Used Volkswagen up! for sale nearPreston

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £7,300

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 of its era, demonstrating that affordable vehicles needn't compromise on ability or charm. Into its compact footprint, VW crammed a spacious cabin, relatively high-grade materials, and a handsome exterior design. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines are energetic and full of character, whilst the all-electric e-Up offers an excellent zero-emission option for urban driving. With crisp steering, agile handling, and a comfortable ride, the Up set new standards for city cars when it arrived, managing to feel grown-up on the motorway despite its diminutive size.

Running costs are remarkably modest, with real-world fuel economy reaching 60mpg on petrol models and negligible costs for the e-Up. Insurance premiums are very reasonable, and the car's light weight means consumables like tyres and brake pads last longer. The cabin is simple yet robust, with most models featuring air conditioning, remote central locking, and a split-folding rear seat. The sporty GTI variant offers driving enthusiasts an affordable warm hatch option, whilst the battery-powered e-Up excels in city centres. Production ended in 2023 with no direct replacement, making used examples increasingly sought-after.

Best for: City drivers seeking an affordable, fun, and practical hatchback; those wanting an economical warm hatch (GTI); and buyers interested in an electric city car (e-Up).

Not ideal for: Those requiring a large boot, preferring automatic transmissions (the robotised-manual is unsatisfying), or seeking the cheapest mechanically identical alternative (Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Up if: You're seeking an affordable, fun, and practical city car; looking for an economical warm hatch (GTI); or interested in an electric city car option (e-Up).

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

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) is a strong contender in the city car market, offering excellent driving dynamics, practicality, and charm. Whilst the mechanically identical Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii offer cheaper alternatives, the Up commands a premium for its superior badge appeal and refined driving experience. The GTI variant provides an engaging warm hatch option, whilst the e-Up delivers zero-emission urban motoring. With production ending in 2023 and no direct replacement, used examples represent increasingly desirable purchases for those valuing quality, fun, and affordability.

Read our full Volkswagen Up Review

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