Fancy owning VW’s cheeky city car? CHRIS HOPE covers all you need to know if you’re looking to buy a Loop

Driving

Seriously, what is there not to like about Volkswagen’s Y2K city car? It looks smart, it’s incredibly refined effort compared to the rest of the competition and, best of all, it offers oodles of tuning potential.

We’ll cover engine choices later, but all promise performance that’s somewhere between adequate and punchy, whilst at the same time being very careful to sip fuel. Where Loops really shine though is the corners – handling is very impressive for such a small car – plus, as you’d expect, steering and gear changes are both positive and precise.

Of course, the GTI pocket rocket is a little different. The extra grunt justifies a six-speed ‘box (and ensures at least 35mpg economy), but 0-60 in eight seconds doesn’t begin to cover just how nippy this Lupo really is. Naturally, the GTI also takes corners best out of the lot, thanks in no small part to its wider, low profile tyres.

Engine & Gearbox

Tip one would be to avoid the 1.0-litre models. These four-pot petrol engines take the term ‘feeble’ to epic new lows – 17 seconds to get from 0-60? That’s excruciatingly slow! Pitiful performance aside, it’s arguably the least reliable engine as well. Although all Loops can suffer from winter starting issues (the consensus on the Club Lupo forum is that standard batteries weren’t anywhere near big enough for these cars) the 1.0-litre seems to be the most susceptible to the cold.

Blocked crankcase breather pipes are an established fault on pre-2001 1.4 S models. This is a big problem as a lack of oil will eventually lead to engine failure. It’s a trait that’s shared with (surprise, surprise) the 1.0-litre Lupo. Other than that, the plastic timing belt tensioners on the DOHC 1.4-litre engines don’t tend to last. VW recommend they are swapped along with the belt every four years or 60,000 miles (which ever comes first).

Finally, check that there are no dashlights illuminated, bearing in mind that a faulty coolant temp sensor can lead to a variety of hot start problems.

If you’d prefer more frugal motoring in an oil burner, you’re better off going for the 1.4-litre and not the 1.7. The smaller-engined ‘Sport’ example puts out 75bhp while the 1.7 manages only a gutless 60bhp.  We’re not aware on any specific flaws with either manual or auto transmission (manual ‘boxes do tend to be stronger in comparison though). Be wary of a loose feel or refusal to engage – VAG ‘boxes of this era should always be extremely positive.

To read the rest of this buying guide see the January 2012 issue of Golf+.

Back issues available here.