2017 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · GV67 CFZ

A pattern of intermittent but varied defects has emerged across seven MOT tests on this Volkswagen Up, with three failures recorded against four passes. The most recent event on 13 May 2026 is a particularly important data point because the car presented on the same day and passed, yet was also failed on the same date for a major defect concerning excessive fluctuation in the front service brake. This pairing suggests the brake issue was identified and rectified at the test station or that the fail and pass represent a retest outcome, but it nonetheless flags the front braking system as the most recent area of mechanical concern. Prior to that, the 2024 test recorded two major defects relating to the nearside rear wheel bearing roughness and a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, while a 2023 failure concerned ineffective front windscreen wiper performance. The intervening 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026 passes were all recorded with no defects, indicating the car can achieve a clean test outcome but has not maintained a sustained clean record across its testing life. At 41,451 recorded miles over approximately nine years, this Up has covered an average of around 4,600 miles annually, which sits at the lower end of typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. The mileage has progressed steadily rather than dramatically between tests, with no recorded spikes or unusual jumps, suggesting consistent light-to-moderate use rather than any single long journey or sudden change in driving pattern. Lower annual mileage generally means reduced wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, engine internals and transmission, but it can also place additional stress on items that suffer from prolonged standing, including brake discs corroding on the surface, brake calliper slide pins seizing, suspension bushes drying out, and tyre sidewalls developing flat spots. The absence of any extended gaps in the annual testing record also indicates the vehicle has not been laid up off the road for multiple consecutive years, which would otherwise raise specific concerns about dormant component degradation. For a prospective buyer, the front brake issue recorded on 13 May 2026 should be the priority area for investigation, as it is the most recent and unresolved item in the history. On a test drive, listen for any binding or dragging sensation from the front brakes, particularly when first releasing the pedal after coming to a stop, and check whether the car pulls to one side under firm braking which could indicate uneven caliper operation or a sticking piston. Inspect the front brake discs for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and any visible scoring or rust pitting, as fluctuating brake readings can stem from warped discs or contaminated pads, and verify that the brake fluid has been changed recently as old fluid can mimic some pedal feel issues. The 2024 nearside rear wheel bearing defect also deserves attention; on test drive, listen for a humming or rumbling noise from the rear that changes pitch with vehicle speed and may quieten or disappear when cornering, which is the classic symptom of a worn wheel bearing. Jack the car and rotate the rear wheels by hand to confirm free movement without roughness or grinding. The tyre pressure monitoring system fault flagged in 2024 warrants confirmation that it has been properly resolved, as these systems on Volkswagens of this era typically rely on sensors within the tyre valves that can fail due to battery depletion or corrosion, particularly on a low-mileage car that has covered few miles per year. Before purchase, check that the TPMS warning light extinguishes promptly after inflation and remains off during driving. Given the varied but generally minor nature of the historical defects, a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the front braking system, rear wheel bearing condition, and TPMS functionality would be advisable, alongside a road test that specifically evaluates brake pedal feel, straight-line stability under braking, and any rear axle noise that could point toward a recurring wheel bearing issue.