Volkswagen Lupo 1.4 S 3d (1999/V) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Very good value - the purchase price reflects the design integrity and construction quality.
Costs
Company car Tax at 40% - excellent, my tax bill is negligible. 45mpg average, even with hard driving.
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On the road
Driving
Very nippy. Good motorway cruiser. Good handling. Feels very solid and safe. I have lots of fun with it. It is excellent in heavy traffic and a doddle to park.
Performance
Has its limits, but I don't mind using the rev range and then serious embarrasment can be inflicted on supposedly faster cars.
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Living with it
Reliability
Not as good as a Golf Mark 2 1.8 GL I owned 14 years ago.
Image
I think it makes the Ford Ka (my other option at the time) seem cheap and naff in comparison. I have absolutely no reservations about visiting clients in it - they are not funding an expensive toy.
Comfort
I am 6 feet tall - no problems, even on long motorway journies. Lifting young kids into kiddy seats in the back is easier than with much bigger cars.
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Security and Service
Security
I like the lock all the doors button inside. I don't think it has an alarm, but I am lucky enough to live in a very low crime area, so it doesn't really need one for me.
Service
For my purpose, this is a brilliant car and very under-appreciated.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Failed to start once, but AA man got it going in about 2 mins. Engine idle speed surging.
Other
Exhaust cracked somewhere near the engine and had to be replaced at 18 months.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes