Used Volkswagen up! for sale near Birmingham

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £7,500

Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fun to drive around town	Watch out for neglected examples
Competent out of town	Mechanically identical Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii are cheaper to buy
GTI model is a great warm hatch	Basic infotainment system

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) is one of the most desirable city cars ever made, demonstrating that very affordable cars needn't be short on ability or charm. Into its compact footprint, it crams a spacious cabin, relatively high-grade materials and switchgear, and a handsome exterior design. With crisp steering, agile handling and a comfortable ride, it set new standards for city cars upon arrival. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines are energetic and full of pep, whilst the all-electric e-Up offers zero-emission city driving with modest running costs and exemption from London's Congestion Charge.

The Up is surprisingly practical with a 251-litre boot and seats four adults in reasonable comfort. It's very safe, efficient, and fun to drive, feeling grown-up on the motorway despite its diminutive size. Running costs are exceptionally modest, with real-world fuel economy reaching 60mpg on petrol models and negligible costs for the e-Up. The sporty GTI variant offers warm hatch thrills, whilst the range-topping models come well equipped with air conditioning, heated seats and enhanced connectivity as standard. Production ended in 2023 with no direct replacement.

Best for: City drivers seeking a fun, practical, and affordable hatchback; those wanting a warm hatch alternative (GTI); and buyers prioritising low running costs and eco-friendly motoring (e-Up).

Not ideal for: Buyers needing large boot space, those preferring automatic transmissions (the robotised-manual is unsatisfying), or those seeking the cheapest mechanically identical alternatives (Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Up if: You're seeking a fun, practical, and affordable city car; want a warm hatch alternative (GTI); or prioritise low running costs and eco-friendly motoring (e-Up).

Consider alternatives if: You need large boot space, prefer smooth automatic transmissions, or want the cheapest mechanically identical option (Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii).

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Up is a masterclass in affordable city car design, offering superior driving dynamics and premium feel compared to rivals. Whilst the mechanically identical Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii offer better value, the Up's superior handling, quality interior and VW badge justify the premium. The Hyundai i10 matches it on user ratings and overall score, but the Up's fun-to-drive character and GTI warm hatch option make it the standout choice for enthusiasts. For those prioritising practicality, safety and grown-up motorway manners in a compact package, the Up remains unbeaten in its class.

Read our full Volkswagen Up Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.