2016 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · WM16 YVZ

A pattern of minor but recurring advisories has built up across the MOT history of this 2016 Volkswagen up, most notably centred on the rear brake mechanism and rear tyres. The most recent test on 7 July 2026 was a clean pass with only a child seat fitted advisory, but looking back through the record shows that both rear brake calipers have been flagged for light binding twice, in 2023 and again in 2024, alongside a steering rack inner joint play advisory in 2024. The rear tyres have also been a consistent theme, with perishing noted on both rear tyres in 2024 and 2025 before appearing absent from the 2026 record, which is consistent with replacement ahead of that test. None of these issues have progressed into failure categories, which suggests a vehicle that is being maintained to a roadworthy standard, but the repetition of similar advisories year on year points to components that are degrading gradually rather than being resolved at source. With 67,295 miles recorded against a 2016 build year, this up has covered roughly 6,700 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small city-oriented car of its age. There are no unusual gaps in the testing history, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2022 onwards, indicating continuous use rather than long periods off the road. For a vehicle of this size and intended purpose, the mileage is not excessive and the drivetrain and suspension should not yet be heavily worn, but the combination of a decade of urban use with the recorded binding advisories suggests that the rear drum brake assemblies have been working hard under frequent low-speed stop-start conditions, which is where caliper slide mechanisms and rear shoe adjusters typically begin to show their age. A buyer should not assume low wear simply from the modest annual figure, as the type of use matters as much as the total. The most worthwhile physical inspection focuses on the rear brake system. Because binding has been noted on both rear brakes across two separate tests, a prospective buyer should jack the vehicle and spin each rear wheel by hand to confirm free rotation without roughness or a sticky feel, and should listen on the test drive for any scraping, dragging sensation after release, or a rear bias pulling the car one way under light braking. The nearside rear caliper or shoe mechanism should be regarded as the prime suspect, given that it was specifically identified in 2024. A stethoscope or length of hose held near each rear hub while an assistant applies and releases the brake will reveal whether a caliper is failing to retract fully, which on a small car of this age often results in a slightly elevated rear hub temperature after a drive. The steering rack inner joint play advisory from 2024 also warrants direct attention. On a test drive, the up should be taken over uneven surfaces and at low speed over speed humps to listen for clonks or knocks from the front end, and the steering should be turned lock to lock with the wheels hanging to detect any slack in the rack inner joints, which typically presents as a slight delay or ratchet feel on initial steering input. The rear tyres, having been flagged for perishing on both sides in consecutive years, should be inspected closely for sidewall cracking, particularly on the inside shoulder where it is least visible, and any tyres over five years old from their production date should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Finally, the exhaust, underbody, and rear axle area should be checked for surface corrosion, as the up is known to suffer from underfloor rust in older examples, even where it has not yet been recorded on an MOT.