Need to downgrade my car.. looking at a...

DailyGeek · 1 Apr 2007 at 00:51

VW Lupo S 1.4 1999 - 62k on the clock.

I currently have a 2.0IDE Megane Coupe 2001 and my change of job means I need a more efficient car.

Basically I just wondered what people think of Lupos? I'm quite fond of them but don't know a great deal about them.

If they are crap, what else would you consider that is similar, for around 3k. Small and economical without being a corsa, fiesta or saxo?

NO DIESELS

Morba · 1 Apr 2007 at 00:57

3k might get you a mondeo diesel?

why does it need to be a micro sized car?

DailyGeek · 1 Apr 2007 at 01:00

Morba said:
3k might get you a mondeo diesel?

why does it need to be a micro sized car?

I want to avoid a diesel because of servicing costs. It doesn't have to be microsized but if I'm avoiding diesels, that narrows my choices somewhat. Really keen on the lupo tbh but just wanted some opinions

MagicBoy · 1 Apr 2007 at 01:02

What's so expensive about Diesel servicing? There's less parts to replace so it's usually cheaper.

blueboy2001 · 1 Apr 2007 at 01:07

You'd pick up a Focus TDDi for that budget - much better car than a Lupo. Just get the oil and filter changed every 10k, fuel filter changed every 20k and the pollen filter changed once a year and MOT it to get it checked over and it'll cost you next to nothing to keep it running.

Other options with a bit more refined diesel engine would be a 306 or a Xsara.

DailyGeek · 1 Apr 2007 at 01:11

I see where you guys are coming from and I appreciate it - but try to approach the thread and leave diesels out of the equation.. I'm just curious about petrol options.

And what are peoples thoughts on the Lupo?

MagicBoy · 1 Apr 2007 at 01:13

blueboy2001 said:
Other options with a bit more refined diesel engine would be a 306 or a Xsara.

Make sure it's an HDI one - the old skool XUD needs an oil change every 6k.

VAG TDIs on variable servicing can do 16-18k between oil changes if driven sympathetically.

MagicBoy · 1 Apr 2007 at 01:22

I kinda like the Lupo, but I've only driven the GTI. I wouldn't fancy racking up serious mileage on a dual carriageway or motorway due to the way other traffic acts cause it's small.

Try the Skoda Fabia - it's as solid as any VW, more reliable and they have nicer dealers. Avoid the 1.4MPI as it's a lumpen old thing, oh and 1.2 6V is ssllooww. If you've got an irrational fear of Skoda's try the Seat Ibiza - it's basically the same car in a party frock and with a crummy dash and hard ride.

Arr Kid has a Yaris and she loves it. Worth a look. I don't like it ... but it's not my car!

DailyGeek · 1 Apr 2007 at 01:27

MagicBoy said:
I kinda like the Lupo, but I've only driven the GTI. I wouldn't fancy racking up serious mileage on a dual carriageway or motorway due to the way other traffic acts cause it's small.

I should mention at this point that I've owned a smart car

MagicBoy · 1 Apr 2007 at 01:46

A mate at work has one. The gearbox is hateful, but there's nothing wrong with them for city work. I wouldn't take one up Shap on the M6 however.