Should I buy a 2012–2016 Volkswagen Up 1.0 Petrol Manual?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2012–2016 Volkswagen Up 1.0 Petrol Manual. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1High Likelihood

Electric power steering assistance can cut out

Red or amber steering warning light, steering suddenly much heavier than normal, possible pull to one side or intermittent loss of assistance.

How to check

Scan for steering fault codes first.

Estimated Repair Cost

£900

2High Likelihood

Rear drum brakes stick after damp weather or overnight parking

Squeal from rear on first few brake applications, loud clunk when pulling away, handbrake feels stuck after overnight parking, car may feel like one rear wheel is dragging.

How to check

Check shoe condition and springs.

Estimated Repair Cost

£220

3High Likelihood

Front footwell water ingress from blocked drains or bulkhead grommets

Damp carpets, misting windows, musty smell, water under front or rear mats, sloshing noise from body cavities.

How to check

Inspect bonnet-release and wiring grommets, dry the carpets and underlay fully, and reseal any suspect bulkhead entry points.

Estimated Repair Cost

£250

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%40%0–20,000 miles: 9.0% (15,856 failed / 175,703 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 13.6% (42,030 failed / 309,181 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 17.2% (37,756 failed / 220,062 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 20.8% (24,967 failed / 119,889 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 24.2% (13,129 failed / 54,199 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 27.0% (5,600 failed / 20,742 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 28.2% (2,058 failed / 7,287 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 29.9% (769 failed / 2,575 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 32.1% (295 failed / 919 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 30.2% (106 failed / 351 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2012–2016 Volkswagen Up 1.0 Petrol Manual

Volkswagen Up buying questions

Is a 2012–2016 Volkswagen Up worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2012–2016 Volkswagen Up 1.0 Petrol Manual, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Volkswagen Up (2012–2016)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Volkswagen Up?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually