VOLKSWAGEN UP (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 20,516 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,555
£130/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1555/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 9 years old, 88% of VOLKSWAGEN UPs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 20,516 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 39,002 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
39,002
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 VOLKSWAGEN UP has 39,002 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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 2017 sits between the two at 88%.
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 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 2026, 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 9 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 £1,555 (£130/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 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 9 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2017 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(2017) | 88% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1555 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£165 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£167 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£165 |
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
Explore other Volkswagen cars or similar models in the same category.
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FORD FIESTA
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VAUXHALL CORSA
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