2016 Volkswagen UP 1.0L Petrol · YC16 AAU

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in the up! is known for strong real-world fuel economy, typically returning 50-60 mpg in mixed driving and capable of exceeding 60 mpg on longer runs. Road tax (VED) for a car first registered in March 2016 emitting under 100 g/km is usually zero, though you should confirm the exact CO2 figure for this specific variant. Insurance sits in group 1 or 2 for most up! models, making it one of the cheapest cars to insure on the UK market.

Maintenance costs are generally modest: a minor service is typically £120-£180 and a major service around £200-£280 at an independent garage. However, the very high mileage on this example means consumables such as tyres, brakes and clutches may need replacing sooner than for a lower-mileage car. Budget for tyres (£150-£200 for a set of four budget brands) and a potential brake disc/pad refresh. Realistically, plan for £900-£1,200 per year in total running costs including fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance, assuming typical use.

Begin with a close look at all four tyres. The 2023, 2025 and 2026 MOTs all recorded tyre advisories across both axles, including edge wear, cracking and perishing. Edge wear on a front pair often indicates worn suspension bushes or alignment issues, while cracking/perishing on the rears suggests age-related rubber degradation. Check the sidewalls carefully and confirm the tyres have at least 3mm of tread remaining.

The brake system needs particular attention. The January 2026 advisory noted a corroded rear brake pipe covered in grease or other material — physically inspect the rear brake lines for rust, particularly at unions and along the underbody. Also check the front discs and pads for wear, and verify the handbrake holds firmly on a slope (the 2024 failure was a binding service brake at the offside rear). Lift the car if possible and look for any seeping calipers or perished flexible hoses.

Finally, given the 102,191-mile odometer reading, inspect the clutch for slipping or judder, listen for any timing chain rattle on a cold start, and check the coolant for proper level and condition. A compression test or at minimum a diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes would be prudent. The up! is generally robust, but at this mileage the small items add up.