1999 Volkswagen Lupo petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Volkswagen Lupo petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Volkswagen Lupo petrol than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.3× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  15.4% All 1999 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15%, against 4.6% of all 1999 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  25.8% All 1999 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 1999 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.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  19.6% All 1999 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.5% of all 1999 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.

• Suspension arm3.9× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  10.5% All 1999 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 1999 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.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  15.6% All 1999 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At 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.

Common 1999 Volkswagen Lupo petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 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
  39% 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 emissions
  31% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  28% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 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 emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Lupo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Lupo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Volkswagen Lupo petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?