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. Position lamp: not working2.5%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.5%

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%

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.

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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).