2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Volkswagen Lupo MOT pass rate and common faults

1,015 MOT tests in 2024. 60.1% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time60.1%
Failed or needed repairs39.9%
Typical mileage at test80,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,015 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.7%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.8%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.3%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.8%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.7%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.5%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks20.4%
  3. Suspension18.2%
  4. Brakes17.3%
  5. Body & chassis13.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.1%
  7. Tyres6.0%
  8. Steering3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.3%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.8%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened11.6%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2004 Volkswagen Lupo cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 19)61.0%1,152 tests
2024 pass rate (age 20)60.1%1,015 tests
Change in one year−0.9 pointsaverage car: +0.4 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2004 Volkswagen Lupo is ageing worse than an average car, so problems may be starting to build up at this age.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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.

← 2003 LupoAll Lupo years2005 Lupo →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Volkswagen Lupo?

In 2024, 60.1% of 2004 Volkswagen Lupo cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,015 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Volkswagen Lupo?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo getting worse with age?

In 2023, 61.0% passed first time. In 2024, 60.1% passed (−0.9 points). An average car that age changed by +0.4 points, so the 2004 Volkswagen Lupo is ageing worse than average.