Second hand VW Up! - what do I need to check?
Discussion
Going to see a 62-plate 92k Up! for my son this evening.
Spoke to the seller and it hasn’t had a timing belt change since at least 54k miles, so that needs doing.
Also has four new tyres and MoT until next spring. Not sure of the spec, but has alloys, electric windows, heated seats and air con so presume not the base car.
Other than that, and a general check that everything works is there anything specific to check?
Potentially looking at another slightly newer one with less miles but basic spec, but more expensive and has some bodywork damage so this one feels a better choice.
Thanks in advance!
Spoke to the seller and it hasn’t had a timing belt change since at least 54k miles, so that needs doing.
Also has four new tyres and MoT until next spring. Not sure of the spec, but has alloys, electric windows, heated seats and air con so presume not the base car.
Other than that, and a general check that everything works is there anything specific to check?
Potentially looking at another slightly newer one with less miles but basic spec, but more expensive and has some bodywork damage so this one feels a better choice.
Thanks in advance!
Check for signs of leakage around the water pump, the right hand side of the block as you look at it.
I owned one briefly and it had this issue, new pump needed at £300+. Also start from cold and listen for a rattle, it goes away when you dip the clutch, mine had this too. I think it’s quite common and may be considered a ‘quirk’ but was quite annoying, sounded like a diesel.
I owned one briefly and it had this issue, new pump needed at £300+. Also start from cold and listen for a rattle, it goes away when you dip the clutch, mine had this too. I think it’s quite common and may be considered a ‘quirk’ but was quite annoying, sounded like a diesel.
Thanks for the advice!
We've just got back and he's now an Up! owner
Well, 10% deposit paid and we pick it up on Sunday (conincidentally his birthday).
Really nice condition, with everything working as it should, and only a slight scuff on the rear bumper, a little gouge at the lower corner of the front bumper and one trolley ding. Not bad for a near 10-year old car. Four new tyres and MoT until next March.
It drives nicely, if a little sedately, but the three cylinder engine noise is lovely.
£20 road tax, and 60-70 mpg
Can't wait to get it home and give it a good clean and polish for him. Will be a bit hot for a few days though!
We've just got back and he's now an Up! owner
Well, 10% deposit paid and we pick it up on Sunday (conincidentally his birthday).Really nice condition, with everything working as it should, and only a slight scuff on the rear bumper, a little gouge at the lower corner of the front bumper and one trolley ding. Not bad for a near 10-year old car. Four new tyres and MoT until next March.
It drives nicely, if a little sedately, but the three cylinder engine noise is lovely.
£20 road tax, and 60-70 mpg
Can't wait to get it home and give it a good clean and polish for him. Will be a bit hot for a few days though!
Edited by 595Heaven on Wednesday 13th July 19:57
georgeyboy12345 said:
If he’s getting the timing belt done then he will probably get the water pump done at the same time anyway.
The pump on the Up isn’t driven by the cam belt, it’s on the other end of the engine.Also, only VW UK recommend normal cam belt change intervals on the Up, everywhere else it’s much longer intervals (in fact just check at about 120k I think) as it’s a Kevlar belt.
georgeyboy12345 said:
If he’s getting the timing belt done then he will probably get the water pump done at the same time anyway.
I don't think they're connected on this engine.On another level to the general VAG cambelt change interval issue, I think (but do some checks of your own) this engine was supposed to be a "lifetime" belt. However VW UK still tell people it has to be changed at 5yrs,
We had one in the family, it was completely reliable and did 500 mile round trips every few months with ease.
I drove it maybe half a dozen times and it was like a go kart. Very direct and the wee 3 cyl enjoyed getting its arse kicked.
With heated bum holders and face air refrigeration, what a brilliant first car!
I drove it maybe half a dozen times and it was like a go kart. Very direct and the wee 3 cyl enjoyed getting its arse kicked.
With heated bum holders and face air refrigeration, what a brilliant first car!
MondeoMan1981 said:
We had one in the family, it was completely reliable and did 500 mile round trips every few months with ease.
I drove it maybe half a dozen times and it was like a go kart. Very direct and the wee 3 cyl enjoyed getting its arse kicked.
With heated bum holders and face air refrigeration, what a brilliant first car!
Yep, quite a step up from first cars when I was his age. Mine had one less cylinder, 400 less cc, only a third of the power and I loved that 2CV to bits I drove it maybe half a dozen times and it was like a go kart. Very direct and the wee 3 cyl enjoyed getting its arse kicked.
With heated bum holders and face air refrigeration, what a brilliant first car!
Sheepshanks said:
I don't think they're connected on this engine.
On another level to the general VAG cambelt change interval issue, I think (but do some checks of your own) this engine was supposed to be a "lifetime" belt. However VW UK still tell people it has to be changed at 5yrs,
Absolutely - we have a Citigo 69k miles on the original timing belt. Across Europe the belt is for the life of the engine or something similar yet UK want it changed every 5 years. VW group money making exercise. Water pump not driven by belt & I check it once a year - still looks like new. Knowing my luck at the moment it'll fail today!On another level to the general VAG cambelt change interval issue, I think (but do some checks of your own) this engine was supposed to be a "lifetime" belt. However VW UK still tell people it has to be changed at 5yrs,
Yes, clearly a lower spec belt fitted to UK cars 
Sorted insurance for it today. I did get a quote yesterday from Direct Line with whom I insure my SLK55, but that was £1,271!
Went on MoneySupermarket and the best quote was with a specialist provisional licence policy for £230!
Spoke to them and to add me as a named driver pushed it up to £260 but far, far less painful than I expected!
Sorted insurance for it today. I did get a quote yesterday from Direct Line with whom I insure my SLK55, but that was £1,271!
Went on MoneySupermarket and the best quote was with a specialist provisional licence policy for £230!
Spoke to them and to add me as a named driver pushed it up to £260 but far, far less painful than I expected!
Canon_Fodder said:
Excellent first car and the 3dr is the one to have.
Are those wheels original?
Yes, these were the std fit on the High Up! Trim level. Will be as difficult to clean as those on my AMG but probably won’t catch as much brake dust!Are those wheels original?
Review here shows the same wheels. Luckily his car doesn’t have the red interior! https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/up/13105/...
Centre caps look a bit manky but replacements are c.£25 each!
595Heaven said:
Yes, clearly a lower spec belt fitted to UK cars
Sheepshanks said:
On another level to the general VAG cambelt change interval issue, I think (but do some checks of your own) this engine was supposed to be a "lifetime" belt. However VW UK still tell people it has to be changed at 5yrs,
I think you should take note of Sheepshanks comments ! An "economy" cam belt for UK markets on a production line building engines which are all the same ?He mentions VAG UK and I concur with his implied suspicions (Apologies S.Sh. if I've misinterpreted) I've experience of VAG UK Albeit a long time ago but little has changed it seems !
Hope your lad enjoys his first car, I'm sure he will. I had to start dismantling mine as soon as I bought it
Maxdecel said:
I think you should take note of Sheepshanks comments ! An "economy" cam belt for UK markets on a production line building engines which are all the same ?
He mentions VAG UK and I concur with his implied suspicions (Apologies S.Sh. if I've misinterpreted) I've experience of VAG UK Albeit a long time ago but little has changed it seems !
Hope your lad enjoys his first car, I'm sure he will. I had to start dismantling mine as soon as I bought it
Don’t worry! I thought the rolling eyes emoji would signpost my thoughts on the different service interval. I’ll whip the cover off and do a visual check once we’ve got the car home. He mentions VAG UK and I concur with his implied suspicions (Apologies S.Sh. if I've misinterpreted) I've experience of VAG UK Albeit a long time ago but little has changed it seems !
Hope your lad enjoys his first car, I'm sure he will. I had to start dismantling mine as soon as I bought it
595Heaven said:
Don’t worry! I thought the rolling eyes emoji would signpost my thoughts on the different service interval. I’ll whip the cover off and do a visual check once we’ve got the car home.
I didn't notice it.I had to look and - https://www.upownersclub.co.uk/threads/the-dreaded... Post #19 is particularly interesting.
I'd like to understand VAG UK's reasoning that using a car here is more demanding than Europe !
#25 - "The fact there's such ahuge difference between the 2shows that VW UK's stanceis a total money grab." <- This is more likely.
Maxdecel said:
I didn't notice it.I had to look and - https://www.upownersclub.co.uk/threads/the-dreaded... Post #19 is particularly interesting.
I'd like to understand VAG UK's reasoning that using a car here is more demanding than Europe !
#25 - "The fact there's such ahuge difference between the 2shows that VW UK's stanceis a total money grab." <- This is more likely.
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