VOLKSWAGEN UP (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,339 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Total Tests (2024)
1,339
Avg Mileage
16,529 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400
Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 3 years old, 95% of VOLKSWAGEN UPs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,339 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 16,529 miles.
How does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP has 16,529 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-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 2021 sits between the two at 95%.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 1,339 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 16,529 miles at 3 years old, VOLKSWAGEN UP owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2021 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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,400 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Alternatives to the 2021 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 (2019) 91% pass rate (-4%) from 124,950 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (-3%) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-7%) from 68,639 tests
- MINI COOPER (2019) 92% pass rate (-3%) from 52,140 tests