RE: VW Lupo GTI: Spotted
Discussion
Having had two of these, including one of the last ever made with every option ticked, it's fair to say they got under my skin.
To the people who say they're overpriced, I understand where you're coming from, but very few cars of this size feel as solid, well-built and refined as a Lupo GTI. It's hard to put your finger on, but 'big car feel' is a good description. Having driven a Swift Sport, they're great cars and wipe the floor with the Lupo handling-wise, but they don't have that feel, and I suspect you wouldn't get that from a Panda or Twingo either. There's a reason why so many people keep them for 10+ years and good ones like the one in the advert sell so quickly.
To the people who say they're overpriced, I understand where you're coming from, but very few cars of this size feel as solid, well-built and refined as a Lupo GTI. It's hard to put your finger on, but 'big car feel' is a good description. Having driven a Swift Sport, they're great cars and wipe the floor with the Lupo handling-wise, but they don't have that feel, and I suspect you wouldn't get that from a Panda or Twingo either. There's a reason why so many people keep them for 10+ years and good ones like the one in the advert sell so quickly.
Always wanted one when I was around 20. They were similar prices then too.. Cracking looking little car - really, so much cooler than anything on sale today. Great size.. It's the proper original Golf GTI heir.
Already a classic, hence the price. Sure, there'll be faster cars (who cares - the speed limit is 60..) and safer cars, but this is just proper. If I had the cash and wanted a city runabout / take the long road to work car, this would be it I think.
Already a classic, hence the price. Sure, there'll be faster cars (who cares - the speed limit is 60..) and safer cars, but this is just proper. If I had the cash and wanted a city runabout / take the long road to work car, this would be it I think.
Prices have always been high due to low number sold and these cars deliver way more than the on paper stats suggest hence owners/previous owners always tended to hold on to them and hold them in high regard.
For the people doubting these you need to spend some time owning / driving one to see why they are still so popular.
For the people doubting these you need to spend some time owning / driving one to see why they are still so popular.
I have always had a soft spot for these, they just appear so ‘right’.
I understand that people say they are over priced but people are paying the money, therefore they can’t be overpriced in my eyes.
It is one of those cult cars that is all down to subjectivity and beyond rational thought. My current toy is a Honda S2000 which is expensive compared to the equivalent Boxster, z4 etc but there is an X factor that makes it appealing to petrol heads and will keep the values high as per the Lupo GTI.
I understand that people say they are over priced but people are paying the money, therefore they can’t be overpriced in my eyes.
It is one of those cult cars that is all down to subjectivity and beyond rational thought. My current toy is a Honda S2000 which is expensive compared to the equivalent Boxster, z4 etc but there is an X factor that makes it appealing to petrol heads and will keep the values high as per the Lupo GTI.
I really like these, but that price is bonkers IMO!
Mrs Tidy has had her R56 Mini Cooper from new in December 06. Red with black roof and black bonnet stripes, A/C, 16" alloys, Harmon Kardon stereo, Xenons, full leather seats, red interior accents, "disco" lights and whatever else, plus it's only done just over 50K miles - yet she'd probably struggle to get half that price for it if it was for sale.
I know what I'd rather have, and it wouldn't be a Lupo.
Mrs Tidy has had her R56 Mini Cooper from new in December 06. Red with black roof and black bonnet stripes, A/C, 16" alloys, Harmon Kardon stereo, Xenons, full leather seats, red interior accents, "disco" lights and whatever else, plus it's only done just over 50K miles - yet she'd probably struggle to get half that price for it if it was for sale.
I know what I'd rather have, and it wouldn't be a Lupo.
WCZ said:
jpmatrix36 said:
A 16 year old matchbox with 125bhp that could just about out accelerate a fart for £5500?
The world’s gone Lupo.
0-60 is similar to a gt86 believe it or not!The world’s gone Lupo.
126.15 bhp/tonne (1000 kg) isn't that bad imo
Filibuster said:
To drive they are truly special. Of course they are not fast compared to todays turbocharged warm hatches, but the steering feel of them is just great!
IMO they are the height of the old bread of truly small NA hot hatches before the new era of rather big superminis with turbo's engines arrived.
I don't recall them being called 'truly special' to drive in any review ever.IMO they are the height of the old bread of truly small NA hot hatches before the new era of rather big superminis with turbo's engines arrived.
Crackpot pricing compared to a far superior Renaultsport Clio, Suzuki Swift Sport, or even Civic Type R.
Had one from new in 2004 and ran it for five years - paid £12.5k and sold it for £6k in 2009 with 30,000 miles. I'd happily pay £6k now to have it back!!!
Still love the look of them but very rarely see one now, and most are now modded. Worth the money imho, they are a hoot and over-engineered, aluminium bonnet, wings and doors. Can see why they hold value or even appreciate.
Still love the look of them but very rarely see one now, and most are now modded. Worth the money imho, they are a hoot and over-engineered, aluminium bonnet, wings and doors. Can see why they hold value or even appreciate.
Olivera said:
I don't recall them being called 'truly special' to drive in any review ever.
Crackpot pricing compared to a far superior Renaultsport Clio, Suzuki Swift Sport, or even Civic Type R.
I'm no car journo and haven't driven any of the above bar a Clio 172. Crackpot pricing compared to a far superior Renaultsport Clio, Suzuki Swift Sport, or even Civic Type R.
Yes that car is fantastic but it is also 20cm longer and 100kg heavier. It ranks a class above the Lupo and has a bigger, more powerful engine. Also a good Clio 172 Cup doesn't see you a lot of change for £5k!
The Swift Sport came out in 2005 the year the Lupo production stopped. It is a whole generation newer. I like them a lot, btw.
The Civic Type R is a great car to drive from what I heard, but also much larger. It's 60cm longer than a Lupo!!
By truly special to drive I also meant the driving position and the cabin feel. And none of the others can match that. In the Lupo GTI you really had the feeling, build quality and the materials of a much more expensive car. The GTI was also much more 'special' in a way that various body panels had been changed to aluminium in order to save weight. When have you last seen a car manufacturer changing body panels from steel to aluminium in that class of cars??
Also while I understand aesthetics are subjective, IMO the Lupo is a very good design and has aged extremely well. Far better than the ones mentioned by you, again IMHO.
£5k for the Lupo GTI is a very fair price, considering what you get. Seeing the car is sold within a day after this story implies I'm not the only one with the same mindset.
Yes, there are better driving cars to be had for less. Yes, there are faster cars to be had for less. Yes, there are more luxurious cars to be had for less. and yes, there are smaller cars to be had for less.
But as a package the Lupo GTI gives so much and hits a sweet spot that appeals to many people that prices have been rock steady for over 5 years.
My brother owned a few of these.
VW made them absolutely solid. Great for a modern hatch but I couldnt love it as I'd owned too many 205's. Its too 'VW' for me - capable yet lacking a thrill. Theres a bit of power that can be freed up as it has two catalytic converters in the manifold. We designed a custom manifold and gained 11 bhp.
Prices have always been high for them, but if looking get the 6 speed box as its tougher than the early 5 speed.
We still have a cat-d one at work which my brother never gets round to fixing up and selling. I think he struggles to part ways lol They go for about half the price if you can find one and are not too bothered about the stigma of a written off car.
VW made them absolutely solid. Great for a modern hatch but I couldnt love it as I'd owned too many 205's. Its too 'VW' for me - capable yet lacking a thrill. Theres a bit of power that can be freed up as it has two catalytic converters in the manifold. We designed a custom manifold and gained 11 bhp.
Prices have always been high for them, but if looking get the 6 speed box as its tougher than the early 5 speed.
We still have a cat-d one at work which my brother never gets round to fixing up and selling. I think he struggles to part ways lol They go for about half the price if you can find one and are not too bothered about the stigma of a written off car.
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