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There's an excellent reason why you should buy a used Volkswagen Scirocco - quite simply, you can't buy them new any more. That means that there are only a finite number of these beautiful creatures out there, so if you've always fancied one, now is your time to find one in the best possible condition.
That's not to say that there won't ever be another, but there was a long gap between the end of the old versions in 1992 and the launch of the more recent one in 2008.
There is a lot to love about the Scirocco, so let's have a look at it in more detail.
The word "Scirocco" means a hot North African wind. It blows through with searing heat. Then it's gone—an excellent metaphor for its automotive namesake, which perhaps has blown away too soon. The Scirocco was a trendy car until it ceased production in 2017, making room for other new models.
Based on the Golf platform but with a rakish two-door coupe-style body, the Scirocco is for those who want the solid dependability of a Golf, but with slightly more exciting looks.
Its svelte lines do come at a cost against the Golf; the Scirocco is a strict four-seater, has quite a low roofline for rear passengers and has a smaller boot, so if you're expecting practicality, then cast your eyes back to the Golf. But if you'd like a Golf that's a bit more fun, the Scirocco is definitely for you.
As you would expect, build quality both inside and out is fantastic. Some owners found the interior a little sober compared to the glitzy exterior, but everything works as it should and feels nice to touch in that unrivalled Germanic way.
The Scirocco is pleasant to drive with a solid, planted ride and decent handling. Although you sit low, visibility is pretty good, and while the rear windscreen is relatively small, the hatchback style back end makes it easy to reverse.
The Scirocco was facelifted in 2014 for its final three years, with changes including re-sculpted bumpers, LED daytime running lights, interior tweaks and new alloy wheel and engine choices. So if you can afford it, look for one of the facelift models, which will look fresher for longer. We'll concentrate this review on the more recent version.
Expect rock-solid residuals from the Scirocco, especially considering they are now out of production. It will not be cheap to buy, but it will undoubtedly hold on to its value for years to come.
As with any VW Group Diesel, pay close attention to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) because these can block cars that have mainly driven short journeys or round town, causing potentially expensive issues.
Sciroccos are known for heavy wear on the front tyres, so make sure your prospective purchase has lots of tread left. Look out for electrical gremlins such as airbag faults as well.
Essentially, look carefully at the dashboard for any warning lights that may suggest something isn't quite right, but if you're buying from a dealer, it should be thoroughly inspected and ready to go.
As long as it's been regularly serviced and well looked after, your Scirocco should give you many miles of fun and reliability.
