2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  18.3% All 2004 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.3× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  8.6% All 2004 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 2.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

• Transmission oil leaks3.4× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  5.1% All 2004 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes2.7× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  5.2% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  36% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  23% 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 an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?