2013 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · SK13 ABO
2013 Volkswagen UP (1.0L, petrol). First registered 15 Mar 2013. Recorded mileage 59,399 miles. MOT expired on 19 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN UP
- Year / Origin
- 2013 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 59,399 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SK13 ABO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/10/2025
- 59,399 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SK13 ABO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2013 Volkswagen Up (SK13 ABO) between March 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 06 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (7 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 1756514 (5.2.3 (e))”; “Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))”.
SK13 ABO Mileage History
- 06/03/202352,574 mi
- 12/03/202455,887 mi+3,313 mi
- 12/03/202455,887 mi
- 21/10/202458,227 mi+2,340 mi
- 06/10/202559,399 mi+1,172 mi
Average of roughly 2,638 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Up! Mk1
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Approach this 2013 Volkswagen Up with caution and a pre-purchase inspection, as its MOT history shows recurring suspension, brake, and exhaust issues. It remains a usable city car with modest mileage, but several worn components will need attention soon.
When negotiating on this Volkswagen Up, factor in the worn suspension arm rear bushes noted on both front corners at the 2025 MOT, plus the nail in the near-side rear tyre that will require repair or replacement. The March 2024 failure included front brake discs scored on inner faces and excessively fluctuating service brake, so confirm with the seller that these were properly addressed at retest and ask for any invoices. A full service history is important for a 999cc petrol of this age; without it, budget for a major service including coolant, brake fluid, and spark plugs. Given the rear axle corrosion and brake pipe damage recorded in 2024, have a mechanic inspect underneath for ongoing rust before purchase.
The 999cc petrol engine in this Up is one of the most economical in its class, with real-world figures around 50-55 mpg, and road tax for a 2013 sub-1.0 litre petrol should fall in the lower bands (typically £20-£35 per year). Insurance groups for the Up are low, often Group 1-3, keeping premiums modest for new or city drivers. Routine maintenance is cheap thanks to the simple engine, but the MOT history shows recurring spend on tyres, brake discs, and exhaust flexi pipes; we estimate total annual running costs at £800-£1,000 including fuel, tax, insurance, and typical upkeep.
From the MOT data, pay close attention to the front suspension arm bushes — worn rear bushes on both sides were flagged at the 2025 test and should be physically checked for play or cracking. The March 2024 failure listed front brake discs worn on inner faces and service brake excessively fluctuating, so inspect the discs for scoring and test brake balance on a road trial. Exhaust flexi pipe splits were noted in 2023 and 2024; examine the exhaust for leaks or rust, and check the rear axle corrosion area and brake pipes for progression since the 2024 repair. Finally, the near-side front tyre was below 1.6mm at failure and the off-side rear had runflat sidewall damage, so verify all tyres are above legal limit and free from sidewall harm.
This red 2013 Volkswagen Up (SK13ABO), first registered in March 2013, has covered 59,399 miles as of its latest MOT in October 2025, which is reasonable for a 12-year-old car. The MOT history includes one failure in March 2024 for brake, tyre, exhaust, and suspension defects, though it passed a retest the same day after apparent repairs. Recent tests show ongoing minor wear including suspension arm bushes and a nail in a tyre, suggesting the car has been lightly maintained rather than neglected.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Volkswagen Up, so this assessment relies solely on the individual history of SK13ABO.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: VOLKSWAGEN UP
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- ASG Automated Gearbox Issues(Moderate)
The automated manual gearbox (ASG) is jerky in traffic, slow to engage drive, and prone to clutch actuator failures. The manual gearbox is far more reliable.
- Ignition Coil / Misfire(Moderate)
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine can suffer from ignition coil failures leading to misfires, rough idling and poor fuel economy. Coils are inexpensive but should be replaced in sets.
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2013 model year cars.
- ASG Automated Gearbox IssuesModerate
The automated manual gearbox (ASG) is jerky in traffic, slow to engage drive, and prone to clutch actuator failures. The manual gearbox is far more reliable.
- Ignition Coil / MisfireModerate
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine can suffer from ignition coil failures leading to misfires, rough idling and poor fuel economy. Coils are inexpensive but should be replaced in sets.
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