it, hence the wait til Wed before I can collect it. Also got the guy to replace the rear discs & pads into the bargain, as they were shot.

 

Chris.

[vr6storm 0]

you should also get him to change the rear wheel bearings at the same time he's doing the discs and pads...even if you have to pay for the bearings yourself.......as it'll save you labour in the future

[stormseeker 0]

Just phoned to check on progress - the ABS sensor rings have only just come in so it's going in tomorrow to have the rear brakes sorted, including rear wheel bearings (thanks for the tip!).

 

Can't wait much longer, I feel like I'm 10 again and waiting for Christmas Day! :x :D :shock: :? 8) :D :D

 

Chris.