Used Volkswagen Up cars for sale

Used Volkswagen Up pros and cons

Is a second hand Volkswagen Up a good car?

The Volkswagen Up is that rare thing — a small and cheap car that doesn’t feel small and cheap.

Underneath, it’s the same car as the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo and is an alternative to city cars like the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo X.

The Up’s cabin looks pretty minimalist, with only a tiny touchscreen. Still, while VW might have scrimped on buttons, it definitely didn’t scrimp on quality, and the Up’s interior feels built to last. You can also find models which have been kitted out with brighter interior colours which liven things up a bit. 

It’s also surprisingly comfortable. Up front, even tall drivers and passengers will get comfy — driver’s seat height adjustment helps — and even though the steering wheel only adjusts up and down, most people can get set right in the Up’s driver’s seat. 

There’s even decent space in the back, which is not always the case with small city cars.

The Up’s boot is roomy — well it is for this size of car anyway, with 251 litres of available space, which is enough for a good bit of shopping or even a folded up baby buggy. 

There was also an electric e-Up, which originally had a mere 99-mile range on one charge, but which was later upgraded to 160 miles. It was the last version of the Up on sale as a new car, and a surprisingly effective EV. 

Whether it’s an e-Up or not, the Up is most at home in town, where its dinky dimensions and phone-box glazing make it spectacularly easy to slot through tight gaps and into small parking spaces. It’s also rather comfortable, easily soaking up bumps and pot holes.

What to look for when buying a used Volkswagen Up

The Up is the perfect example of every dad’s favourite phrase — extras mean there’s just more to go wrong. By being mechanically simple, the Up is also very reliable, partly because, as dad says, there’s just not that much to go wrong. Keep an eye out around the windscreen for drainage holes getting blocked by leaves or other debris, as that can lead to leaks in the cabin. There’s also a common issue with noisy gearboxes, but that’s about it. If you’re buying a used e-Up electric version, make sure you get the battery independently checked for health.