2002 Volkswagen Lupo 1.0L Petrol · HW02 AKP

The 2025‑09‑12 MOT at 134,689 miles records a failure, so the Volkswagen Lupo is presently not roadworthy; the maintenance trend is worsening, as the same exhaust‑related faults have appeared in every test since mid‑2023, with lambda readings and headlamp aim problems persisting across multiple inspections. Mileage has risen irregularly over the past five years, moving from 97,864 miles in early 2020 to 134,689 miles by September 2025, a gain of roughly 36,825 miles in just over a year, while the annual average remains low at about 5,600 miles per year, suggesting long periods of inactivity interspersed with periods of use and a notable drop in recorded mileage between 2020 and 2021. Recurring issues centre on the exhaust system, with lambda readings and carbon monoxide levels exceeding limits in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and with insecure or leaking exhaust components noted in each test; suspension wear is also persistent, with rear and front bush and ball joint deterioration recurring from 2020 onward, and brake hose corrosion appearing in 2022, 2023 and 2024; structural rust on the rear sub‑frame and rear axle has been recorded since 2018, and oil leaks have been present in most tests. A buyer should therefore inspect the condition of the exhaust manifold and lambda sensor, verify that the exhaust is securely mounted and free of leaks, examine suspension bushes, ball joints and track‑rod ends for excessive play, check brake hoses and calipers for binding or severe corrosion, assess the extent of rust on the rear sub‑frame and axle, confirm tyre tread depth and overall tyre condition, and look for any fresh oil leaks or fluid loss.