2004 Volkswagen Lupo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  19.5% All 2004 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  14.7% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Flexible brake hoses2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Lupo

  11.6% All 2004 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Common 2004 Volkswagen Lupo diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  50% 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
  45% 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
  36% 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
  31% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  15% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

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

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 2× as often on the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?