VOLKSWAGEN UP (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,339 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,405
£117/month
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Great Choice
95% pass rate, £1405/year to run. 13 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
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 5 years old, 95% of VOLKSWAGEN UPs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,339 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 16,529 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
16,529
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN UP has 16,529 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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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 2021 sits between the two at 95%.
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 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 2026, 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 5 years old, VOLKSWAGEN UP owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
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 £1,405 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 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 5 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN UP offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 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.
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 2021 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(2021) | 95% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1405 |
| FORD FIESTA(2019) | 91% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582+£177 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2019) | 88% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732+£327 |
| MINI COOPER(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582+£177 |
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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