Advice on using Corrado as a daily

[Marshall936 0]

As a new owner of a Corrado, my current situation is that i have another car on finance as a daily driver, my plan is to work on the corrado and get it so that it is my daily driver but i'm not that knowledgable about the inner workings, so was wondering if any other owners had any advice?

 

I own a 1990 1.8l 16v model and i want to know what parts are good to replace and what things i need to look out for and sort out?

[Jim 1]

Been using all my Corrado's as dailys now for years and they've always been very very reliable. There's no real secret.. I'd advise that you just make sure you're good about getting it serviced ON TIME by a reputable specialist who'll spot problems before they manifest themselves into something more serious, and be proactive about just going around and replacing really tired stuff (brakes, bushes, etc).

 

Corrado's usually get through MOT's pretty well though brake lines and hoses are common failure points so worth checking those and replacing them to save heartache at the MOT.

 

Regular oil changes are a good idea too - oil and a filter is cheap - just do it every 6 months in between services and it'll help keep the engine running sweet.

[Critical_Mass 10]

Also from experience its wise to check the wiper linkeage, get it all greased up and check for wear at the joints. You may have to replace some of the linkage. I say this because ive been caught in the rain before when the wipers have gone kaput due to the linkeage coming off.

 

Also, if you have an aftermarket headlight loom, make sure the relays are water proof - if you dont have an aftermarket loom then get one.

[Reggit 0]

I'll 2nd the wiper linkage, one of the knuckles on mine likes popping off these days - have a new linkage to replace it with but waiting for warmer weather.

There'll be no problems using it daily if it is mechanically fit - after all it is just a car and was designed for just that purpose.

[KIPVW 0]

I'll 2nd the wiper linkage, one of the knuckles on mine likes popping off these days - have a new linkage to replace it with but waiting for warmer weather.

There'll be no problems using it daily if it is mechanically fit - after all it is just a car and was designed for just that purpose.

 

Only takes 2 mins maximum buddy, did mine when it was -3 so didn't want to hang about :lol: used water pump pliers to squeeze it on and was a doddle.

[Critical_Mass 10]

Yeah doesnt take long at all. Alot easier then i thought. If you dont have any water pump pliers, i used a socket large enough to fit over the plastic part of the linkeage and used mole grips to slowly squeeze the linkeage together. Worked a treat.

[Marshall936 0]

Been using all my Corrado's as dailys now for years and they've always been very very reliable. There's no real secret.. I'd advise that you just make sure you're good about getting it serviced ON TIME by a reputable specialist who'll spot problems before they manifest themselves into something more serious, and be proactive about just going around and replacing really tired stuff (brakes, bushes, etc).

 

Corrado's usually get through MOT's pretty well though brake lines and hoses are common failure points so worth checking those and replacing them to save heartache at the MOT.

 

Regular oil changes are a good idea too - oil and a filter is cheap - just do it every 6 months in between services and it'll help keep the engine running sweet.

 

Thanks for the info, that gives me an idea on what to do now! I'm normally just into bodywork but i really want this car to be reliable as i've spent to many times sat at the side of the road with past cars waiting for the recovery truck! :)

 

I'll definately have a look at the wiper linkage as i've just got myself a scuttle panel from a mk2 to cover it all up :) isn't there a mod that can be done to swap the wipers from a different model?

 

Think i read about the headlight loom to, is it something that i can just buy and then attach onto the existing set-up?

[Critical_Mass 10]

You can change the wiper arms and blades to eithe a Mk1 TT or a Lupo (2 x drivers side arms and blades). But not sure about the wiper mechanism. If you do the wiper conversion you may have to change the motor if its a bit old and just strains with the different blades and arms, as they'll be more friction on the screen. Not always necessary though.

 

You can either make your own loom if your handy with electrics. Failing that, there is a member on here who makes them. It fits straight to your existing loom... a little wire snipping required. But full instructions are provided.

[4eyes2wheels 0]

Take it to DG Autotech (Kidderminster so not too far from you) as these guys are Corrado enthusiasts and will give a very honest appraisal of what is needed on your car. They also do an excellent headlight loom that doesn't even need any wires cutting to fit it.

[Critical_Mass 10]

They also do an excellent headlight loom that doesn't even need any wires cutting to fit it.

 

Even better :D

[Marshall936 0]

You can change the wiper arms and blades to eithe a Mk1 TT or a Lupo (2 x drivers side arms and blades). But not sure about the wiper mechanism. If you do the wiper conversion you may have to change the motor if its a bit old and just strains with the different blades and arms, as they'll be more friction on the screen. Not always necessary though.

 

You can either make your own loom if your handy with electrics. Failing that, there is a member on here who makes them. It fits straight to your existing loom... a little wire snipping required. But full instructions are provided.

 

Cool, will look into getting some new wiper blades and motor then as the previous owner did mention about them being a bit pants! :)

 

Just looked up the DG Autotech loom and it looks a very decent bit of kit! Definately on the wish list! Thanks for the help!

[Critical_Mass 10]

Id get the wipers and arms first and see how they go. I didnt have to replace the motor, mine work fine as long as the window is wet, if its too dry they dont return back to their park position correctly.

[Toad 0]

I think Jim has already said this, but get on top of the maintenance so reliability is less of an issue. Also, it helps not to be too precious over the condition of the body work, any car will pick up dings, dents and scrapes and worrying about it will only depress you.

[Jim 1]

I think Jim has already said this, but get on top of the maintenance so reliability is less of an issue. Also, it helps not to be too precious over the condition of the body work, any car will pick up dings, dents and scrapes and worrying about it will only depress you.

 

Yeah - forget about your bodywork. As much as it hurts, none of the Corrado's I've ever owned as dailys have ever had a single penny spent on them in the body shop. There's no point in your car looking nice if it won't start in the morning.. I've always spent my Corrado tokens on the oily bits. Not on the shiny bits. Well, except stereo upgrades and stuff.. got to have some creature comforts :)

 

Accept that you will get stonechips, parking dents and scrapes, and that other people just don't care about your car as much as you do. All you can do is wash it, polish it, and do your best to park away from MPV's and SUV's! :)

[Marshall936 0]

Cheers for the advice! Definately going to get it working how i'd like before i spend money on aesthetics :D

 

I' am planning to get a compressor and spray gun and spray it myself when the weather warms up which will help if i get any scratches/dents i can just fix them myself hopfully :) although never had a carpark dent or scratch with any car ive owned yet (touch wood).