Discussion
anonymous said:
[redacted]
No no noThe box fitted to the Polo GTI was crap, but the Lupo one is different and is a lot more reliable. The 6 speed one even more so.
They dont have the usual pedal box problem either, as its a hydraulic clutch on the Lupo GTI rather than the cable job on the Polo
The only one I can speak from experience about suffered gearbox failure, it seems this isn't an uncommon occurrence either - low mileage and well serviced etc, for the record. Six speed box also, I should add.
Lovely cars, although the gearbox issue would put me off, as would the price which is a tad steep unless you're dead set on getting one. It's a shame since they really are very good, but that money allows a choice of lots of other cars that in many ways are arguably better, although they never sold in huge numbers so there is some exclusivity there.
The boot space manages to be a bit disappointing too.
Lovely cars, although the gearbox issue would put me off, as would the price which is a tad steep unless you're dead set on getting one. It's a shame since they really are very good, but that money allows a choice of lots of other cars that in many ways are arguably better, although they never sold in huge numbers so there is some exclusivity there.
The boot space manages to be a bit disappointing too.
I had one of these 6 speed LupoGti's and loved it. Finally it was retired at ~100K miles (due to new family arrival, and the car having a microscopic boot).
It wasn't the fastest car, but the quality and feel were great - Bi-Xenon headlights were a bonus (probably as good as a FFRR).
However, it was fun to drive - quick responses due to low weight, a surprising turn of speed midrange and some tenacious (albeit somewhat rolling) grip.
They were certainly a car that was way too expensive when new (with a/c, sunroof, metallic paint and upgraded stereo they cost as much as a Mini Cooper S), which ultimately led to only about 900 or so being sold in the UK.
VW stated that a Lupo GTi cost them as much to make as a Passat, yet didn't yield anything like the profit.
Also, very hard to find an unmolested one - many have been messed with, often to their detriment.
If you find a good one with low miles, they are a keeper - I do rather miss mine.
It wasn't the fastest car, but the quality and feel were great - Bi-Xenon headlights were a bonus (probably as good as a FFRR).
However, it was fun to drive - quick responses due to low weight, a surprising turn of speed midrange and some tenacious (albeit somewhat rolling) grip.
They were certainly a car that was way too expensive when new (with a/c, sunroof, metallic paint and upgraded stereo they cost as much as a Mini Cooper S), which ultimately led to only about 900 or so being sold in the UK.
VW stated that a Lupo GTi cost them as much to make as a Passat, yet didn't yield anything like the profit.
Also, very hard to find an unmolested one - many have been messed with, often to their detriment.
If you find a good one with low miles, they are a keeper - I do rather miss mine.
CaptainAhab said:
I have to comment here that although not a GTI, my mum's old 1.4 sport lupo needed a new gearbox after 33k miles. Full main dealer history and the works.
Not good enough for a supposedly 'reliable' manufacturer. I'm sure the GTI's won't have been driven gently either..
Yes, the sports have dire gearboxes. I have a Sport and a GTI, the Sport has cost me much more in repairsNot good enough for a supposedly 'reliable' manufacturer. I'm sure the GTI's won't have been driven gently either..
Until you've driven one you won't appreciate quite why they are such fun, or have retained such strong used values. Until you've had one you will probably think they are over priced and nothing to get excited about.
There were very few sold new and they are still quite sought after hence the hefty price - £7k for a really good late model low mileage one.
They are great fun to drive, quite happy cruising along at three figures speeds, very light, chuckable handling, good on fuel, with nice supportive seats for a tiny car (the seats and the dash are from the Polo Gti and make the Lupo Gti feel more grown up than a regular Lupo).
I've tried a 5 speed and a 6 speed and preferred the 6 speed - although the figures say they are the same the 6 speed felt quicker and better on the motorway.
These cars are a perfect example of why a car does not need loads of power and massive wheels to be
great fun - its a shame there are not more cars like this.
And the gearbox problem is not related to Lupo Gti's its Polo Gti's (and not all of the Polos suffered but that is a different story).
There were very few sold new and they are still quite sought after hence the hefty price - £7k for a really good late model low mileage one.
They are great fun to drive, quite happy cruising along at three figures speeds, very light, chuckable handling, good on fuel, with nice supportive seats for a tiny car (the seats and the dash are from the Polo Gti and make the Lupo Gti feel more grown up than a regular Lupo).
I've tried a 5 speed and a 6 speed and preferred the 6 speed - although the figures say they are the same the 6 speed felt quicker and better on the motorway.
These cars are a perfect example of why a car does not need loads of power and massive wheels to be
great fun - its a shame there are not more cars like this.
And the gearbox problem is not related to Lupo Gti's its Polo Gti's (and not all of the Polos suffered but that is a different story).
As mentioned multiple times - they DON'T suffer the gearbox or pedal box issues like the non-GTi's and Polo's.
Price is always a sore point with these. Ultimately its supply and demand, but you really need to drive one to see why they're a class above usual superminis. The build, materials and overal quality is leagues ahead of what you get in most small cars, and they bely their size, feeling like a much bigger car.
And not many people realise just how different they really are to standard Lupo's - they didn't just bang in a bigger engine then lower it on bigger wheels, there's alot of stuff they did under the skin; like wider track, hydraulic cluch and fly-by-wire throttle, not to mention the Xenons, wider aluminium panels, 8 speaker stereo, 6speed box for the later models, various equipment and trim improvements, list goes on.
They were also listed in EVO mags "free motoring" article this month due to their lack of depriciation and low costs.
MattyB_ said:
As mentioned multiple times - they DON'T suffer the gearbox or pedal box issues like the non-GTi's and Polo's.
For what it's worth I can testify that the the gearbox in the family Lupo GTi *DID* fail, despite being a six speed, serviced to the dot, cared for, cosseted and pampered as a cherished and loved car. I'm willing to accept that it 'may' be an anomaly but to flatly say that they don't suffer gearbox failure is at odds with personal experience.
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