Volkswagen Lupo (1999 - 2005) 1.4 S 3d (1999/V) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Can't afford much but likes something a bit different with a bit of style.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Friends loved it, Family liked it, Neighbors I have no idea and to be honest I've never really cared much.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Oh goodness no no no!! never again, I've had way too many problems in such a short space of time. Even my older KA was much less trouble to own in 5 years than this was in 4 months.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something similar sized but with a slightly larger boot would be good.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was in excellent condition when i bought it with only 65.000 miles and a full service and MOT history so it seemed mechanically sound at the time.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed a small city run around that could also cope with occasional motorway trips.

What was the dealer like?

Average

What's it like to drive?

Speed wise it was excellent it always reached 70mph fairly quickly and pulled like a small train thanks to its 1.4 making overtaking a doddle. My only issue was the handing especially in the rain since the car was a lot heavier than expected for its size meaning even at slow speeds on gentle bends and with 4 new goodyears fitted I had to slow to 15-20mph to take them safely without losing grip and sliding out of control.

What's it like to park?

So easy. Its a tiny vehicle with very small almost non existent overhangs and a small turning circle meaning even in London there is usually a space it could fit into.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Where do I start. I owned it for only 4 months and in that time these are the issues that followed: Front left suspension failed, radio failed, rear right suspension spring failed, front passenger wishbone and ball joint needed replacing as it caused the wheel to start listing inwards, thermostat failed, fuel gauge became unreliable, water leaked in when raining heavily from the windscreen passenger side, rear wiper stopped working it had also rusted then finally broke off whilst moving, developed a heavy oil leak from somewhere in the engine, and finally the gearbox gave up.

What's most practical about your car?

If anything it could at least fit 4 in relative comfort even on long journeys. As long as you left your bags at home since its quite generous to call the boot small.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The air con was a great addition but its not exactly dripping in gadgets it has just enough creature comforts to make a journey comfortable.