VOLKSWAGEN UP (2015)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 25,337 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £1380/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 999cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 11 years old, 86% of VOLKSWAGEN UPs from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 25,337 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 49,747 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,747
Average miles
81,400
Expected for age
The average 2015 VOLKSWAGEN UP has 49,747 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 84%. The 2015 sits between the two at 86%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2015 VOLKSWAGEN UP
The 2015 VOLKSWAGEN UP is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 25,337 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 49,747 miles at 11 years old, VOLKSWAGEN UP owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2015 VOLKSWAGEN UP Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc 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 2015 VOLKSWAGEN UP?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2015 VOLKSWAGEN UP
At 11 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 25,337 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2015 VOLKSWAGEN UP's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2015 VOLKSWAGEN UP stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN UP(2015) | 86% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390+£10 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£342 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550+£170 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390+£10 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Volkswagen Models
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