Used Volkswagen up! for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 40.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £7,500

Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fun to drive around town	Watch out for neglected examples
Competent out of town	Mechanically identical Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii are cheaper to buy
GTI model is a great warm hatch	Basic infotainment system

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) is one of the most desirable city cars ever made, combining a compact footprint with a spacious cabin and high-grade materials. Its confident styling, with an upturned window line and wheel-at-each-corner stance, sets it apart from rivals. The Up seats four adults in reasonable comfort and offers 251 litres of boot space. With crisp steering, agile handling, and a comfortable ride, it sets new standards for city cars whilst feeling grown-up on the motorway. The engine line-up comprises 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol units, with an all-electric e-Up variant available for urban driving.

Running costs are exceptionally modest, with real-world fuel economy reaching 60mpg on petrol models and negligible costs for the e-Up. Insurance is very cheap, with many models in the lowest group. The Up's interior is simple yet robust, featuring air conditioning on most models, remote central locking, and a split-folding rear seat. Later models include a smartphone mount with USB charging. The sporty GTI variant offers warm hatch appeal, whilst the e-Up is perfect for city centres with its torquey motor. Production ended in 2023 with no direct replacement, making used examples increasingly sought-after.

Best for: City drivers seeking a fun, practical, and affordable hatchback; those wanting a warm hatch (GTI); and urban commuters considering an electric vehicle (e-Up).

Not ideal for: Buyers needing substantial boot space, those preferring automatic transmissions (the robotised-manual is unsatisfying), or those seeking the cheapest mechanically identical alternatives (Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Up if: You're seeking a fun, practical, and affordable city car; looking for a warm hatch (GTI); or considering an electric vehicle (e-Up) for urban commuting.

Consider alternatives if: You need substantial boot space, prefer smooth automatic transmissions, or want the cheapest mechanically identical option (Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii).

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) is a masterclass in affordable city car design, demonstrating that very small cars needn't compromise on ability or charm. Whilst mechanically identical rivals like the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii offer better value, the Up's superior styling, premium feel, and engaging driving dynamics justify its higher price. The GTI variant stands out as an excellent warm hatch, whilst the e-Up excels in urban environments. With production now ended and no direct replacement, used examples are increasingly desirable, making it one of the best small city cars of this era or any other.

Read our full Volkswagen Up Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.