2018 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · FH18 AFN

A clear pattern of peripheral tyre deterioration has emerged across the most recent DVSA tests of this Volkswagen Up, with every MOT since December 2024 carrying advisories for cracking or perishing rubber. The 2025-11-25 test recorded perishing on both offside corners, while the 2024-12-09 test flagged perishing across the offside front, offside rear and nearside front tyres. Earlier tests from December 2023, December 2022, December 2021 and the initial June 2021 entry returned clean passes with no advisories of any kind, so the roadworthiness picture has shifted only at the advisory level rather than into outright failure territory. No structural, braking, suspension or emissions defects have been logged at any point in the recorded history, which keeps the overall mechanical standing formally compliant, though the persistent tyre condition warrants direct physical inspection rather than reliance on the paperwork alone. Mileage accumulation on this 2018 Volkswagen Up is notably low, with 25,506 recorded miles equating to an annual rate of roughly 3,188 miles per year against an eight-year vehicle age. Such restrained usage typically reduces wear on major drivetrain components, clutches, brake friction material and exhaust systems, although it can place standing-start demands on the 12V battery and may encourage age-related perishing in exposed consumables like tyres and rubber boots. The MOT cadence shows annual testing from June 2021 through to the latest November 2025 entry, with no extended off-road gaps, and the mileage progression across the recorded tests appears consistent with light, steady use rather than any sudden jumps or long dormant periods. Mechanically, this usage profile usually means suspension linkages, brake calipers and underbody corrosion points have seen relatively modest mechanical loading, but rubber ageing from time rather than mileage remains the dominant wear consideration. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is the current state of all four tyres, since perishing advisories have appeared repeatedly on the offside front and offside rear positions and a nearside front advisory was logged at the 2024 test. Check the sidewalls closely for ozone cracking, particularly in the shoulder and tread groove areas, and confirm the fitted rubber carries sufficient tread depth with no exposed cord or bulging sidewalls. A vehicle of this age with low mileage can also suffer from binding brake calipers and corroded slider mechanisms through infrequent use, so test-drive feel for any pulling under braking, uneven pedal response, or grinding from the front axle is worthwhile. Listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar links or top mounts that the MOT process would not necessarily flag at this mileage. Beyond the flagged items, pay attention to any signs of oil misting around the engine and cam cover area, and inspect the underbody for any emerging surface corrosion on subframe and suspension components given the car's age, even though no such defects have yet been raised on the MOT history. On the move, monitor for steering vagueness, any vibration through the column at speed, or hesitation from the small-capacity three-cylinder engine, all of which would warrant further investigation given the relatively low annual mileage. Finally, confirm the age and condition of the 12V battery, as vehicles used for short trips and standing periods are prone to reduced cranking performance, and verify that the most recently advised tyres have been replaced rather than carried over into the next test cycle.