Volkswagen Up (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 20,194 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,600

£133/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

999cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £1,600/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol999cc10 years old20,194 tests43k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 999cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,600

Per month£133/mo

Per week£31/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Ups from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 20,194 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 43,097 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models319th of 539(bottom half)

Rank among Volkswagen models592nd of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+1%(85% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+1%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

43,097

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Volkswagen Up had 43,097 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 84%. The 2016 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2015 · 998cc Petrol

£1,600/year

81%

-5%

Vauxhall Corsa

2015 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

78%

-8%

Nissan Qashqai

2017 · 1200cc Petrol

£1,780/year

86%

same

Volkswagen Polo

2015 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,750/year

82%

-4%

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About the 2016 Volkswagen Up

The 2016 Volkswagen Up is a city car. Our records list a 999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 20,194 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 43,097 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Up owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2016 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 £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2016 Volkswagen Up?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,600 (£133/month), broken down as £1,175 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2016 Volkswagen Up

At 10 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 20,194 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 2016 Volkswagen Up stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Up(2016)	86%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,600
Ford Fiesta(2015)	81%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,600same
Vauxhall Corsa(2015)	78%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£553
Nissan Qashqai(2017)	86%	£1,175	£200	Grp 5-15	£1,780+£180
Volkswagen Polo(2015)	82%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,750+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2016 Volkswagen Up

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Up reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2016 Volkswagen Ups ended in a pass, from 20,194 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Volkswagen Up cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,600 a year (£133 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Volkswagen Up?

86% of 20,194 MOT tests on the 2016 Volkswagen Up ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 319th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom half).

Which year Volkswagen Up has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Up has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2012 the lowest at 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 Volkswagen Up?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Volkswagen Up is 43,097 miles, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.