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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 187 for sale right now.
Our take on the Volkswagen up!
A 2020 Volkswagen up! typically advertises at €11,900 and a 2015 one at €7,950, so it loses roughly 8% of its value a year at that age, slower than most cars. It's sold here mainly as a petrol. At the NCT, the 2012–2019 cars do better than other cars the same year. The 1.0 petrol is the most common engine (100% of those with a known engine), and it usually lasts around 280k km.
Check a Volkswagen up!'s priceNCT pass rate by year
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 | 73k km | 34 |
| 2016 | €8,950 | 90k km | 17 |
| 2015 | €7,950 | 96k km | 30 |
| 2014 | €6,950 | 108k km | 22 |
| 2013 | €6,950 | 97k km | 35 |
| 2012 | €6,800 | 116k km | 8 |
Volkswagen up! NCT pass rate
How often Volkswagen up!s pass their NCT first time, compared with other cars the same year (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | Other cars, same year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 2015 Volkswagen up! fails: wheels & tyres (24.8% of tests, more than most cars), lights & electrics (14.9% of tests), headlight aim (6.2% of tests), steering & suspension (5.4% 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 | 116 |
"Usually lasts" is the mileage these engines commonly reach before major work; service history matters more than the number.
Parts for the Volkswagen up!
Parts from AUTODOC Ireland: pick your car on the parts page to get the right fit.
Brake discsBrake padsClutch kitsTiming belt kitsShock absorbersWheel bearingsTrack rod endsFiltersWiper bladesHeadlight bulbsSpark plugsIgnition coils
Quick bits on Amazon
Faster delivery for small things.
Wiper bladesBulbsBatteryOBD2 fault code readerJump starter
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.
Other Volkswagen guides
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