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. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  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%

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).