Talk me into this... Clio 172/182 or Corrado VR6
Discussion
So, I do about 35k a year in a company supplied, E90 Touring, capable but dull. I've got a 675 Daytona for thrills, but am considering getting one of the above for a bit of fun.
Budget.is about 2.5 to 3.2k, and the car will used for weekends and just as a distraction from the company bus. Missus has a new Fiat 500 for ferrying our 5 year old about.
I realise the two cars are very different, the clio being more modern but has it got a bad image? The Corrado is an acquired taste I know but I like them but am concerned about the ability to sit unused for a week at a time at what is an old car now.
Any thoughts or experience of either?
Running costs are not an issue as they won't do enough miles to make a difference.
Budget.is about 2.5 to 3.2k, and the car will used for weekends and just as a distraction from the company bus. Missus has a new Fiat 500 for ferrying our 5 year old about.
I realise the two cars are very different, the clio being more modern but has it got a bad image? The Corrado is an acquired taste I know but I like them but am concerned about the ability to sit unused for a week at a time at what is an old car now.
Any thoughts or experience of either?
Running costs are not an issue as they won't do enough miles to make a difference.
Well, the Clio will be a lighter and more direct steer, that sublime VR6 engine does slightly affect the excellent Corrado chassis. I am probably not the best person to answer as I am totally addicted to Corrado VR6s (currently on my 7th!). The Corrado is a pretty old car now, it was rare when new so very rare sight on roads now. There are a few out there to avoid, anything heavily modded I would steer clear of personally, cars that have passed through lots of hands. The owners club is the best place to find one, also check out the Corrado Forum, a very useful resource and a friendly bunch.
The Corrado, in original condition, good fettle is a brilliant car to run as a second car. They are superb all rounders- handling lovely, amazing engine (particularly with an BMC Induction/Sport Exhaust). It can carry 4 adults, has lovely comfy supportive seats and an excellent size boot space. A consummate grand tourer that can also cut it in the twisties, it will easily give mid 30s MPG on a cruise and will sit at 100 all day long on the autobahn. The party piece of the automatic Rear Spolier that does its stuff at approx 60mph, ut can also be raised and lowered manually. The car good for nearly 150mph, it does 0-60 in mid 6s, with the 30-70 being particularly brisk, they are very lusty even in standard fettle. Regarding spec, don't believe the hype of the Storm, it has nothing special that other VR6s weren't specd with. The one thing I would look for is leather interior spec wise, avoid red as has a tendency to turn pink at this age. Otherwise buy on condition and provenance, not colour or spec. Oh, and probably best to avoid the Auto unless you specifically need one. It's not particularly suited to the character of the car and the engine is best mated to the 5speed manual. Any car that is over around 80k miles (which ill be most nowadays) benefits from having had the Timing Chains & Tensioners replaced. Listen for rattly chains. The clutch is usually done at the same time. Most Specialists charge around 1200 for this preventative work. Look for evidence in the history, if its not been done its a good bargaining point. Obviously look for good regular oil changes and servicing.
Another known weak point is the electric sunroof. As part to the service schedule they are supposed to have the rails greased. Most people have not done this, hence the inherent weakness in the motor/wire mechanism is exposed by having to work too hard. Most cars seem to now have a non-working or non-sliding sunroof. Although my 20 year old item works perfectly as its nicely greased. Body panels no longer produced as Karmann out of business. The mechanicals are mostly easy/cheap to obtain as parts are generally VAG shared, body panels much harder to get hold of.
The Clio is a totally different proposition, it is a car to be driven on B roads that will probably frustrate elsewhere, but as you have other more suitable cars that may not be an issue. I would be looking for a Clio Trophy if it was me.
A good original, low owner, low miles Corrado VR6 will be roughly between 4000 to 6000., Although useable cars with decent histories and most jobs attended to can be had for around 3000. If you're lucky the occasional minter comes up from someone who doesn't know what they have for less than 3500. Needless to say these cars will not be through the Owners Club or Forum. Sources of such cars probably Auction Site, AutoTrader & even Pistonheads occasionally. I reckon a good Clio Trophy would be around the same 5k level. I always put as much in as possible to the purchase amount with an older car, saving chasing issues around a car from the outset during ownership.
Regarding reliability, as long as you do your homework and get a good one, then they are very reliable and useable. I have only ever had one breakdown in the 8 Corrado's I have owned (covering approx 120k miles). Like any car they benefit from being used regularly, but once a week should be fine. Obviously better to be garaged, but my current car sits on the driveway and always starts first time and hasn't missed a beat. It is a 58k mile minter though!
The best part of the Corrado ownership experience for me is that they are now uber rare. I am constantly being congratulated on it and people always want to discuss it (virtually every time I drive it). I'm sure there will be people along in a minute telling you that it's now too old and is outclassed by modern cars. My view is that if I have to try and explain it then you will never understand! Some people just get them. Have a drive of one, actually drive several. A poorly set up/maintained example will feel awful and old, a good one will feel lovely and individual. I always come back to them
Both great cars, I'm just a Corrado man as you can probably tell!
The Corrado, in original condition, good fettle is a brilliant car to run as a second car. They are superb all rounders- handling lovely, amazing engine (particularly with an BMC Induction/Sport Exhaust). It can carry 4 adults, has lovely comfy supportive seats and an excellent size boot space. A consummate grand tourer that can also cut it in the twisties, it will easily give mid 30s MPG on a cruise and will sit at 100 all day long on the autobahn. The party piece of the automatic Rear Spolier that does its stuff at approx 60mph, ut can also be raised and lowered manually. The car good for nearly 150mph, it does 0-60 in mid 6s, with the 30-70 being particularly brisk, they are very lusty even in standard fettle. Regarding spec, don't believe the hype of the Storm, it has nothing special that other VR6s weren't specd with. The one thing I would look for is leather interior spec wise, avoid red as has a tendency to turn pink at this age. Otherwise buy on condition and provenance, not colour or spec. Oh, and probably best to avoid the Auto unless you specifically need one. It's not particularly suited to the character of the car and the engine is best mated to the 5speed manual. Any car that is over around 80k miles (which ill be most nowadays) benefits from having had the Timing Chains & Tensioners replaced. Listen for rattly chains. The clutch is usually done at the same time. Most Specialists charge around 1200 for this preventative work. Look for evidence in the history, if its not been done its a good bargaining point. Obviously look for good regular oil changes and servicing.
Another known weak point is the electric sunroof. As part to the service schedule they are supposed to have the rails greased. Most people have not done this, hence the inherent weakness in the motor/wire mechanism is exposed by having to work too hard. Most cars seem to now have a non-working or non-sliding sunroof. Although my 20 year old item works perfectly as its nicely greased. Body panels no longer produced as Karmann out of business. The mechanicals are mostly easy/cheap to obtain as parts are generally VAG shared, body panels much harder to get hold of.
The Clio is a totally different proposition, it is a car to be driven on B roads that will probably frustrate elsewhere, but as you have other more suitable cars that may not be an issue. I would be looking for a Clio Trophy if it was me.
A good original, low owner, low miles Corrado VR6 will be roughly between 4000 to 6000., Although useable cars with decent histories and most jobs attended to can be had for around 3000. If you're lucky the occasional minter comes up from someone who doesn't know what they have for less than 3500. Needless to say these cars will not be through the Owners Club or Forum. Sources of such cars probably Auction Site, AutoTrader & even Pistonheads occasionally. I reckon a good Clio Trophy would be around the same 5k level. I always put as much in as possible to the purchase amount with an older car, saving chasing issues around a car from the outset during ownership.
Regarding reliability, as long as you do your homework and get a good one, then they are very reliable and useable. I have only ever had one breakdown in the 8 Corrado's I have owned (covering approx 120k miles). Like any car they benefit from being used regularly, but once a week should be fine. Obviously better to be garaged, but my current car sits on the driveway and always starts first time and hasn't missed a beat. It is a 58k mile minter though!
The best part of the Corrado ownership experience for me is that they are now uber rare. I am constantly being congratulated on it and people always want to discuss it (virtually every time I drive it). I'm sure there will be people along in a minute telling you that it's now too old and is outclassed by modern cars. My view is that if I have to try and explain it then you will never understand! Some people just get them. Have a drive of one, actually drive several. A poorly set up/maintained example will feel awful and old, a good one will feel lovely and individual. I always come back to them
Both great cars, I'm just a Corrado man as you can probably tell!
Edited by billzeebub on Tuesday 27th May 00:17
NelsonR32 said:
You won't get a decent VR6 for that price. Just a tired moneypit. You'll need to at least 1500 to your budget.
I would get the 182 personally. Loads around and cheaper parts.
I generally concur with this, but there are the occasional cars hat pop up in magnificent condition for around the 3000 to 3500 level. I know this as my last Storm cost me 3000 in Summer 2013 and was widely regarded as immaculate in Club circles. They do crop up, as long as you're not in a hurry and can move quickly when they doI would get the 182 personally. Loads around and cheaper parts.
Edited by billzeebub on Monday 26th May 23:44
billzeebub said:
NelsonR32 said:
You won't get a decent VR6 for that price. Just a tired moneypit. You'll need to at least 1500 to your budget.
I would get the 182 personally. Loads around and cheaper parts.
I generally concur with this, but there are the occasional cars hat pop up in magnificent condition for around the 3000 to 3500 level. I know this as my last Storm cost me 3000 in Summer 2013 and was widely regarded as immaculate in Club circles. They do crop up, as long as you're not in a hurry and can move quickly when they doI would get the 182 personally. Loads around and cheaper parts.
Edited by billzeebub on Monday 26th May 23:44
There are examples of both for under 2k that would easily provide the required fun levels
aka_kerrly said:
billzeebub said:
NelsonR32 said:
You won't get a decent VR6 for that price. Just a tired moneypit. You'll need to at least 1500 to your budget.
I would get the 182 personally. Loads around and cheaper parts.
I generally concur with this, but there are the occasional cars hat pop up in magnificent condition for around the 3000 to 3500 level. I know this as my last Storm cost me 3000 in Summer 2013 and was widely regarded as immaculate in Club circles. They do crop up, as long as you're not in a hurry and can move quickly when they doI would get the 182 personally. Loads around and cheaper parts.
Edited by billzeebub on Monday 26th May 23:44
There are examples of both for under 2k that would easily provide the required fun levels
billzeebub said:
in my opinion its always best to put the funds in at purchase rather than end up with a 'project'. This philosophy has served me well over the years with, as far as I can remember, only 2 minor breakdowns ever..many tens of used cars. It will also be easier to recoup your investment the other end when you come to sell if a car has good history/provenance etc. 2K Corrados are inevitably projects, fine if thats what you want oot of a car, but it didnt sound like the OP was looking for that?! If OP has 3.5k to spend I would advise him to get the best car available within budget. The same would apply to the Clio
That's absolutely fine and good advice especially for those who aren't mechanically minded or inclined to work on their own cars. I'm quite happy taking a punt on a car at the lower end of the market if I can see the potential in it (especially when it comes to Corrados as I have plenty of experience/parts to hand.) Usually I have been quite lucky at spotting the cars that can be broken up for more than they cost me or buying a more expensive model that has been reliable or punted on for a (small) profit here and there.
My only other input is that the Corrado has a far far nicer driving position and better quality controls than the Clio which I've always struggled to get the seats in a good position and still comfortably get to the pedals and steering wheel.
hondansx said:
The Corrado was a good car for it's time, whereas the Clio will always be a good driver's car.
Id disagree and go as far as saying within another 10 years the Corrado will still be a modern classic where as the Clios (excluding perhaps CUP editions) will have largely gone the way that Astra GTEs have gone, a few wonderful examples a handful of utter crap and the rest dead and buried. PS I quite like the 172s and drove a few when I had a mk2 Golf GTI 16v and found the Clio had a lot of the same character but I just don't get on with French cars, my Xsara VTR didn't do a great deal for me either and yet those along with 306s get great feedback around here to.
Thanks for the replies guys.
As it will live outside, and be a toy, ultimate condition is not critical to me, it just needs to be presentable and healthy. I'm handy with the spanners so a anything other than welding/paintwork doesn't phase me.
As such, paying top money for either car doesn't make that much sense, although I can see where people are coming from.
At the moment, the Clio is making more sense, and I'd be looking at a cup version of either 172/182 as I have zero need for the extra toys.
But the Corrado....I've got very fond memories of a golf GTI 16v I owned about 10 years ago, and I've always liked Corrados, surely they are on the verge of being a modern classic?
I'm 36, so thinking I can maybe pull off a VR6 better than Clio.
i do like MX5's, and my lad is desperate for a convertible, but I'm more likely to get (and keep) the wife on board if she can come to.
As it will live outside, and be a toy, ultimate condition is not critical to me, it just needs to be presentable and healthy. I'm handy with the spanners so a anything other than welding/paintwork doesn't phase me.
As such, paying top money for either car doesn't make that much sense, although I can see where people are coming from.
At the moment, the Clio is making more sense, and I'd be looking at a cup version of either 172/182 as I have zero need for the extra toys.
But the Corrado....I've got very fond memories of a golf GTI 16v I owned about 10 years ago, and I've always liked Corrados, surely they are on the verge of being a modern classic?
I'm 36, so thinking I can maybe pull off a VR6 better than Clio.
i do like MX5's, and my lad is desperate for a convertible, but I'm more likely to get (and keep) the wife on board if she can come to.
^ shame you have missed out on 2 Corrado VR6s that I have bought in the last 6 months for under £1k, one was £250 with a duff head gasket - repaired and sold for £1k, the other I paid £750 for and I'm in the process of changing the chains, tensioners, clutch, fitting lightened flywheel and some head work with a view of keeping it a few more months possibly a year and expect to get at least £2k.
I dare say having been to a few Corrado Club of Great Britain meets I felt like one of if not the youngest person there (I'm 30.)so there are definitely a lot of mature owners out there!!
That said on the Corrado Forum (the-corrado.net/forum) there is a much wider range of owners from early 20s to chaps in their 50s, 60s who also have far far more expensive machinery in their garages but maintain their love for the Corrado.
I dare say having been to a few Corrado Club of Great Britain meets I felt like one of if not the youngest person there (I'm 30.)so there are definitely a lot of mature owners out there!!
That said on the Corrado Forum (the-corrado.net/forum) there is a much wider range of owners from early 20s to chaps in their 50s, 60s who also have far far more expensive machinery in their garages but maintain their love for the Corrado.
There's an interesting looking VR6 for sale on the forum at the moment, that lands within your budget.. looks like it's had some money spent in the right places:
http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?t=86939
http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?t=86939
Chicane-UK said:
There's an interesting looking VR6 for sale on the forum at the moment, that lands within your budget.. looks like it's had some money spent in the right places:
http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?t=86939
Always fancied owning a Blackberry example, there was just never a good one for sale when I was looking. This looks like an excellent example, work done at Stealth (the most knowledgable and helpful specialist in my opinion), inc the all important Chains & Tensioners. Looks a good un OPhttp://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?t=86939
Chicane-UK said:
There's an interesting looking VR6 for sale on the forum at the moment, that lands within your budget.. looks like it's had some money spent in the right places:
http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?t=86939
http://the-corrado.net/showthread.php?t=86939
That does indeed look like a good one!
f1nn said:
Thanks for the replies guys.
As it will live outside, and be a toy, ultimate condition is not critical to me, it just needs to be presentable and healthy. I'm handy with the spanners so a anything other than welding/paintwork doesn't phase me.
As such, paying top money for either car doesn't make that much sense, although I can see where people are coming from.
At the moment, the Clio is making more sense, and I'd be looking at a cup version of either 172/182 as I have zero need for the extra toys.
But the Corrado....I've got very fond memories of a golf GTI 16v I owned about 10 years ago, and I've always liked Corrados, surely they are on the verge of being a modern classic?
I'm 36, so thinking I can maybe pull off a VR6 better than Clio.
i do like MX5's, and my lad is desperate for a convertible, but I'm more likely to get (and keep) the wife on board if she can come to.
For less than 2.5k you can have my 172 cup As it will live outside, and be a toy, ultimate condition is not critical to me, it just needs to be presentable and healthy. I'm handy with the spanners so a anything other than welding/paintwork doesn't phase me.
As such, paying top money for either car doesn't make that much sense, although I can see where people are coming from.
At the moment, the Clio is making more sense, and I'd be looking at a cup version of either 172/182 as I have zero need for the extra toys.
But the Corrado....I've got very fond memories of a golf GTI 16v I owned about 10 years ago, and I've always liked Corrados, surely they are on the verge of being a modern classic?
I'm 36, so thinking I can maybe pull off a VR6 better than Clio.
i do like MX5's, and my lad is desperate for a convertible, but I'm more likely to get (and keep) the wife on board if she can come to.
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