VOLKSWAGEN UP (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 23,441 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Total Tests (2024)
23,441
Avg Mileage
69,357 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,390
Is the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 12 years old, 84% of VOLKSWAGEN UPs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 23,441 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,357 miles.
How does the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP has 69,357 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN UP?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 84%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN UP by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 93% | 167 | 59,939 mi |
| 2023 | 93% | 43 | 56,946 mi |
| 2022 | 98% | 49 | 12,515 mi |
| 2021 | 95% | 1,339 | 16,529 mi |
| 2020 | 95% | 2,661 | 19,544 mi |
| 2019 | 93% | 12,889 | 26,676 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 20,009 | 32,253 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 20,516 | 39,002 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 20,194 | 43,097 mi |
| 2015 | 86% | 25,337 | 49,747 mi |
| 2014 | 86% | 33,757 | 56,147 mi |
| 2013 | 86% | 33,933 | 61,769 mi |
| 2012 | 84% | 23,441 | 69,357 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN UP?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP
The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 23,441 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 69,357 miles at 12 years old, VOLKSWAGEN UP owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,390 (£116/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN UP Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN UPs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP
At 12 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN UP is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. With 23,441 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN UP
The VOLKSWAGEN UP is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2014) 79% pass rate (-5%) from 224,536 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2014) 76% pass rate (-8%) from 141,747 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2011) 75% pass rate (-9%) from 79,721 tests
- PEUGEOT 208 (2013) 75% pass rate (-9%) from 60,179 tests