Used Volkswagen Up! for sale in Europe

About the Volkswagen Up!

The Volkswagen up! is a small city car with a short body and a three-cylinder engine. It was sold from 2011 to 2023 as a three-door or five-door hatchback. Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo are closely related models built on the same platform.

It suits buyers who mostly drive in town, want easy parking and need a low-cost second car or first car. Most used examples have a 1.0-litre petrol engine in either naturally aspirated or turbocharged form.

Other versions exist in smaller numbers, including a natural gas (CNG) model called eco up! and the electric e-up!. Trim names such as take up!, move up! and high up! describe equipment levels, so compare specifications carefully.

Generations

• First series (2011-2016) — Launched with 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines, a manual gearbox or an automated manual option, plus CNG and electric variants.
• Facelift (2016-2023) — A 2016 update brought revised styling and a turbocharged 1.0 TSI engine, and the sporty GTI followed in 2018.

Typical prices

Asking prices in our listings rise steadily with model year. Cars from 2012 have a median of €3,700, while 2023 cars have a median of €13,700. The median across all model years is €8,000. Within each year, trim level, engine, mileage and country of sale move the price up or down. A very small group of 2026 listings sits far above this trend, so check what those cars are before comparing them. These are asking prices in our listings on 2026-11-10, not a valuation.

Based on our listings as of 2026-11-10. These are asking prices, not a valuation.

What to check when buying a used Volkswagen Up!

Start with the service history and a cold start, then take a test drive that includes town traffic and a short motorway run. Compare the car with the specification sheet to confirm engine and gearbox.

• Check the automated gearbox · Automated manual gearbox

  Some cars have a single-clutch automated manual gearbox. It can feel hesitant by design, but clear jerking, slipping or warning lights deserve a workshop opinion. Ask about clutch and software work, and compare with a manual car if unsure.

• Engine running and servicing · 1.0 petrol engines

  Listen for rough idling, misfires or unusual noise from the three-cylinder engine. Confirm oil changes were done on schedule and ask whether the timing components have been serviced according to the maker's plan for that engine.

• Turbo model checks · 1.0 TSI

  On turbocharged cars, check for smooth power delivery, no warning lights and no signs of oil leaks. Ask for proof of regular oil changes, since a turbocharger depends on clean oil.

• Open recalls and software

  Ask the seller or an authorised dealer to check the chassis number for open recalls and service campaigns. Cars sold across several countries may have been handled differently, so do not assume work was completed.

• Wear on small-car basics

  City cars often do short trips. Check the clutch, brakes, tyres, suspension bushes and the 12-volt battery. Test the air conditioning, windows and central locking, and look for kerb damage on wheels and bumpers.

• Alternative fuel versions · CNG and electric versions

  For eco up! gas cars, ask for evidence of gas system inspections and check the tank certification dates. For e-up!, ask for a battery health report and charging history before you consider the car.

Frequently asked questions