Used Volkswagen up! for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.1%
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 is one of the most desirable city cars of its era, offering a premium feel in a compact package. Despite its small size, it's surprisingly practical, seating four adults in reasonable comfort with a useful 251-litre boot. The interior is simple but robustly built, and the car feels safe, efficient, and is genuinely fun to drive, setting a high standard for handling and ride comfort in its class. It feels just as at home on the motorway as it does in the city.

The engine lineup consists of frugal 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol units, an all-electric e-Up, and a sporty GTI model with a six-speed manual gearbox. Running costs are exceptionally low, with petrol models capable of 60mpg and insurance costs sitting in the lowest groups. While the standard infotainment is basic and the optional automatic gearbox is best avoided, the Up’s blend of charm, quality, and low running costs makes it a standout used choice, with production having ended in 2023.

Best for: City dwellers, drivers seeking very low running costs, and those who want a fun-to-drive small car with a premium feel. The GTI is perfect for warm hatch enthusiasts.

Not ideal for: Buyers who need a large boot, those who require an automatic gearbox, or anyone prioritising the lowest purchase price over badge appeal.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Up if: You want a high-quality, fun-to-drive city car with very low running costs and a more premium feel than its rivals.

Consider alternatives if: Your budget is your top priority (the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo are cheaper) or if you must have an automatic gearbox.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Up is a masterclass in city car design, proving that affordable cars can be charming, capable, and feel high-quality. It offers a grown-up driving experience and a well-built cabin that few rivals can match. While its Skoda and Seat siblings offer the same mechanicals for less money, the Up justifies its price with superior brand image and a more desirable feel, making it a top contender in the used city car market.

Read our full Volkswagen Up Review

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