Used Volkswagen up! for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.5%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £7,200

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, produced from 2012 until 2023, stands out as one of the most desirable city cars, combining pleasing styling with a compact yet surprisingly practical package. It comfortably seats four adults, boasts a robust interior, and offers good equipment levels, with later models featuring a handy smartphone mount and USB charging. Its driving dynamics are a highlight, with crisp steering, agile handling, and a comfortable ride that makes it feel more grown-up than typical city cars, even on motorways.

The Up range features efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines capable of up to 60mpg, alongside an all-electric e-Up model for ultra-low running costs. Early models were notable for pioneering automatic emergency braking. Running costs are generally modest, with low insurance groups and economical consumables like tyres and brakes. While the five-speed manual gearbox is decent, the robotised-manual automatic is less refined. The sporty Up GTI offers an engaging driving experience with its 1.0-litre turbo engine.

Best for: City driving, budget-conscious buyers, those seeking a compact yet spacious and safe car, enthusiasts looking for a fun warm hatch (GTI), or economical electric motoring (e-Up).

Not ideal for: Buyers needing significant boot space, those sensitive to robotised-manual automatic transmissions, or those looking for the absolute cheapest entry price among mechanically similar cars.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Up if: You're seeking a compact yet spacious and safe car for city driving, are a budget-conscious buyer, an enthusiast looking for a fun warm hatch (GTI), or want economical electric motoring (e-Up).

Consider alternatives if: You need significant boot space, are sensitive to robotised-manual automatic transmissions, or are looking for the absolute cheapest entry price among mechanically similar cars.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) is a top contender in the city car segment, offering an impressive blend of practicality, enjoyable driving dynamics, and low running costs in a compact package. While mechanically similar to the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii, the Up often commands a slightly higher price due to its Volkswagen badge and perceived quality. Its availability as a fun GTI hot hatch and an economical e-Up electric variant further broadens its appeal, making it a highly versatile and desirable choice in the used market.

Read our full Volkswagen up! Review

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