2001 Volkswagen Lupo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volkswagen Lupo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volkswagen Lupo than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Sub-frame2.8× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  13.6% All 2001 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  13.5% All 2001 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.5% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Suspension arm2.5× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  9.1% All 2001 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes2.6× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  7.4% All 2001 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At 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.

• Engine warning light2.3× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  3.7% All 2001 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2001 Volkswagen Lupo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Volkswagen Lupo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Brakes
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  29% 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 leaks
  26% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Volkswagen Lupo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Lupo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Lupo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2001 Volkswagen Lupo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?