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1

The car at a glance

Volkswagen up! Mk1 (AA)
Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Reference photo: facelift petrol up!. · Example of this model

Volkswagen up! Mk1 (2018–2023)

factory type code AA · engine code EA211: DKRA / DLAA (check vehicle data sticker)

  • GTI 1.0 TSI 115 PS Petrol
  • Manual

You get a compact, easy-to-park car with a lively engine and a manual gearbox. The 2016 updated the look and cabin. Buy on condition: check the , brakes and service records before you choose.

2

Reliability rating

79
/ 100
Good buy

Editorial buyer score, not a measured failure percentage. reports a generally good breakdown record and above-average inspection results. The adds performance but also an extra repair risk. Age, brakes, condition and service evidence matter more than trim.

Concern for this year/engine: 2018–2023: Check for tuning and hard use. Later emissions equipment differs; order parts by VIN and confirm the engine code.

Typical lifespan: A well-maintained car can be a sensible 200,000 km candidate, not a guaranteed lifespan. Check oil-service records, cooling-system condition and the -specific inspection or replacement schedule; do not assume one universal age interval.

This is a general assessment of this model and engine, not a guarantee of this individual car's condition.

3

Common problems to look out for

wear and difficult shifts

Risk: Medium

Town use wears the . Owners also report difficulty selecting reverse or first. A reluctant reverse alone does not prove the whole gearbox needs replacing.

Warning signs
  • Judder when pulling away
  • Engine speed rises without matching acceleration
  • Repeated grinding into reverse
Estimated repair
€450–€1,100
What to look out for
Drive from cold and select every gear. Stop completely before selecting reverse; investigate persistent resistance.

Sticking

Risk: Medium

Owners report faults with the (the part controlling boost). The engine may limit power. Reports do not establish a failure rate, and other faults can cause the same warning.

Warning signs
  • EPC power-control warning
  • Sudden lack of acceleration
  • Power returns after restarting
Estimated repair
€250–€1,600
What to look out for
Drive until fully warm and accelerate under load. Have stored fault codes read before agreeing to a replacement.

Worn or sticking brakes

Risk: Medium

Inspection evidence flags the brakes as a weak point. Worn parts or a sticking parking brake can reduce braking force. This is a condition check, not proof every car fails.

Warning signs
  • Scraping or pulling when braking
  • Parking brake will not release
  • Uneven disc surfaces
Estimated repair
€150–€650
What to look out for
You should get straight, quiet stops. Ask for recent results and a brake inspection.

Water inside the cabin

Risk: Medium

Owners report water entering through seals near the front footwells or into the tailgate. Early cars feature most in reports. Damp can damage trim and wiring; later cars still need checking.

Warning signs
  • Musty smell
  • Wet carpet
  • Water sloshing in the hatch
Estimated repair
€80–€650
What to look out for
Lift the boot floor and feel under the front mats. Open the hatch after rain.

Small electrical faults

Risk: Low

Owners report tyre-pressure warning glitches, rear wiring trouble and battery-related warnings. A weak 12-volt battery can disable start-stop where fitted. Test equipment rather than assuming a warning is harmless.

Warning signs
  • Warning returns after restart
  • Rear lights work intermittently
  • Slow starting
Estimated repair
€100–€550
What to look out for
Test all lights, locks and radio functions. Ask for a battery load test and scan unresolved warnings.

Unfinished safety work

Risk: High

Some build batches had airbag, child-lock or towing-eye campaigns. Applicability depends on the vehicle identification number (), not just the year. Follow any stop-driving instruction before you test the car.

Warning signs
  • No record of campaign completion
  • Seller cannot confirm VIN check
Estimated repair
€0–€0
What to look out for
Get written status from a Volkswagen dealer. Applicable safety recall work should be free.
4

Questions to ask the seller

Tick them off as you talk. 0/6 asked.

5

Running and repair costs

Routine servicing / year
€220–€420
Low
Fuel economy
approx. 5.5–6.7 L/100km
Low
Unexpected repair risk
Common repairs
Average
Unexpected repairs (if they happen)
  • wear and difficult shifts€450–€1,100
  • Sticking €250–€1,600
  • Worn or sticking brakes€150–€650
  • Water inside the cabin€80–€650
  • Small electrical faults€100–€550
  • Unfinished safety work€0–€0
6

Final verdict

The good
  • Small footprint and useful four-seat cabin
  • Generally good independent breakdown record
  • Widely shared mechanical parts
  • Strong acceleration for its size
The concerns
  • Budget figures are broad EUR estimates, not garage quotes
  • Check the schedule by
  • wear depends heavily on previous use
  • Firm ride and costly damaged wheels
Our verdict
Good buy

Choose one with documented servicing, dry carpets and a clean cold-to-hot test drive. Do not overlook worn brakes or unresolved warning lights.

Always check this car's actual condition and maintenance history — ideally with an independent inspection.