1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Volkswagen Lupo MOT pass rate and common faults

335 MOT tests in 2024. 58.2% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time58.2%
Failed or needed repairs41.8%
Typical mileage at test83,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 335 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits9.9%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits8.1%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.4%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.8%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.5%
    35 marked dangerous
  6. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.9%
  7. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.6%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  9. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.3%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks35.8%
  2. Lights & electrics28.7%
  3. Brakes20.9%
  4. Suspension11.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.1%
  6. Tyres8.1%
  7. Body & chassis7.5%
  8. Steering3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine24.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.5%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases14.9%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened12.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.2%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 1999 Volkswagen Lupo cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 24)57.8%419 tests
2024 pass rate (age 25)58.2%335 tests
Change in one year+0.4 pointsaverage car: +0.7 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 1999 Volkswagen Lupo is ageing about the same as an average car.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Lupo years2000 Lupo →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Volkswagen Lupo?

In 2024, 58.2% of 1999 Volkswagen Lupo cars passed their MOT first time, across 335 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Volkswagen Lupo?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Lupo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Lupo getting worse with age?

In 2023, 57.8% passed first time. In 2024, 58.2% passed (+0.4 points). An average car that age changed by +0.7 points, so the 1999 Volkswagen Lupo is ageing about the same as average.