The Vauxhall Corsa is the first car of choice for many parents and new drivers alike, with its reliable and comfortable driving, standard tech such as Bluetooth connectivity and the fact it is affordable and cheap to run! But what things do you need to look out for when buying a used Corsa?
First of all, Corsas tend to be a younger driver’s car, so make sure to have a good once over and make sure there is no mistreatment or damage from bumps of scratches, as this would suggest it may have had a rough owner previously. It is also important to know what you want from your car, as the number of Corsas on the used market is mind-boggling!
This guide will be looking primarily at the models between 2015 and 2020. Our advice would be to stick around that range if you are looking for a well-specified model that won’t have astronomical mileage! The Vauxhall Corsa hasn’t been known for holding its value well, so you will be able to find a relatively new model for a very reasonable price. Unlike a VW or Audi, where the price seems to stay frustratingly high for used models.
Vauxhall turned up the wick in May 2015 with the 202bhp Corsa VXR. The GSi joined a slimmed-down range in summer 2018, featuring the VXR’s chassis, 17-inch alloys and a 148bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine. That simplified line-up featured seven trims and a cleaner 1.4-litre engine. In October 2018 Vauxhall added the £11,695 1.4-litre Corsa Griffin to mark 25 years of Corsa sales in the UK.
Interior & Specification
Before the 2019 facelift, the standard equipment in the Corsa was pretty lacking in the lower trim options but you still got Bluetooth connectivity, multifunction steering wheel and cruise control. While the newer models benefit from Vauxhalls update in interior tech and quality such as Apple Carplay/Android Auto.
Vauxhall received a boost in popularity after the release of its new models, including the all-electric Corsa-e, leading to the Corsa being named as the runner-up in our ‘Bestsellers of 2020’ article, with over 46,000 of them sold in 2020!
2019 Facelift
The re-design of the Corsa brought about a rise in popularity once again for the little hatch, but does it look better than it did? Personally, I think it looks brilliant and the options for personalisation are staggering! In the last 3 years or so, the Corsa has gone from being the has been hatch to the new challenger for the Fiesta’s dominance!
Which engine is best?
The turbocharged 1.0 and 1.4-litre petrol engines are the ones to go for, because both offer plenty of zip with decent economy, while the diesel engine is worth considering if you do a lot of driving on the motorway – although the Easytronic transmission isn’t well liked and it’s less reliable than the manual.
The newer models all come with an automatic option and have strong options. If you are looking for performance, the 202bhp VXR model is the one for you. You can also get a 148bhp 1.4 petrol engine in your new Corsa shapes, but they are on the expensive side of the coin!
Best for economy
Our pick for the most economical is probably the 1.0-litre petrol, with upwards of 55-60mpg
Best for Performance
I think you will guess this one already but the VXR with its 200+bhp is the one to beat in terms of outright performance.
Common Faults
The new models will be relatively free of issues for the most part unless you are very unlucky. But if you do plan to venture into the world of older models, it is well worth knowing what commonly goes wrong!
The two main issues are, firstly, the handbrake. Sometimes the mounting end of the handbrake cable can move in its bracket, resulting in a loss of the brake! Word of advice don’t park on a hill!
Older Corsas also suffer from electrical issues such as the central locking and ignition sometimes have a hissy-fit and decide you are staying in the car but not going anywhere… how terrifying!
Alternatives
The Corsa falls into the same category as the Fiesta and MINI, and these two are probably good alternatives if you find the Corsa isn’t for you. The Ford Fiesta has been number 1 on the bestsellers lists in the UK for a while now, and with good reason! With strong engines, great economy, playful chassis while remaining cheap and easy to run!
While the MINI may not be as popular, it is very similar in a lot of ways to the Corsa, offering an affordable small hatch that will do what it says on the tin! You will get a slightly higher build quality with MINI, but you may be disappointed with the lack of standard equipment.
Verdict
The Vauxhall Corsa is very popular and cheap in the world of used cars, being one of the cars we finance the most! The real question comes when deciding what you want from a car. if you want a car that will warm your bum, massage your back while also throwing around on a track, then this isn’t the car you are looking for. But, if you want a reliable, comfortable daily driver that won’t blow a hole in your wallet but will also be bags of fun, then the Corsa is right up your street!
