2017 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · SJ17 AAP

A concerning pattern of rear brake and electrical system defects has emerged in the MOT history of this 2017 Volkswagen Up, with a significant cluster of major failures at the most recent test on 23 September 2025 alongside a prior advisory that pointed towards the same braking issue. The 2024 test passed with an advisory noting that the service brake was binding on both rear wheels but within acceptable tolerances, yet by September 2025 this had progressed to an offside rear service brake binding excessively, which was recorded as a major failure. That same test also flagged an offside side repeater not working, an inoperative rear fog lamp, an insecure battery likely to cause a short circuit, and emission control equipment deemed obviously defective. Although the vehicle returned five days later and passed with no advisories, the rapid succession of electrical and emission defects in a single test suggests systemic issues that were either rapidly resolved or temporarily masked rather than comprehensively rectified. With 50,864 miles recorded over nine years, this Up has covered approximately 5,652 miles annually, which is low for its age and indicates either light weekend use, a short urban commute, or extended periods of inactivity. There is also a notable two-year testing gap between September 2021 and September 2023, which is consistent with low-mileage ownership where annual mileage does not trigger a fresh test requirement. Mechanically, low accumulation rates of this nature tend to preserve drivetrain components but can accelerate deterioration of items that suffer from standing still, including brake calipers seizing, brake discs corroding, exhaust system components rusting internally, battery degradation from infrequent charging cycles, and dried-out suspension bushes developing flat spots or splitting. For any prospective buyer, the rear braking system demands immediate and thorough scrutiny, particularly the offside rear caliper and handbrake mechanism given the documented progression from advisory to major failure within twelve months. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding, or dragging noises from the rear wheels when pulling away from a standstill, which would indicate a binding caliper still present. The rear brake disc should be inspected for hot spots, blueing, or excessive lipping, and the handbrake should be tested on an incline to confirm it holds firmly without requiring excessive lever travel. The offside rear wheel cylinder or caliper piston should be checked for free movement, and a spanner check on the rear caliper slide pins is advisable given the repeat binding history. The electrical and emission defects warrant their own dedicated inspection. The battery and its securing bracket should be examined to confirm it is firmly clamped and that the terminals are clean and tight, as an insecure battery can move under harsh driving and cause short circuits against the bodywork. All exterior lighting should be checked individually, including side repeaters, fog lamps, and indicator functions, to verify they remain operational. Given the emission control equipment was flagged as obviously defective, the exhaust system should be visually inspected for integrity, the catalytic converter checked for its physical presence and condition, and any warning lights on the dashboard noted during the test drive, particularly the engine management light. The vehicle should also be observed from behind during a cold start for any excessive smoke or unusual exhaust noises that could indicate the emission issue has resurfaced since the retest.