2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Volkswagen Lupo MOT pass rate and common faults

1,026 MOT tests in 2024. 59.6% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time59.6%
Failed or needed repairs40.4%
Typical mileage at test88,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,026 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.5%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.1%
  3. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.9%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.7%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.0%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.9%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics30.1%
  2. Brakes23.9%
  3. Suspension17.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks16.4%
  5. Body & chassis12.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.4%
  7. Tyres7.3%
  8. Steering3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.9%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.9%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2001 Volkswagen Lupo cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 22)58.1%1,201 tests
2024 pass rate (age 23)59.6%1,026 tests
Change in one year+1.4 pointsaverage car: +0.7 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2001 Volkswagen Lupo is ageing about the same as an average car.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Volkswagen Lupo?

In 2024, 59.6% of 2001 Volkswagen Lupo cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,026 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Volkswagen Lupo?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; service brake imbalance: across an axle. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Lupo reliable at MOT time?

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

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Lupo getting worse with age?

In 2023, 58.1% passed first time. In 2024, 59.6% passed (+1.4 points). An average car that age changed by +0.7 points, so the 2001 Volkswagen Lupo is ageing about the same as average.