Like many automotive enthusiasts, certain cars hold a special place in my memory, often tied to specific periods in life. For me, the early 2000s were marked by an exciting, albeit financially challenging, ownership experience with a 1993 Volkswagen Corrado VR6. Despite its quirks and tendency to demand attention (and my limited budget at the time), the Corrado left an indelible mark.
Back then, fresh out of active duty and not exactly flush with cash, I took the plunge and bought my friend’s meticulously maintained and tastefully modified ’93 Corrado. It was his prized possession, a weekend toy that benefited from his dedicated care. However, even with his best efforts, the car seemed determined to test my financial limits. From peculiar electrical gremlins, like the windows deciding to lower themselves unprompted, to more concerning issues such as consuming a quart of oil every couple of hundred miles, ownership was an adventure.
Ultimately, after about a year of this rollercoaster, practicality won. I sold the Corrado and opted for a Certified Pre-Owned Audi A4 1.8tq – a car that proved to be significantly more reliable and, crucially, came with a warranty.
Yet, time has a way of softening memories, and I now look back at my Corrado years with a certain fondness. Perhaps it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s the realization that my circumstances have changed. Today, I have a garage, a proper set of tools, and dependable daily drivers. This has reignited a desire to once again own a Corrado.
Driven by this renewed interest, I even attempted to track down my old car, only to discover it had been totaled by a subsequent owner. Disappointing, but it led me to explore the market, and I recently came across a rather appealing 1994 model listed on VW Vortex. This particular Corrado, located in Arizona, is a well-preserved and extensively modified example. It boasts a rebuilt 2.9-liter forged engine, a limited-slip differential, and is adorned with the kind of desirable European parts I had always admired and, to some extent, incorporated on my previous Corrado. The current owner, a gentleman in his 60s, has cherished it as a toy for the past 15 years, suggesting a history of careful ownership.
The prospect of acquiring this ’94 Corrado is tempting. I envision either a weekend road trip with my six-year-old son to drive it back, or perhaps an ambitious single-day “One Lap” style return journey.
Alt text: Side profile of a green Volkswagen Corrado SLC, showcasing its sporty coupe design.
My primary reservation with this Arizona Corrado is its color – green. While it’s the unique shade offered for 1994, and arguably more appealing than the earlier, darker greens, it remains my least favorite hue for this model. Thankfully, it features the desirable black leather interior. The odometer reading of 147,000 miles is also noteworthy, preventing it from reaching the stratospheric prices commanded by ultra-low mileage examples that have recently appeared at auction sites like Bring a Trailer (BaT). However, the offered price is genuinely fair, only marginally higher than stock Corrados with comparable mileage I’ve observed in online listings.
Herein lies my dilemma. Logically, I don’t need another car. My garage currently houses a 996 Turbo, which capably fulfills the “fun car” role. Yet, the allure of the Corrado persists. My rationale, perhaps self-justification, is that I believe I wouldn’t incur a significant financial loss should I decide to sell it in a few years. Hagerty, the classic car insurance and valuation experts, has recently identified the Corrado as a “buy,” predicting a potential upward trend in values.
So, I find myself at a crossroads. Do I succumb to the nostalgic pull and the potential investment opportunity of this Slc Corrado, despite already having a capable sports car? I’m genuinely interested in hearing your thoughts. What are your perspectives on adding a Corrado to the garage when a 996 Turbo is already present? Is the charm and potential appreciation of an SLC Corrado enough to justify the acquisition?
