1999 Volkswagen Lupo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Volkswagen Lupos, from 286 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 286 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1999 Volkswagen Lupos than on all cars registered in 1999.
- Exhaust system2.4× usualVolkswagen Lupo20.6% All 1999 cars8.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 2.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.3× usualVolkswagen Lupo15% All 1999 cars4.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 14.3%, against 4.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Suspension arm4.1× usualVolkswagen Lupo12.6% All 1999 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Coil springs2.3× usualVolkswagen Lupo17.8% All 1999 cars7.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Anti-roll bar link bushes4.5× usualVolkswagen Lupo11.2% All 1999 cars2.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
By area
The share of 1999 Volkswagen Lupo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes41% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Exhaust and emissions31% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Tyres30% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks30% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Lights and electrics29% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Looking at a Volkswagen Lupo?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 377 | Suspension 43% |
| 2004 | 905 | Suspension 47% |
| 2003 | 876 | Suspension 42% |
| 2002 | 1,210 | Suspension 47% |
| 2001 | 865 | Suspension 48% |
| 2000 | 629 | Suspension 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Volkswagen Lupos registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score