VW Lupo 1. Generation 1.0, 50 PS, 5-speed manual (1998–2005)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW Lupo (1998-2005): known problems and buying guide

  A simple, cheap car with moderate risk. Check the heater on early petrols, the 2002 brake recall and the roof rust before you buy.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Heater on the early petrols. Ask whether the auxiliary heater ("Zusatzheizung") on the crankcase vent is fitted. Bad result: no heater on a 1998 or 1999 car, and no record of a retrofit.
2. Rear axle. Look at the rear axle mounts and the rear suspension on a lift. Bad result: play, or damage at the mounts. Rear axle faults are more common than front ones.
3. Front wheel bearings. Drive at speed and listen for noise from the wheel arches. Bad result: a noise from a front wheel, on a car with high mileage.
4. Roof gutters and rails. Check the roof gutters and roof rails from inside and outside with a torch. Bad result: bubbling paint or rust at the gutter.
5. Brake hoses. Look at the rubber brake hoses at each wheel. Ask when they were last changed. Bad result: cracks or swelling, or no record on a car more than four years old.
6. Window switches. Use every window switch and the central locking, from the key and from inside. Bad result: a window drops, sticks or stops.
7. Brake booster line recall. Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for open campaigns, and ask for proof that the 2002 brake vacuum line check was done. Bad result: no proof, or a hard brake pedal.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions