What To BuyThe first choice a prospective VW Scirocco buyer has to make is whether he or she wants a first- or second-generation car. The first generation Sciroccos are pure to Giugiaro's vision and design and have a style all their own. In stock form they aren't fast but they are pretty. They are also more than 25 years old and were prone to rusting even when new. Finding a clean and healthy first-generation Scirocco is becoming more and more difficult, although scruffy cars are readily and cheaply available. Ideally, the best version of the first-generation cars are the last ones from the early 1980s, with their five-speed transmissions, slightly larger motors and nicer interiors. Having said that, the interchangeable nature of water-cooled Volkswagen models makes it easy to perform engine and driveline transplants. An early first generation car can be upgraded with an 8-valve or even 16-valve engine, and a five-speed transmission from a later Golf. Still, if you do find a clean, rust-free first-generation Scirocco in unmolested condition, you might consider leaving it original, as those cars are becoming rare. Prices on early Sciroccos go from free-if-you-tow-it-away to several thousand dollars for something really desirable.
If you want a second generation Scirocco, your choices are simpler. First of all, these are much newer cars, so they are more plentiful. Second, they were much better protected against corrosion, so your chances of finding a solid car are better. There is also no doubt that the 16-valve Scirocco made from 1986 to 1988 is the car to buy. These were fast, even by today's standards, comfortable, and still retain a hint of Giugiaro's original design. Be aware, however, these are not the same simple VW Beetles that could be fixed with a pocketknife and some good intentions. The Volkswagen 16-valve engine, while not too fussy, is nonetheless complex and sophisticated machinery that requires mechanical skill to work on. This is one of the few old Volkswagens about which you might want to know some history before you shell out significant money. A pile of repair bills and records of good maintenance would be a real plus on any car you were looking to buy. As with the earlier cars, a whole tuning industry grew up supporting them, and parts and know-how are easily obtained. For many, a 1980s Scirocco is just a used car, so bargains are out there. Even in near perfect shape, the book values for the last 16-valve cars built in 1988 are still only around $2,500 and drivable cars regularly show up in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. With prices this cheap, it makes sense to find absolutely the best car you can get, and they are still out there. One thing is certain: It will never again be this cheap to get a really nice 16-valve Scirocco.
SummaryThe Volkswagen Scirocco represented a whole new direction for Volkswagen. It was the first true performance car from a company that has worked hard to build a driver-oriented performance image. The first-generation cars from the 1970s are pretty and pure, while the second-generation cars, especially those with the 16-valve engine, are a true performance bargain. It's easy to swap engines within the Volkswagen family of vehicles, meaning a Scirocco enthusiast has plenty of options, from mild to wild. As a day-to-day beater, canyon racer, autocross terror or custom show car, the Volkswagen Scirocco is a choice easy to embrace. It is a landmark car whose owner never has to make excuses for having chosen a Volkswagen.