2016 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · SA66 VCW
2016 Volkswagen UP (1.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2016. Recorded mileage 76,989 miles. MOT valid until 19 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN UP
- Year / Origin
- 2016 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 76,989 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.
SA66 VCW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/11/2025
- 76,989 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SA66 VCW 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 2016 Volkswagen Up (SA66 VCW) between August 2023 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 20 November 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 (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))”.
SA66 VCW Mileage History
- 28/08/202357,245 mi
- 13/08/202466,130 mi+8,885 mi
- 13/08/202575,254 mi+9,124 mi
- 14/08/202575,255 mi+1 mi
- 20/11/202576,989 mi+1,734 mi
Average of roughly 8,848 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: Good
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
A practical city car that has recently c
Prioritise reviewing the service records for August 2025. You should seek evidence of the repairs carried out to rectify the service brake, parking brake, and suspension arm ball joint failures to ensure these were replaced or adjusted professionally.
Given the recurring MOT advisories for 'cracking or perishing' tyres in 2023, 2024, and 2025, check the age and condition of all current tyres. Ensure that the tyres have been replaced rather than just patched, as perishing is a structural issue with the rubber that cannot be repaired.
The 999cc petrol engine is designed for urban efficiency, typically resulting in low fuel consumption and a modest insurance group. Maintenance for the Up is generally straightforward, though the higher mileage on this specific example may necessitate more frequent wear-and-tear replacements.
Typical annual costs will include low-band road tax, insurance, and routine servicing. Based on the engine size and model type, the running costs remain competitive for a city car.
Carefully inspect the suspension arm and ball joints, as these were specifically flagged as 'excessively worn' in August 2025. Test the braking system for consistency and check the parking brake hold on an incline to ensure the previous efficiency failures have been fully resolved.
Examine the exhaust system for signs of the corrosion noted in the 2023 MOT. Finally, perform a close visual inspection of the tyre sidewalls for any signs of cracking or perishing, which has been a persistent issue in this vehicle's MOT history.
This red 2016 Volkswagen Up has recorded 76,989 miles, which is above the model average. While the most recent MOT in November 2025 was passed with no defects, the August 2025 record shows a failure involving service brake efficiency, parking brake efficiency, and a worn suspension arm ball joint. There is also a recurring pattern of tyre perishing advisories dating back to 2023.
The Volkswagen Up has an average MOT pass rate of 85.3%, with common failure points typically involving tyres and suspension arms.
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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VOLKSWAGEN UP Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2016 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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