Jim 2 Posted January 11, 2008 I've been at my wits end with my car for a while. I always said no matter how much it pi$$ed me off, this would be the one I was going to keep. I've had a long running suspension problem which will hopefully be coming to an end at the end of this month - new Koni struts and springs, and all new bolts and rubber bits to replace whatever is on there.. but financially its a nightmare coming right after christmas. And then suddenly my brakes have suddenly got REALLY loud (think my brake pads are a bit worn!) and then today, in some of the most appalling rain i've seen in a while, my headlights decide they don't want to work any more so I have to gingerly drive home in the dark and driving rain with sidelights and fogs on. I'm hoping its just a(nother) relay - I changed one duff one a few months back and did a little weather proofing to the butchered wiring loom in the engine bay! :( Damn Corrado's. Why do we suffer! As a side note.. I got the brochure for the Fiat 500 through the other day. Its sooo coooool! :D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy665 0 Posted January 11, 2008 Jim - don't give up Have you seen the Fiat 500 configurator Jim, pretty good site http://www.Fiat.co.uk - just click on "Explore the new 500" on the right hand side Can you see yourself manning the Fiat 500 owners club stand at the National Classic Car Show in years to come though :lol: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim 2 Posted January 11, 2008 Not giving up yet mate. It just isn't worth it. A 2.0 16v with spaceship mileage is going to be worth jack schitt at the moment, even though i've replaced and done so much to it and it runs really well (these outstanding niggles aside). I've been going through some of the stuff that i've done or had done in the last year and a bit and it is pretty shocking... cam/alternator/pas belts + tensioner, water pump, thermostat, radiator, 2 radiator/coolant pipes, expansion tank, various sensors and switches, 4 new tyres, MK4 rear calipers, front wheel bearings, front engine mount, balljoints/topmounts/wishbones, goodridge brake hoses, ignition leads, ISV, new copper brake lines (hand shaped myself!), rear axle bushes.. I think when this shagged suspension is finally changed, it'll drive like a dream! Or at least it better! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yandards 0 Posted January 11, 2008 To be honest Jim as you said the suspension problem has been rumbling on since you got the car and the headlight problem is due to other owners botched efforts at some time. You will get there in the end, it's just a old car now and parts need changing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sonicriot13 0 Posted January 11, 2008 Never lose sight of the goal man. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomB 0 Posted January 11, 2008 Stick with it, niggles are sent to try us. At least the Corrados don't suffer with a self severing rear wiring loom... My last Corrado ate relays as well, I ended up always carrying a spare for the loom (and eventually giving in and buying a new one from Gavin). How loud are the brakes? Really loud all the time, or just intermittent? Chin up! Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fla 9 Posted January 11, 2008 Hang in there. At least thhe chains arent bust :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scarlett 0 Posted January 13, 2008 Whats the prob with the suspension?? Just make sure if you do give up I'm the first to find out - issues or no issues I'd have that car back in a flash.... :D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Bacon 5 Posted January 14, 2008 Damn Corrado's. Why do we suffer! You're worse than me for hating your car and loving it in equal measure. :lol: As Yan says, it's old and needs some work. You can't run a washing machine for 15 years and expect it to dish out perfect whiter than whites every time on it's original parts. You have VERY minor issues mate. Spare a thought for Fla with his wrecked VR engine! Now THAT is a problem worthy of a thread ;-) Have some perspective man :lol: As a side note.. I got the brochure for the Fiat 500 through the other day. Its sooo coooool! :D You will lose all credibility as a Corrado owner, past and present, if you buy one of those ghastly things. I hate to say it, but if you buy one in beige, you'll look gay :lol: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim 2 Posted January 14, 2008 Whats the prob with the suspension?? I wish I knew! Its just totally fubar! The front left strut makes a loud metallic BANGING noise every time I hit anything more than a very modest pothole (the driver side is still fine) and it doesn't retain damper settings if you adjust it on the top of the strut.. over time it slowly turns itself to the softest setting! Even Vince said he'd never seen that before. That and it doesn't maintain its camber / tracking, so after even a day of driving after having it reset, it's all over the road. Its just an absolute nightmare :( You're worse than me for hating your car and loving it in equal measure. Tell me about it. It is a very love hate relationship. My girlfriend thinks it's hilarious. You will lose all credibility as a Corrado owner, past and present, if you buy one of those ghastly things. I hate to say it Kev but I think i'm "right" on the Fiat 500. Just look at the swathes of comments on places like Pistonheads. Countless posts from people saying "I shouldn't like them.. but I do!" or things along those lines! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy665 0 Posted January 14, 2008 Jim - I'm with you on liking the 500 - there is definitlely something very likeable about it, I still like the Panda 100HP more though, thats a car very similar to the old Cinquecento Sporting in execution - however I wouldn't swap it for a C Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim 2 Posted January 14, 2008 My plan was never entirely to ditch the Corrado.. I want to get a new car as a daily driver eventually so I can garage the Corrado and keep it as a tinkering car / project, and it just so happens that the Fiat 500 looks cool, and is also very cheap :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sonicriot13 0 Posted January 14, 2008 Dude, it's gotta be a 500. But, as James May pointed out, it's gotta be petrol. That thing with the rev counter and the speedo is a really neat idea. That would keep me entertained for hours.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomB 0 Posted January 15, 2008 Jim, From your other post: I had to go through a bit of a flooded road last night and it went over the wheels and caused the hot brakes to steam like fury... quite disconcerting to hear the water swooshing around the doors as you soldier through carefully! I'd suggest your disks may be warped. Check with a gauge and if so, get yourself a Bionic Grip from Think Geek and a set of welding gloves to get a really good grip on the stupid allen bolts & go to it! Good luck, Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Bacon 5 Posted January 16, 2008 I hate to say it Kev but I think i'm "right" on the Fiat 500. Just look at the swathes of comments on places like Pistonheads. Countless posts from people saying "I shouldn't like them.. but I do!" or things along those lines! Sorry Jim, it's far too girly looking for my liking ;-) I do think it would be great for you to find a car to be enthusiastic about again though. The only times I've seen you "into" your Corrados was with your original valver and the G60, so maybe it's time for you to part company - again, LOL! :lol: Panda 100, yep, BMW Mini, yep, Punto Abarth, yep.....I'm feeling all of those (sort of), but the 500 I'm just not seeing the appeal. If the car industry insist on going retro, unearthing old models and modernising them, why not bring back something interesting like a Jag E Type, Lancia Stratos, Lamborgini Mirua, DeTomaso Pantera etc etc? Or something more humble, a rebirth of an Escort MK1 Mexico (if kept RWD) would be fun! And the Capri.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim 2 Posted January 16, 2008 I'm still into my Corrado's mate.. don't mistake a bit of ranting about reliability problems as being an admission of being 'out' of interest. I still wash the car once every week or two and am ploughing money into it like there is no tomorrow.. if I didn't care, i'd leave it to rot! :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Bacon 5 Posted January 16, 2008 You wash it once a week? Ah yeah, the interest is still there then 8) I wash mine once every 2 months on average :lol: I think you need more oooomph! That'll light your fire again, LOL! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Walesy 0 Posted January 16, 2008 haha, I have to admit to the fact that i've not washed my rado once since owning it :oops: (3-4 months). I bought the meguires 3 step and clay bar kit the same day I picked the car up and I just haven't bothered to use it :lol: I gve the inside a proper valet (or is the word 'detail' nowadays?) and haven't done that since day one either :oops: - I think it's probebly down to the fact that I never drive it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim 2 Posted January 16, 2008 I think you need more oooomph! That'll light your fire again, LOL! I'm really happy with how the car performs if i'm honest. I just want the damn handling sorting out. Honestly I can't tell you how disheartening it has been to drive the car over the last while with it banging on every road surface and being unpleasant to drive, crashing on potholes, etc etc.. I think my negative attitude will perk up considerably once these new shocks and springs are on :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yandards 0 Posted January 19, 2008 I think you need more oooomph! That'll light your fire again, LOL! I'm really happy with how the car performs if i'm honest. I just want the damn handling sorting out. Honestly I can't tell you how disheartening it has been to drive the car over the last while with it banging on every road surface and being unpleasant to drive, crashing on potholes, etc etc.. I think my negative attitude will perk up considerably once these new shocks and springs are on :) Yup, knackered suspension does feel nasty. After (very) recently getting an Audi 80 (in good condition) it does make you appreciate the handling qualities of the corrado. Get the new springs and dampers on there and it will be all good Jim. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
