RE: Spotted: VW Lupo GTI

[only1ian]

Dan I have a confession! It was a magic afternoon in the 145 cloverleaf, there was stains on the back seat we just couldn't remove and we thought it best for all involved that she should sell it quick and never speak of it again... ;-)

[TurboLizard]

Great cars, never driven one but I'd imagine they'd be a lot of fun. I wonder if VW will ever make an UP! GTI?

[tomv1to]

I've been watching these for a while, when I was growing up the Lupo GTI was my dream car. Although my first car was a Lupo (the 1 litre version though.)

I had my one litre one from new for 115,000 miles and didn't sell it until the gear box blew up and I kind of wish that I had kept it as I have so many great memories of road trips in it.

I would love a GTI but to try and find one with a reasonable amount of miles and no modifications is quite difficult. They turn up from time to time but I'm not in a position to buy one.

[Amirhussain]

Always have liked these.

[Zircon]

Really fancy one of these as a replacement for my 325Ci but I fear the petrol consumption will not be much better!

Love them but they are still a touch too pricey for me just now....

[blackchrome917]

Up! GT is mooted for 2013 ....

[nagsheadwarrior]

Ruddy hell, I like a small fun car but £4600 for that!!!

Imagine all the other things you could buy for that sort of cash,even some cars of the same age or newer, thats just mental.

Are these going up in value or have they just never fell past this price bracket?

[loudlashadjuster]

Yeah, last month I briefly considered an older warm motor instead of a wky new school run special and the Lupo GTI was #1 on the list. Amazed to see the money they are still commanding so quickly went on to look at other options.

A right hoot I'd imagine.

[loudlashadjuster]

blackchrome917 said:

Up! GT is mooted for 2013 ....

Yeah, but I doubt it'll get near 125hp. 110, maybe and it won't be any lighter than the Lupo.

[TheBaj]

Favourite car I've owned. I remember test driving a 172 Cup and Lupo GTI on the same day and buying the Lupo.

Cracking little car, loved the looks, interior, xenons.

[A Scotsman]

Would make a great one make race series car.. cheap and quick

[Kitchski]

Four and a half GRAND??!!?!???!!!!

[Jimmy No Hands]

loudlashadjuster said:

Yeah, but I doubt it'll get near 125hp. 110, maybe and it won't be any lighter than the Lupo.

Only 109 bhp, but will be less than 1000kg. And a cheeky remap should see a bit more power

Edit: Looks likely to be lighter or as light as the Lupo.

Edited by Jimmy No Hands on Thursday 21st February 12:35

[Maxus]

There is something about these but that is strong money. I would rather have a MINI Cooper S at the same money.
I acquired a polo GTi of this vintage. Very nice car but when I was selling it everyone kept asking about the gearbox. It was absolutely fine but apparently they are a weak point. Turns out it broke a week after it was sold. Do these suffer the same problem?

[Soupie69uk]

i believe the 6 speeds are ok but its the 5 which had the issue.

[Andy ap]

WillBrumBrum said:

I drove one of these when they came out in 2000 and wow, what fantastic brakes.

Fantastic brakes? your having a laugh? they were made of cheese, i couldn't stop replacing them even after converting to G60 brakes they would still warp on a track day. The engine was frankly gutless and the body control (in roll) left a lot to be desired. oh and the gearbox was crap too, my five speed ended up getting buggered by a so called gearbox specialist in east Manchester, oh and the xenons kept wandering off all over the place for MOT time Oh dont lower them as the level sensor on the rear beam thinks youve got passengers in the back so it automatically lowers the headlights.. VW build quality hah! the dashboard wouldnt stop rattling.

Its not all bashing though i was looking at pics of my old one the other night and i did actually miss it then momentarily then. The ali panels were good for weight distribution and i supose it did do what you asked it but its hardly suprising most owners changed the dampers as i did. I think its only a good car in a city, out on the open road it was no good, although i hear that the six speed is much better. I don't regret changing it for the cupra much better rounded car.

Edited by Andy ap on Thursday 21st February 12:50

[mrtwisty]

Maxus said:

...the gearbox... apparently they are a weak point. Turns out it broke a week after it was sold.

I'd heard this as well. Did this afflict just the five cogger?

I do like the idea of these quite a lot, but at four and a half? Hmmmmm

[a311]

Many moons ago someone local did a VR6 conversion to a Lupo. I can't remember whether he did it to standard 1.0 Lupo or the GTI. Featured in a magazine at the time, it was mental. Still like these today and don't see many.

[Arun_D]

I love these, I'd happily have one as a daily.

Spotted a standard one locally in the week, which I was most suprised to see!

[Deadgrau5]

I owned one for 2 years and loved every day of it! ith an exhaust and induction kit they sound immense and gave 'hot' hatches a real good fight.

I have a Stage 2 Audi TT now, and yet the Lupo defintely put a bigger smile on my face.