VW up! (Used): The Tiny City Car That Refuses to Die Quietly

You circle the block for the third time. Parallel parking spots are either too tight, too risky, or already taken by SUVs that need two postcodes to turn. Fuel is expensive, insurance is climbing, and the idea of buying a brand-new car for mainly city use feels… absurd.

You want something simple, solid, and small enough to slip into those microscopic gaps that everyone else avoids. But you also don’t want a noisy tin can that feels like a rental scooter with doors. That balance – tiny footprint, big-car seriousness – is exactly where most city cars fall apart.

This is where the VW up! (Gebraucht/Auslauf) steps in as one of the most interesting used buys in the city-car segment.

VW up! (Gebraucht/Auslauf): The City Car That Makes Downsizing Feel Like an Upgrade

The VW up! (literally "up" – Volkswagen’s smallest city car) may be discontinued as a new combustion model in many markets, but on the used market its very much alive. Originally launched around 2011/2012 and refreshed mid-cycle, the up! was Volkswagen’s answer to cramped cities and spiraling ownership costs.

On paper, it’s just a tiny hatchback with a three?cylinder engine, typically 60–90 hp depending on version, front-wheel drive and either 3 or 5 doors. In reality, it’s one of the few city cars that feels engineered with the same seriousness as a Golf.

And that’s the core appeal: you get Volkswagen build quality and refinement in a footprint that slides into spaces others can only dream of.

Why this specific model?

In a world of bloated crossovers, the VW up! (Gebraucht/Auslauf) stands out because it nails three everyday frustrations at once: parking, running costs, and stress-free driving.

• Parking made almost trivial: At roughly 3.54 m (about 11.6 ft) long, the up! is genuinely tiny. That means parallel parking in downtown streets, tight supermarket lots, or old European city centers is almost effortless. Even new drivers on Reddit frequently mention how easy the car is to maneuver and park.
• Surprisingly grown-up on the highway: Despite its size, reviewers and owners consistently note that the up! feels more stable and refined than many rivals like the Fiat 500 or older Kia Picanto models. Noise levels are acceptable, steering is predictable, and it doesn’t feel nervous at 70–80 mph.
• Real-world economy: The conventional petrol versions typically sit in the ~4.5–5.0 l/100 km range (roughly 47–52 mpg US) in mixed driving if driven sensibly. Many owners report fuel costs as one of the main reasons they’ve kept the car for years.

Engine options on the used market are mostly small 1.0?liter three?cylinder petrol units, with outputs around 60 hp, 75 hp, or about 90 hp for the more spirited up! GTI. There’s also the electric e?up! variant, but thats a slightly different story with its own price and charging considerations.

Importantly, the interior is simple but cleverly designed: upright seating, big windows, and honest materials, with later cars offering smartphone docking, basic touchscreen systems, and Bluetooth. You wont find the latest hyper-digital cockpit here – but many buyers see that as a plus: less to break, less to distract.

At a Glance: The Facts

Feature	User Benefit
Compact length (~3.54 m / 11.6 ft)	Effortless parking in tight urban spaces; easy to maneuver for new and experienced drivers alike.
1.0L three?cylinder petrol engines (?60–90 hp)	Low fuel consumption and simple mechanicals; enough power for city and occasional highway without high running costs.
5?door body style available	Family- and friend-friendly access; easier child-seat use while keeping the exterior footprint tiny.
High safety ratings for its class (Euro NCAP)	More peace of mind compared with many older or cheaper city cars; feels less like a "disposable" commuter.
Approx. 251 L trunk (rear seats up)	Surprisingly usable cargo space for groceries, weekend bags, or a stroller with some Tetris skills.
Simple, robust interior design	Hard-wearing cabin that ages well; fewer fragile gimmicks, easier to keep clean and tidy.
Available as sporty up! GTI or electric e?up!	Choice between playful performance or locally emission-free commuting, depending on your priorities and budget.

What Users Are Saying

A scan of owner forums and Reddit threads (searches like "Reddit VW up review" and model-specific discussions) reveals a clear pattern: people who understand what the VW up! is meant to do are almost universally happy with it.

Common pros mentioned by owners:

• Rock-solid city companion: Many drivers emphasize that the up! feels more substantial than competitors. Comments frequently praise its planted feel and stable handling, even on longer highway trips.
• Low ownership costs: Owners highlight low fuel use, relatively affordable insurance, and modest servicing costs compared to larger Volkswagens. Several long-term drivers mention having kept the car far longer than expected because its so cheap to own.
• Surprising space: Despite the tiny footprint, adults can fit in the back for short journeys. The upright seating position and square-ish shape make the interior feel bigger than the spec sheet suggests.
• Easy for new drivers: Parents buying a first car for their kids love the simplicity, visibility, and ease of parking.

Common cons and caveats:

• Not a long-distance cruiser: Most owners agree that while the up! can handle highway trips, it’s not the car youd choose for cross-country drives every weekend. Wind and engine noise become more noticeable at higher speeds.
• Basic equipment on early or low-spec cars: Some used examples lack modern infotainment, cruise control, or advanced driver aids. Buyers often recommend targeting better-equipped trims or later model years.
• Automated manual gearbox (ASG) criticism: Forum users frequently warn that the automated manual transmission feels jerky and slow compared with a conventional automatic or manual. The consensus: if possible, go for the manual.
• Limited rear space for tall adults: While it’s fine for short rides, taller passengers won’t want to spend hours in the back.

Overall sentiment: the up! delivers exactly what it promises – a small, honest, economical car – and that honesty is what keeps owners loyal.

Behind the model stands Volkswagen AG, one of the worlds largest automakers, listed under ISIN: DE0007664039. That global footprint matters when it comes to parts availability, service networks, and long-term support for a used purchase.

Alternatives vs. VW up! (Gebraucht/Auslauf)

If you’re shopping the used city-car segment, the VW up! sits in a crowded field. Heres how it stacks up against some common alternatives:

• VW up! vs. Skoda Citigo / SEAT Mii: These are essentially siblings to the up!, built on the same platform with slightly different styling and trims. Often, the choice comes down to availability and price; many buyers pick whichever of the three is in better condition locally. The up! usually carries slightly stronger brand recognition and sometimes higher resale values.
• VW up! vs. Fiat 500: The Fiat 500 wins on retro charm and style, but owners often report that the up! feels more solid, with better visibility and practicality. If you value driving feel and understated quality over fashion-forward looks, the up! tends to come out ahead.
• VW up! vs. Kia Picanto / Hyundai i10: The Korean rivals hit hard with long warranties (when nearly new) and lots of features for the money. On the used market, though, the up! often has the edge in perceived solidity and European driving dynamics, while the Picanto/i10 might deliver more gadgets per dollar.
• VW up! vs. small used EVs (e.g., Renault Zoe, newer e?up!): If you have home charging and mainly do short trips, a used EV can slash running costs even further. However, purchase prices and battery health become key issues. The up! petrol models stay attractive for buyers who want simplicity, quick refueling, and no charging infrastructure concerns.

In short: if you want the most characterful design, go Fiat 500; if you want maximum kit for the money, look at Korean rivals. But if you want that understated, well-screwed-together feel in a genuinely compact package, the VW up! remains a standout.

Final Verdict

The VW up! (Gebraucht/Auslauf) is not about bragging rights or headline performance figures. It’s about making daily life easier, cheaper, and less stressful – especially if your world is full of tight parking spots and short, frequent journeys.

On the used market, it hits a rare sweet spot: big-brand engineering from Volkswagen AG, low running costs, and dimensions that feel tailor-made for dense urban living. It doesn’t pretend to be an SUV, and it doesn’t try to wow you with screens. Instead, it gives you just enough of everything that matters – space, safety, quality, efficiency – in a package that’s delightfully easy to live with.

If your next car needs to be:

• Small enough to park almost anywhere,
• Cheap enough to run without wincing at the pump,
• Serious enough to feel safe and stable on real roads,
• Simple enough to keep for years without constant tech headaches,

then a well-chosen VW up! used model deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.

It’s the rare city car that doesn’t just make your commute smaller – it makes it smarter.