2002 Volkswagen Lupo 1.4L Petrol · DU02 MFJ

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a persistent trend of aging rubber components and ongoing fluid leaks. The most recent test in February 2026 at 147,198 miles flagged multiple advisories related to wear, including deteriorated brake hoses, perishing tyres, and an oil leak. While the car passes, the recurring nature of these issues suggests that preventative maintenance is being deferred until the MOT inspection interval rather than being addressed when components reach a state of decay. At 147,198 miles, the Lupo has followed a consistent usage pattern of approximately 6,000 miles per year, which is typical for a 24-year-old vehicle. There is a notable gap in records between December 2021 and January 2023, where the car covered 14,152 miles, but since then the mileage accumulation has remained steady. The low annual mileage suggests the engine has not faced extreme mechanical stress, though the age age explains the advanced degradation of rubber parts like bump stops and brake hoses seen in the history. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the chronic oil leaks, which have appeared in every test record since at least 2021. The tester noted leaks at the central front, central rear, and nearside front, indicating potential gasket failures or seal degradation. The suspension system also requires close attention, as front ball joints and anti-roll bar bushes have been flagged for play and wear since 2021. The buyer should verify if the rear brake pipe corrosion noted in 2025 has been treated or replaced, and specifically check the rear coil springs for further structural corrosion beyond the previously reported surface.