VOLKSWAGEN UP (2023)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 43 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,405
£117/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
997cc Petrol
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1405/year to run. 11 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 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 3 years old, 93% of VOLKSWAGEN UPs from 2023 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 43 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 56,946 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
56,946
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2023 VOLKSWAGEN UP has 56,946 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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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 2023 sits between the two at 93%.
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 2023 VOLKSWAGEN UP
The 2023 VOLKSWAGEN UP is a city car with a 997cc petrol engine. 43 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2023 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 56,946 miles at 3 years old, VOLKSWAGEN UP owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2023 VOLKSWAGEN UP Fuel Costs
The modest 997cc 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 2023 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 93% 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 2023 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%. Note: with only 43 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2023 VOLKSWAGEN UP's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Low 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 2023 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(2023) | 93% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1405 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2021) | 94% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1582+£177 |
| AUDI Q2(2021) | 95% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£5 |
| TOYOTA AYGO(2021) | 95% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£5 |
| SEAT IBIZA(2021) | 92% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£5 |
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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NISSAN QASHQAI
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AUDI Q2
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TOYOTA AYGO
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