At a cross roads, what to do?

[corrado wannabe 13]

Well,

 

I have reached a point with my Corrado where I am wondering what to do with it.

 

I have been given a quote from a body shop to carry out all the necessary repairs and respray the entire car.

 

I have heard good things about their work and through a contact they have given me a decent discount.

 

However, it is going to cost me a couple of grand, and although I always knew this would be the ballpark, when it comes to the decision I am not sure I can justify plouging that money into a 16V Corrado with 140k on the clock. Its not the money that is the issue, more the cold decision of "is it worth it?"

 

What are peoples thoughts? I am pretty sure a few of you will have reached this junction with your cars, and I have always had a hankering for a porsche 944, I am thinking this may be the time to just go a bit extra and spend 2.5-3K a get a failry decent example of one of them.

 

Or do I stick with a corrado and buy another one with better/good bodywork?

 

Decisions decisions

 

Dougie

[fendervg 33]

If you know the car is mechanically sound I would go for the respray and carry on. If it looks as if it needs lots of other stuff doing as well it's a more difficult decision. After having owned a MkII GTI, Audi Quattro and now the Corrado I would now say buy the best condition bodywork and chassis you can get - as all the mechanicals and even engine transplants can be sorted relatively easily but rust and paint are the killer in terms of money and can break your heart.

[VW_OwneR_85 2]

, idd want mint paint work but at the same time i dont, its nice parking up and not giving a shxx about it getting dinged n scratched, if your board then sell up and get something else or maybe look into an engine conversion 1.8T ? just bare in mind a respray isnt going to change the way it drives..

[Jamie 1]

Think you'll struggle to find a nice 944 for £3k these days - they seem to have really gained in value just recently

[bristolbaron 11]

If you have two options, that's not a crossroads, it's a T junction. :dance:

[1xshaunx1 27]

Only you really know the state the rest of the car is in, what it could be worth with a really good respray and how much you love it. How strong is your itch for something different.

All will reflect how long you might keep it for.

If it's a big itch, you could buy a car cover and park it up for a year then sell/break it or respray when you've missed it

I've just had mine glass out resprayed and it looks gorgeous, it doesn't half bring back the love.

Finally I've not seen a 3k motor that ran for years without wanting loads a money/time, something that goes with old cars, all comes back to the itch.

Good luck with the left or right turn 😉 😂

[corrado wannabe 13]

Good comments so far (not including you BristolB Lol!)

 

The car is pretty good mechanically and has had all of suspension brakes etc replaced. I don't mind the ongoing small costs, but when its a larger investment like a respray it really has made me question whether it is worth it or not.

 

I like the car, its a toy, I don't have any attachment to it, and it could be replaced easily.

 

I am struggling between buying another C that is good bodily but that I could use all the new parts I have put on my current car, but that would restrict me to another valver.

 

Or do I just buy a VR that is good bodily and just start the merry go round again. Or as previousy said go down the Porsche route (I still think I could get a decent solid car for the budget)

 

Its not that I want a mint body on the car, it is more that it is now requiring paint and rust treating or it will be a scrapper (fuel filler, front leading edge of sills etc) and I wouldn't be doing it with future value as a consideration.

 

Ooooofftttt, I just do not know.

[Bomb-Doctor 10]

I have several colleagues who have Porsches. I have have just spent 15k on re spray and re leather and running gear. I have been stopped in the street many times by people who admire my VR6 and have about cars etc in general. Consequently I have met some really interesting peeps. My Porsche friends just meet boy racers at traffic lights and their cars keyed in public car parks.

[g0ldf1ng3r 15]

I have several colleagues who have Porsches. I have have just spent 15k on re spray and re leather and running gear. I have been stopped in the street many times by people who admire my VR6 and have about cars etc in general. Consequently I have met some really interesting peeps. My Porsche friends just meet boy racers at traffic lights and their cars keyed in public car parks.

 

wow that must be a hugely quality respray!

 

have you any pics posted? i would love to see it

 

also, did you get any guarantees from the paint shop for their work? i have seen some places give a 5 - 7 year guarantee

[Bomb-Doctor 10]

To be fair, the respray element was just under 4k, but glass out etc etc. The remaining went on re-leathering and restoring / replacing the running gear.

[g0ldf1ng3r 15]

To be fair, the respray element was just under 4k, but glass out etc etc. The remaining went on re-leathering and restoring / replacing the running gear.

 

that figure sounds about right for a good job

 

i know what you mean about the running gear costs. i did it all on my VR & there were some whopper bills.

 

that said i think once all the running gear is renewed the ride quality is superb & is money very well spent. Even with my KW V1's the new bushes etc made the ride so much more cushioned :D

[Bomb-Doctor 10]

My daily is a 528i with twin turbo, but it doesn't make me smile as much as my VR6

[Jim 2]

528i Twin Turbo?! Got any more information on it? :)

 

Well,

 

I have reached a point with my Corrado where I am wondering what to do with it.

 

I have been given a quote from a body shop to carry out all the necessary repairs and respray the entire car.

 

I have heard good things about their work and through a contact they have given me a decent discount.

 

However, it is going to cost me a couple of grand, and although I always knew this would be the ballpark, when it comes to the decision I am not sure I can justify plouging that money into a 16V Corrado with 140k on the clock. Its not the money that is the issue, more the cold decision of "is it worth it?"

 

What are peoples thoughts? I am pretty sure a few of you will have reached this junction with your cars, and I have always had a hankering for a porsche 944, I am thinking this may be the time to just go a bit extra and spend 2.5-3K a get a failry decent example of one of them.

 

Or do I stick with a corrado and buy another one with better/good bodywork?

 

Decisions decisions

 

Dougie

 

It's a tough one. Corrado prices don't really seem to be going anywhere and despite my attitude that the Corrado was always a hobby and the cost didn't matter, the reality is that with every passing year and each new bill I struggle harder and harder to justify it to myself. Where do you draw the line, and what is your ultimate objective with the car? My car needs a full respray as there are paint issues on every panel, and now some ugly looking rust coming up on the sill in the passenger rear wheel arch but the notion of spending another £3,000 on the car simply doesn't wash for me. The Corrado will always hold a place in my heart but I just can't now see it being a 'forever' car for me - and like you there's other cars I want to own, and that can't happen whilst the Corrado is tying up the space in the garage.

 

The fact that you're even questioning the decision makes me think you've really already made up your mind, or at least are struggling to justify it to yourself.

[corrado wannabe 13]

Thanks for that Jim,

 

I am just in that position where as much as I like the Corrado, it's not like if I sell, I would never be able to afford another one at a later time, should I wish to own one again. But I think you are right, I have made up my mind I will not be ploughing money into the respray. I will get it through its MOT next month and drive it until I find a replcement in the new year.

 

I am never going to be the kind of person that spends over 10k on a car that would only be worth 6k tops if it were sold. Some folks like to do that and more power to them, but its just not for me.

 

I know the Porsche doesnt have as "nice" an image as the Corrado, but I am not really bothered if people think Im an ar$e, plus I wont be hooning about the streets in it. Just like to drive something a bit different feeling from time to time. Also, after I have done my Porsche homework, it may be that I am put off by potential problem areas with them and look to buy another C but maybe in VR form.

 

Thanks for all the input so far guys

 

Dougie

[SR_Neale 10]

Flip a coin. It may sound strange but if you are disappointed by the out come then you will know where your heart lies.

[g60knight 0]

I would go and test drive a couple of 944s if I was you

[corrado wannabe 13]

Cryptic..........

 

Obviously I would test drive the car before I decide on what I am doing, but by your post I am assuming you think I may not like them?

 

I really am looking for peoples views, so would appreciate your thoughts on the 944.

[Mystic Blue VR 10]

I recently sold my 944 S2 to get back into a Corrado VR6. Absolutely nothing wrong with the 944 they are great cars & find a good one & they are very rewarding to drive. That said although I liked the 944 I didn't love it in the same way as the Corrado VR6. Purely down to personal preference. I sold mine for nearly 7k which was an 80,000 mile, FSH & immaculate in every respect example. I'm afraid 2-3K will buy you a whole lot of problems. They rust badly at the bottom of the front wings, sills & arches & are very expensive to repair properly. Most cars will now either need doing or will have been done & therefore priced accordingly. Parts prices are much more expensive than VW as is general servicing. The belts/rollers must (should!) be done every four years irrespective of mileage. The 3.0 16V S2 engine is more complex, with chain driven camshafts & if the sprokets are worn it's £1,500 at least for new cams. I bought my 944 from a Porsche club member & paid for an independent specialist inspection. Money well spent & gave me peace of mind & I knew what i was getting into.

 

Don't be put off by what I've said the 944 is a great car but do your homework & choose carefully! :thumbleft:

Edited August 31, 2015 by Mystic Blue VR

[corrado wannabe 13]

Mystic,

 

Thanks very much for that, I have managed to get a 944 buying guide from a Porsche forum and it lists all the things you have mentioned in your post. I think I realise that 3k is probably going to buy me some issues unless I am really lucky, so it may be that I push the budget up a bit.

 

Like the Corrado, it wont be a daily or the car I rely on, so I may be able to take a bit more of a risk on it.

 

That said, I have a house move and renovation looming in October, so that may put my gas at a peep with disposable time I have on my hands.

 

Thanks all for you help and suggestions so far.

 

Dougie

[Mystic Blue VR 10]

Mystic,

 

Thanks very much for that, I have managed to get a 944 buying guide from a Porsche forum and it lists all the things you have mentioned in your post. I think I realise that 3k is probably going to buy me some issues unless I am really lucky, so it may be that I push the budget up a bit.

 

Like the Corrado, it wont be a daily or the car I rely on, so I may be able to take a bit more of a risk on it.

 

That said, I have a house move and renovation looming in October, so that may put my gas at a peep with disposable time I have on my hands.

 

Thanks all for you help and suggestions so far.

 

Dougie

 

 

No problem Dougie. Pleased you found it helpful.

 

Good luck in your search. :thumbleft: