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Volkswagen Up! buying guide (Ireland, 2026)
What a used Volkswagen Up! costs in Ireland, how it does at the NCT, what goes wrong and what it costs to fix. Based on 188 for sale right now.
Used Volkswagen Up! prices by year
Typical asking price by registration year, and typical mileage. Private sellers usually take 5–10% less than asking; expect dealers to be a little dearer.
| Year | Typical price | Typical mileage | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | €11,900 | 98k km | 5 |
| 2019 | €11,000 | 74k km | 15 |
| 2018 | €10,900 | 69k km | 20 |
| 2017 | €10,500 | 66k km | 36 |
| 2016 | €8,950 | 90k km | 17 |
| 2015 | €7,950 | 96k km | 30 |
| 2014 | €6,950 | 108k km | 22 |
| 2013 | €6,950 | 98k km | 35 |
| 2012 | €6,800 | 116k km | 7 |
Volkswagen Up! NCT pass rate
How often Volkswagen Up!s pass their NCT first time, against all cars the same age (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 84% | 75% | |
| 2019 | 84% | 74% | |
| 2018 | 65% | 67% | |
| 2017 | 73% | 64% | |
| 2016 | 63% | 55% | |
| 2015 | 60% | 53% | |
| 2014 | 62% | 51% | |
| 2013 | 62% | 46% | |
| 2012 | 56% | 42% |
Most common reasons a 2016 Volkswagen Up! fails: wheels & tyres (26.4% of tests, more than most cars), lights & electrics (9% of tests), exhaust & noise (5.6% of tests, more than most cars), brake test (rollers) (5.6% of tests).
Common Volkswagen Up! problems
Known weak spots to check before you buy, with typical Irish garage costs if the problem is there.
DSG gearbox mechatronic / clutch (7-speed) · €900–€2,200
In slow traffic and reversing, watch for jerks, clunks or a slipping feeling. A flashing gear display means it's in limp mode.
Engines and how long they last
| Engine | Usually lasts | Motor tax / year | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 Petrol | ~280k km | ~€190 | 120 |
"Usually lasts" is the mileage these engines commonly reach before major work; service history matters more than the number.
Parts for the Volkswagen Up!
Enter the reg on the parts page to get the right fit.
Brake discsBrake padsClutch kitsTiming beltsBatteriesShock absorbersWheel bearingsWiper bladesBulbsSpark plugsIgnition coils
Before you buy a used Volkswagen Up!
Run a history check on the reg (write-off, finance owing, mileage), ask when the timing belt was done and for receipts, and start it from cold yourself. The used car checklist takes you through a viewing step by step.
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