Corrado VR6 as a daily driver?
Discussion
_Batty_ said:
they do cost buttons to run/maintain but aren't particular quick (0-60 in 9's compared to the VR's 0-60 in 7's)
you can get some stunningly cheap VR's at the moment and unless you're broke (like me) i'd get a VR for the sound alone.
insurance is no different. nor is tax.
generally avoid G60's as the chargers need maintenance, and vary rarely receive it.
I can't completely agree on many of those points. you can get some stunningly cheap VR's at the moment and unless you're broke (like me) i'd get a VR for the sound alone.
insurance is no different. nor is tax.
generally avoid G60's as the chargers need maintenance, and vary rarely receive it.
- VR6s are 0-60 in mid 6's not 7's
- A valver is cheaper to insure than a VR6. This is why many younger owners go for a valver rather than a VR6
- Yes, the G-Lader on the G60 does require maintenance but it is not the show-stopper that many believe. The likes of Jabbasport do rebuilds on an exchange basis. £-per-BHP a G60 is much cheaper to modify than a VR6 and some argue that the lighter engine makes the car sweeter handling. I can't comment as I have never driven one but I know enough Corrado owners to know that the balance of probability makes it true. However, the newest G60 will still be as old as the oldest VR6 as there was little overlap between the models.
JonRB said:
_Batty_ said:
they do cost buttons to run/maintain but aren't particular quick (0-60 in 9's compared to the VR's 0-60 in 7's)
you can get some stunningly cheap VR's at the moment and unless you're broke (like me) i'd get a VR for the sound alone.
insurance is no different. nor is tax.
generally avoid G60's as the chargers need maintenance, and vary rarely receive it.
I can't completely agree on many of those points. you can get some stunningly cheap VR's at the moment and unless you're broke (like me) i'd get a VR for the sound alone.
insurance is no different. nor is tax.
generally avoid G60's as the chargers need maintenance, and vary rarely receive it.
- VR6s are 0-60 in mid 6's not 7's
- A valver is cheaper to insure than a VR6. This is why many younger owners go for a valver rather than a VR6
im not so sure on the insurance Jon, i had a quote through HIC and said my valver and a VR would be only a few pounds different (both group 16 IIRC?)
as for the handling valvers and im sure the G60 feel markedly lighter than the VR, more eager to turn in, however as soon as you get to the straights the VR ups its skirt and leaves the valver behind.
i've driven several VR's and own a valver, and i prefer the VR, where as a mate of mine owned both and prefers the valvers!
try both
and avoid the 8v like the clap as Jon said. no redeeming features.
_Batty_ said:
im not so sure on the insurance Jon, i had a quote through HIC and said my valver and a VR would be only a few pounds different (both group 16 IIRC?)
Ok. Fair enough. The VR6 is generally Group 18 though, so I'm surprised by that. Some insurers simply won't insure a Grp18 car for a young driver. _Batty_ said:
as for the handling valvers and im sure the G60 feel markedly lighter than the VR, more eager to turn in, however as soon as you get to the straights the VR ups its skirt and leaves the valver behind.
Oh, for sure. I wouldn't be so keen to lay money on a well-sorted G60 though. 230bhp is very easily achievable and I had to spend serious money to get my VR6 to that level. _Batty_ said:
and avoid the 8v like the clap as Jon said. no redeeming features.
Well, they do have one redeeming feature. They were only made in the last year of production and they are cheap as chips. Buy one, rip out the engine and replace with the ubiquitous VAG 1.8T, easily tuned up to 300bhp, sort the suspension, brakes and wheels, and you have a seriously potent young Corrado for a reasonable outlay. Pity the 1.8T is so soulless though.
Edited by JonRB on Wednesday 23 September 11:55
_Batty_ said:
you can get some stunningly cheap VR's at the moment and unless you're broke (like me) i'd get a VR for the sound alone.
I suspected that might be the case. Purchase price isn't much of an issue as long as I get (most of) it back when I come to move on. Likewise MPG isn't hugely critical as I don't intend to do that many miles and many of them would be on the motorway (obviously more is nice, but it's not a big deal).So are the 16v and the VR6 basically the same chassis/body with a different engine dropped in? One of the other cars I've been looking at is the Alfa GTV, and there the 6 cylinder has significantly different rear suspension, different bushes etc. which cause people to suggest it handles better even despite the extra weight in the nose. I take it there's nothing that fundamental about the Corrado? Likewise, nothing that's more (or less) likely to go wrong or more costly to fix?
NdPlume said:
So are the 16v and the VR6 basically the same chassis/body with a different engine dropped in?
No. The suspension on the VR6 is significantly different and incompatible between the two models, much to the upset of a friend with a valver who I offered my old and tired VR6 suspension to as it won't fit her valver and can't be made to either. Also, the valvers have 4-stud hubs and the VR6 5-stud which highlights how different they are.
Edited by JonRB on Wednesday 23 September 12:11
JonRB said:
NdPlume said:
So are the 16v and the VR6 basically the same chassis/body with a different engine dropped in?
No. The suspension on the VR6 is significantly different and incompatible between the two models, much to the upset of a friend with a valver who I offered my old and tired VR6 suspension to as it won't fit her valver and can't be made to either. Also, the valvers have 4-stud hubs and the VR6 5-stud which highlights how different they are.
JonRB said:
NdPlume said:
So is there a big difference in the handling between the two (assuming both are in a respectable condition)? Is the Corrado the legend or is it the Corrado VR6 specifically?
I can't really comment. I've only ever driven a VR6to be devils advocate, i also had an Alfa GTV V6.
If you're happy with mid 20 mpg, there would be no contest in my mind
don't believe all you read about Alfa reliablity either. i had my 80k alfa for 25k and only replaced tyres and some suspension bushes
EmmaP said:
I probably spent over £2,000 in the first year of ownership of mine.
Christ.I commute 70 miles a day in mine, and I haven't spent anything near that amount.
Things that have gone wrong in the lat year (since I bought it):
- Flat battery (because I left the lights on).
- Err, that's it.
Things I have done because I fancied doing them, not because it needed them:
- New tyres (Hankook RS2)
- New lower ball joints
- New top mounts
- Laser alignment
- Gearbox oil replaced
- Mintex 1144 pads
- replaced slightly weepy oil cooler gasket
Plus normal servicing.
All was done at home under a trolley jack (bar the alignment) for peanuts. GSF for parts, no special tools bar buying a 16mm hex socket for the gearbox oil.
It only cost £2k in the first place - not worth spending hundreds of pounds on it at a dealer nowadays!
Hope this helps.
PS I regularly see over 35mpg from a tank (brim-to-brim method)
I spent £8k on upgrades and renovation in 2007. But I did go a little silly.
- new clutch and timing chains.
- head-off refresh with new valve stem seals.
- Schrick 268° cams.
- high compression metal head gasket.
- Schrick VGI (Variable Geometry Intake) dual-tract inlet manifold.
- Fidanza lightened flywheel.
- Custom engine remap to Super Unleaded, a raised rev limit and immobiliser defeat.
- Vibratechnics front engine mount.
- New front wishbones and track end rods.
- Vibratechnics front wishbone bushes.
- Custom Gaz Gold 2-way adjustable coil-over suspension.
- New top mounts. Twice. Because a set got destroyed whilst fettling the suspension.
- a 3.68 final drive to lower the gearing and improve acceleration.
- 288mm front brake upgrade with Golf Mk3 callipers, Brembo discs, Mintex Extreme pads and Goodrich braided hoses.
- New amplified radio aerial.
- Standard wheels refurbished in gunmetal
Edited by JonRB on Thursday 24th September 18:59
Still no closer to actually buying anything, but the Corrado came up in conversation this morning. I mentioned the idea to my boss - who's driven virtually every production car from the last two decades - and his eyes lit up. It seems he's a big fan (despite never actually owning one). High praise from a man who used to get casually lent Ferraris and Astons for the weekend.
Just in response to people mentioning the G60, just stay well away unless you want to modify it. Admittedly mine was a complete lemon, but that wouldn't put me off the G60 engine, the main issue for me was the gear ratio's. 1st and 2nd are really short so it won't hit 60 in 2nd and then 3 4 5 are very long cruising gears, mine went very well once on boost in 3rd but I found it very short on boost when changing from 2nd to 3rd almost fell off boost. So unless you plan to fit VR 1st and 2nd ratio's stay well alone.
Yep defo agree there, their gear ratios are its biggest downfall. Also two up, it felt quite lathargic. Begged to me chip n pulley it, RSR outlet etc, honest guv...
My charger also blew a hole in itself when i bought it, but was my fault. I'd serviced the engine, plugs oil, dizzy etc as soon as i bought it, but thought i'd wait 2months to get the charger done to save up for it... 
I didn't bother to check the charger oil supply and return lines for blockages as was gonna replace them anyway with the charger service. Picked up another charger cheap from jabbasport (they sponsered us for racing the G40 in the VW Cup 
, so pretty handy 
). Even with a modified 200bhp, I was returning 34-38mpg!
If I was in a position to own another Corrado I would defo have another.. though it may just be a VR6... if I didn't I'd always still wonder what are like compared to the G60. The debate never ceases on the corrado forum as to whats better VR6 or G60.
They is always going to be mixed reports on people's experiences, good and bad. Look after the corrado, it'll look after you!
My charger also blew a hole in itself when i bought it, but was my fault. I'd serviced the engine, plugs oil, dizzy etc as soon as i bought it, but thought i'd wait 2months to get the charger done to save up for it... I didn't bother to check the charger oil supply and return lines for blockages as was gonna replace them anyway with the charger service. Picked up another charger cheap from jabbasport (they sponsered us for racing the G40 in the VW Cup , so pretty handy ). Even with a modified 200bhp, I was returning 34-38mpg!If I was in a position to own another Corrado I would defo have another.. though it may just be a VR6... if I didn't I'd always still wonder what are like compared to the G60. The debate never ceases on the corrado forum as to whats better VR6 or G60.
They is always going to be mixed reports on people's experiences, good and bad. Look after the corrado, it'll look after you!
I've had my VR for 6 years now, with the last 3 as a day-to-day car.
Fundamentally v. reliable cars, however the mileage their at now means that stuff inevitably is wearing out and needs replacing, whether it be chains, suspension, bushes, cooling hoses, exhausts, pumps and belts etc..
If you buy a good one (ie good body, straight engine, unabused) then it should be a v. good, fun, practical car, however at this age a mileage you will have to replace stuff that is wearing out, and when it does bear in mind these were £21K cars new in '93 (or c£35-40K @ todays money)... ..so you need to budget for this and expect to cover this as maintenance..
To put it in perspective-
This year, mine passed its MOT without a single advisory, (16 yrs old, 170K+ miles)
However, I have had to replace pretty much the entire cooling system (rad, hoses, pumps etc, plus other odds and sods) at a cost of £1300 (none of which would have caused an MOT 'fail', but was reaching 'end of life').
Previous 3 years prior to this, aside from replacing an exhaust back box and downpipe, and fixing a sunroof and electric window, I've not spent a penny other than servicing and tyres..
So v. good car if looked after, however it will need looking after, so go in with your eyes open (and don't buy a lemon else it really will cost you)..
Fundamentally v. reliable cars, however the mileage their at now means that stuff inevitably is wearing out and needs replacing, whether it be chains, suspension, bushes, cooling hoses, exhausts, pumps and belts etc..
If you buy a good one (ie good body, straight engine, unabused) then it should be a v. good, fun, practical car, however at this age a mileage you will have to replace stuff that is wearing out, and when it does bear in mind these were £21K cars new in '93 (or c£35-40K @ todays money)... ..so you need to budget for this and expect to cover this as maintenance..
To put it in perspective-
This year, mine passed its MOT without a single advisory, (16 yrs old, 170K+ miles)
However, I have had to replace pretty much the entire cooling system (rad, hoses, pumps etc, plus other odds and sods) at a cost of £1300 (none of which would have caused an MOT 'fail', but was reaching 'end of life').
Previous 3 years prior to this, aside from replacing an exhaust back box and downpipe, and fixing a sunroof and electric window, I've not spent a penny other than servicing and tyres..
So v. good car if looked after, however it will need looking after, so go in with your eyes open (and don't buy a lemon else it really will cost you)..
I have to say that most of what I replaced probably reflects the car's age and now it has 158,500 on the clock. Pound for pound I still think I have a lot of car for the money.
I have an oil and oil filter change every 5,000 miles and a full service every 10,000 miles. The last MOT I just had to get a bulb replaced the MOT before a new tyre. It usually sails through its MOT but I am very attentive to any niggles and nip them in the bud.
A PHer who owns (at least at time of driving mine) a DB9 Zagato absolutely loved driving mine and was raving about it to the guys who worked on his car
I have an oil and oil filter change every 5,000 miles and a full service every 10,000 miles. The last MOT I just had to get a bulb replaced the MOT before a new tyre. It usually sails through its MOT but I am very attentive to any niggles and nip them in the bud.
A PHer who owns (at least at time of driving mine) a DB9 Zagato absolutely loved driving mine and was raving about it to the guys who worked on his car
Edited by EmmaP on Sunday 4th October 10:28
Hi,
I had one as a daily driver between 2001 and 2007, from 75000 miles to 160000 miles. Great car and, for the performance, age and mileage not really that expensive to run considereing that i'm fussy and like things to be right.
Earlier comments about exhausts lasting well I concurr with - the rear section was replaced by the previous Owner just before I bought the car and it didn't need any attention.
The timing chain seems to be a bit of a scare. Mine was original when I sold the car at 160000 miles. Only just starting to make a little noise. My plan was always to get it changed when the clutch went - but at 160000 miles I was still on the original clutch. For those who don't know, the timing chain is on the gearbox end of the engine and requires the gearbox to come off to get to it, rather than being on the "front" like a timing belt.
Most comfortable car to sit in for an extended period that i've driven.
The only niggling things that I had with mine were all of the plastic components of the cooling system cracking and leaking with age - got them all changed along with the hoses.
Great car to drive, fantastic sound and if you find a good one will be a rewarding purchase. You do need to love it and take care of it, which will, of course, cost more than running a Focus.
I had one as a daily driver between 2001 and 2007, from 75000 miles to 160000 miles. Great car and, for the performance, age and mileage not really that expensive to run considereing that i'm fussy and like things to be right.
Earlier comments about exhausts lasting well I concurr with - the rear section was replaced by the previous Owner just before I bought the car and it didn't need any attention.
The timing chain seems to be a bit of a scare. Mine was original when I sold the car at 160000 miles. Only just starting to make a little noise. My plan was always to get it changed when the clutch went - but at 160000 miles I was still on the original clutch. For those who don't know, the timing chain is on the gearbox end of the engine and requires the gearbox to come off to get to it, rather than being on the "front" like a timing belt.
Most comfortable car to sit in for an extended period that i've driven.
The only niggling things that I had with mine were all of the plastic components of the cooling system cracking and leaking with age - got them all changed along with the hoses.
Great car to drive, fantastic sound and if you find a good one will be a rewarding purchase. You do need to love it and take care of it, which will, of course, cost more than running a Focus.
SuperchargedVR6 said:
That right there is one of the best things you can do to a VR6
Do bear in mind that it does make the car a much less relaxed motorway cruiser and does harm your mpg on motorway journeys. Imagine grinding along in 4th rather than 5th and you get the idea. Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 6th October 17:03
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