Used Volkswagen up! for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £7,000

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 affordable vehicles needn't compromise on ability or charm. Into its compact footprint, VW crammed a spacious cabin, quality materials, generous equipment on higher trims, and handsome styling. The energetic 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines deliver surprising pep, whilst the all-electric e-Up offers zero-emission city driving with modest running costs. With crisp steering, agile handling, and a comfortable ride, the Up sets new standards for city cars and feels surprisingly grown-up on motorways.

Running costs are exceptionally modest, with real-world fuel economy reaching 60mpg on petrol models and negligible costs for the e-Up, particularly when charging at home. Insurance sits in the lowest groups, and consumables like tyres and brake pads are used sparingly. The sporty GTI variant offers warm hatch thrills, whilst the e-Up is perfect for urban environments and exempt from London's Congestion Charge. Early examples, now over a decade old, retain plenty of life when properly maintained. Production ended in 2023 with no direct replacement, making used examples increasingly sought-after.

Best for: City dwellers seeking an affordable, fun, and practical hatchback; driving enthusiasts wanting the GTI variant; eco-conscious buyers considering the e-Up; and those prioritising low running costs and insurance premiums.

Not ideal for: Buyers needing substantial boot space (251 litres is modest), those preferring automatic transmissions (the robotised-manual is unsatisfying), or those seeking the cheapest mechanically identical alternatives like the 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; you want the GTI warm hatch variant; you're eco-conscious and interested in the e-Up; or you prioritise low running costs and insurance premiums.

Consider alternatives if: You need substantial boot space, prefer smooth automatic transmissions, or want the cheapest mechanically identical options like the Skoda Citigo or Seat Mii.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Up (2012-2023) is a standout in the city car segment, offering superior driving dynamics, quality interior materials, and the prestigious VW badge. Whilst mechanically identical rivals like the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii are cheaper to purchase, the Up commands a premium for its refined driving experience and design appeal. The Hyundai i10 offers strong user ratings and value, but the Up's combination of fun-to-drive character, build quality, and the availability of the engaging GTI variant make it one of the finest small cars of its era. With production now ended, used examples represent increasingly desirable purchases for those valuing practicality, efficiency, and driving enjoyment in a compact package.

Read our full Volkswagen Up Review

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