2017 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · AF67 YOR

Tyre integrity has been the recurring mechanical concern on this Volkswagen Up, with the DVSA history showing perishing and cracking advisories on the nearside front, offside front, and offside rear tyres at both the 2023 and 2024 MOT tests, and a more serious dangerous failure just days before the 2022 pass when the nearside rear tyre was found to have a structural bulge. The most recent test on 24 September 2025 returned a clean pass with no advisories recorded, suggesting the tyres were replaced ahead of that examination, but the repeated pattern of sidewall cracking over consecutive years points to a vehicle that is either stored outdoors for prolonged periods or covers very low annual mileages where tyres age harden rather than wear out. Although the current record is clean, the historical evidence indicates that tyre condition should be regarded as a standing inspection item rather than a one-off concern. Covering only 40,058 miles across nine years equates to roughly 4,450 miles annually, which is substantially below average for a city car of this age and points to either genuinely light use or extended periods of inactivity. The MOT testing record is consistent with regular annual checks and shows no gaps in roadworthiness certification over the last four years, so the vehicle has clearly been kept on the road, but the low accumulation rate means consumable wear items such as brake discs, pads, and clutch components will be subject to corrosion and seizure rather than frictional wear. Brake calipers in particular can bind through infrequent use on low-mileage vehicles, and the rear drum or disc internals may have developed surface corrosion even though they have never been flagged at test. Coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil will also retain their factory fill and original condition, which carries both advantages and freshness-related risks depending on service history. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is the current set of tyres, which should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, bulges, or perishing even though none was flagged in 2025, given the established pattern. Check the production date stamps on all four tyres and confirm they are no older than around five years, as rubber degrades regardless of tread depth on a car that accumulates mileage so slowly. On the test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front MacPherson struts, top mounts, and anti-roll bar drop links, as low-speed urban use combined with age often reveals perished bushes before it shows on a rolling MOT bay check. Feel through the steering for any vagueness, judder, or pulling to one side, and apply the brakes firmly from speed to confirm a solid pedal without vibration, as seized front calipers or corroded rear mechanisms commonly develop on cars that spend long periods parked. Under the bonnet, inspect all undertrays and suspension arms for any sign of surface corrosion, as nine years of exposure on a light-use vehicle can produce rust bloom on exposed steel components even where structural test items have not yet been flagged. Check the engine oil level and condition on the dipstick, looking for any milky residue suggesting coolant ingress or excessive darkening indicating infrequent changes, and confirm the timing chain or belt service interval status as appropriate for the 1.0 three-cylinder unit fitted to this generation of Up. Finally, verify that the long-life service schedule has been followed despite the low mileage, as many manufacturers specify time-based rather than distance-based intervals, and a missing service history in this context would be more significant than on a higher-mileage example.