Lupo GTI

spoogle

spoogle

spoogle

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3 Sep 2008
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462
Alright folks, looking for some advice from any owners/previous owners.

New car thoughts : VW Lupo GTI
Getting rid of my 200sx and I'm after a small fun hatch that's a bit cheaper on fuel. I know the lupo is overpriced for what you're getting but I'm really taken by the wee thing.

Can anybody offer some advice for buying? What to look out for, 5spd or 6spd?
Common problems/faults?
Got a budget of about £5,500 so looking for a decent example.

Any help is appreciated!
 
i own a lupo but it's only a 1.0 though it is nippy, no top end or torque but it really does scamper from the lights. great little car. don't get much for your money but re-sale value is good and they are sought after
 
£5k seems a lot for a lupo...there is a pimped out lupo GTi lowered with seats removed etc in the carpark outside my works, owned by a girl no less!!

id put it elsewhere though, or if i was going cheap find like a Puma or soemthing
 
I completely understand the reasons why not to buy this car, but the build quality is far superior to the Renaults - Interior far nicer too, they hold their value well for the sell at the other end too - unlike the french cars.

If I can find a good example for less than 5k I will buy it, don't want to get something that'll require work in the near future though.
Any GTI owners on the forum?
 
Have you considered an Ibiza or Leon Cupra?
Whilst the Lupos are cool and have a niche market, they're tiny and I don't like the supermini interior.
 
http://www.clublupo.co.uk

Nothing really to be worried about, just watch out for panel damage, especially at the front where the wings + bonnet are aluminium. VW recently stopped producing the aluminium bonnets, and replaced it with steel, so make sure its kosha.

6speed box is a definate plus, makes a huge difference (upto 3secs) with in-gear acceleration.

205 section tyres aren't cheap as they're an unusual size, many switch to 195's if still on the Bathursts

Pedal boxes can be weak.

Its the last of the premium supermini's, its build quality, fit and finish is way above other cars in its class. It won't go, stop or turn quicker than its French couterparts, but its a damn sight nicer place to be in, and they're a hoot to drive.
Residuals are solid too, 40-50% retained value after 6-7 years is pretty special, and they've shown no signs of dropping, even crashed ones fetch 2-3k (I know because I've been after one!)
 
they are essentialy a modern day mk1 golf so they are basic, no mod cons but the build is good, they look good and give good point and squirt handling and are nippy with a cool interior. there are some awesome vids on youtube of just how a gti lupo can perform and some mad man has also put a 12 cylinder engine in one, not a great idea but a testament to the build quality
 
Wouldn't say they are basic - you can heated leather seats and air-con, a few lucky punters managed to get them with climatronic. 6 CD in-dash changer (option), 8 speaker stereo (standard), Xenon lights (standard), 6speed box, leather steering wheel/gaitor, height adjustable seat and steering wheel, cup holders etc etc.
 
We have had a few come in now with problems with the Xenon headlights, they will just not adjust, so replacements are required, they are large money i believe.
Just one thing to think about.

Yes they do hold there value really well, i have been looking at them for awhile and they never seem to come down in price !
 
i love lupos, esp those gtis. i know they arnt the best in terms of VFM or comfort or pure speed but they are an absolute hoot to thrash about.
 
To be honest Im not very knowledgable about the lupo gti, But it does seem to be a lot of money for not a lot of car ? So I will be interested in how this thread goes :)
 
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