Hi
Good choice can't beat a 2
I've been driving them as a daily driver for about 12years now and I've never been let down. If well looked after the engines are easily good for 200k so the mileage thing shouldn't be an issue.
I've owned both 8 & 16v models and personally I would go for the 16v every time. The driving experience isn't as relaxed as the 8v because you really need to keep the revs about 4k to reap the benefits of the multi-valve head, so more gear changes are required. However when the 8v is running out of puff the 16v is just coming to life. On average expect 30-35mpg from a 16v and 35-40 from an 8v. Due to the nature of the 16v engine though it can be harder to find one that hasn't been thrashed its whole life.
On the road a mk2 has a really solid feel and handles extremely well for a car of its age (nowhere near as much skipping about and oversteer as a 205). You'll have a constant grin on your face in the dry weather as you squeel the tyres round corners and roundabouts whilst still being in complete control.
I haven't driven a corrado but being based on a mk2 chassis the handling is similar with some improvements to make it even better. My mate had a vr6 raddo and reckons its the most fun he has ever had in a car.
Performance figures were 112bhp for the 8v and 139bhp for the 16v when new, if well maintained some cars may still be producing this or even a little more now the engines are nicely loosened up.
Brakes are not an issue on the mk2, I've always found them very capable.
Obviously now these cars are 15 years old at best you have to expect some teething troubles but that's all part of owning a modern day classic. Things such as perished vacuum lines, corroded brake lines, perished flexi-hoses, tired shocks, worn wheel bearings, suspension bushes etc all have to be expected.
The best advice is find one with the best bodywork you can afford as everything else can be unbolted and replaced.
Hope this helps
Toby
