VOLKSWAGEN UP (2017)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 20,516 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
20,516
Avg Mileage
39,002 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,550
Is the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN UP reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 7 years old, 88% of VOLKSWAGEN UPs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 20,516 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 39,002 miles.
How does the 2017 VOLKSWAGEN UP compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2017 VOLKSWAGEN UP has 39,002 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-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%. The 2017 sits between the two at 88%.
How much does a 2017 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 2017 VOLKSWAGEN UP
The 2017 VOLKSWAGEN UP is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 20,516 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 39,002 miles at 7 years old, VOLKSWAGEN UP owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2017 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 2017 VOLKSWAGEN UP?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,550 (£129/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2017 VOLKSWAGEN UP
At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 20,516 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2017 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 (2015) 81% pass rate (-7%) from 225,575 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2015) 78% pass rate (-10%) from 160,438 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-2%) from 100,176 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2015) 82% pass rate (-6%) from 94,129 tests