Used Volkswagen Up for sale: everything you need to know
It’s a sign of how well designed and thought out the Volkswagen Up is, that despite being launched in 2011, it still looks and feels fresh today. It’s just as popular as a used purchase as it was when new too, and remains a top pick for anyone wanting low-cost transport - whichever Up you buy, you’ll be getting something that’s cheap to run, yet doesn’t feel like a cheap car.
Its compact size makes parking a doddle, expansive glass means it’s easy to see out of and doesn’t feel cramped or dark inside, and a wealth of trim levels and special editions means there’s probably a combination of equipment to suit your requirements too. Throw in the Up GTI, one of the more affordable hot hatchbacks of recent times (though one that holds its value incredibly well, so isn’t quite as much of a used bargain), and it’s no surprise the Up remains popular.
Should you buy a Volkswagen Up?
The Volkswagen Up was an easy car to recommend when new, and it continues to be a top choice as a used buy. Part of the reason for that is because they sold in big numbers, so you have abundant choice on the used market, which keeps prices relatively low and means you don’t have to settle for a car that isn’t quite up to scratch.
There’s nothing outstanding about the Up, it’s just one of those cars that’s either good or very good in just about every area - a true all-rounder. Even the cheapest models feel like big cars on a long motorway trip, while the sporty Up GTI, more fun than some cars several times the price, can still nudge 60mpg.
As long as you don’t need a huge boot it’s spacious too, the cabin feels airy and modern, and because VW didn’t fit a large touchscreen, there’s no ageing infotainment system to date it (or to go wrong later down the line) - you just plug in the phone you have on you and use the features from that instead. The Up has proven mostly reliable too, so any car with a good history shouldn’t throw up too many issues. Tax and insurance are as affordable as the fuel bills.
The Up wasn’t without competition during its time on sale, though few cars could match its breadth of talents. The Citroen C1, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo trio is arguably a little more fun and funky but not quite as solidly built, the Fiat 500 and Renault Twingo are more stylish but less practical, and the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto drive well but don’t have the same image. As potentially even cheaper Up alternatives though, don’t forget its siblings, the SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo.
What’s the best used Volkswagen Up model to buy?
Choosing the right Volkswagen Up depends on what you need from the model. If you’re looking for the perfect first car, cheap city transport, or a second or third family car, then the 60PS engine in one of the lower trim levels should suit you just fine, costing buttons to run and being mostly well-equipped enough to provide all the basics.
Want something for tackling longer journeys? The Up TSI makes sense if you can find one, but the basic 60PS and 75PS engines really aren’t bad for that either. The Up GTI meanwhile has the longest legs thanks to its extra power, is actually more frugal (on paper at least) than the cheaper models, and is a riot in the corners too. Three- and five-door options across the range give you practicality options too. If you need an automatic, the ‘ASG’ automated manual is your only option - it can be quite jerky, but does the job.
Used Volkswagen Up fuel economy and performance
- Volkswagen Up 60PS: The least powerful Up makes 60PS from a 1-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. With a standard manual gearbox, it gets from 0-62mph in 14.4 seconds, with 51.4mpg WLTP economy.
- Volkswagen Up 75PS: VW sold the 75PS version of the 1-litre until 2020. It could cover the 0-62mph dash in 13.2 seconds, but has no WLTP economy figure - its older NEDC number was 68.9mpg, similar to the 60PS car, so it’s likely a WLTP number would have been similar to the 60PS car too
- Volkswagen Up TSI: A turbocharged version of the Up arrived in 2017, making 90PS and getting from 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds. Its older NEDC economy figure was 60.1mpg.
- Volkswagen Up GTI: The hottest up got a more powerful turbocharged engine, at 115PS. This cut the 0-62mph time down to 8.8 seconds, with WLTP economy of 53.3mpg - better than the 60PS car.
- Volkswagen e-Up: VW has offered two variants of the e-Up, sold pre- and post-2019. Both made 82PS, but a larger battery meant post-2019 cars can do 159 miles on a charge, compared to 99 miles for earlier cars.
What used Volkswagen Up trim levels are available?
We’re keeping things simple here because the Up was offered in a huge number of trim levels during its time on sale, each with slightly different features, colour and trim options, and differing engine choices (albeit all plucked from the limited list above). To give you an idea, in addition to the models listed below, the Up has been variously available in Take Up, Move Up, Look Up, High Up, Club Up, Steet Up, Rock Up, Black Edition, White Edition, and R-Line trims.
One thing common to all is the lack of a touchscreen infotainment system: earlier models got a VW-supplied device to plug in to the top of the dash, while later cars offered a cradle for plugging in your own smartphone.
- The Volkswagen Up had decent equipment for a base model, getting 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, and USB connectivity as standard.
- The Volkswagen Up Beats was a collaboration with Dr. Dre’s audio brand. Its main feature was a 300W Beats audio system, including an eight-channel amplifier and seven speakers, while Beats models also got their own wheel design, graphics, and specific interior trim.
- The Volkswagen Up GTI got the most powerful turbocharged engine, plus unique front and rear bumpers and exterior detailing, 17-inch alloy wheels, tartan-style fabric trim, and 15mm lower sports suspension.
- The Volkswagen e-Up gets much of the equipment of other Ups, plus extra kit to justify its price including cruise control, a parking camera, unique wheels, and C-shaped daytime running lights.
Used Volkswagen Up dimensions and boot size
The Volkswagen Up’s dimensions are:
- Length: 3600mm
- Width: 1645mm (without mirrors), 1910mm (with mirrors)
- Height: 1504mm (GTI 1478mm)
- Ground clearance: 135mm
The Volkswagen Up’s boot size is:
- 251 litres
- 959 litres with the rear seats folded down
Used Volkswagen Up road tax
You’ll pay £190 a year to tax any Volkswagen Up under the current VED system, aside from the all-electric e-Up, which is currently free to tax. Most models registered prior to April 2017 should be free to tax too, thanks to CO2 emissions of under 100g/km.
How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Up?
Insurance is another area you’re unlikely to spend a great deal of money with the Up. The most basic models start in just group 2, lower than just about any other car, while even the sporty Up GTI rises no higher than group 17 - for comparison, a Golf GTI with double the power is group 28-31. The electric e-Up is only group 10.
