Models · Volkswagen
Volkswagen up! GTI buying guide
The smallest Volkswagen GTI, sold from 2018 until production ended in early 2023, with a 1.0 turbocharged three-cylinder and a six-speed manual.
The versions
- 1.0 TSI turbocharged three-cylinder (EA211 family), 113hp
- Six-speed manual only, front-wheel drive
- Three-door and five-door hatchback
- 17in alloy wheels with 195/40 tyres as standard
What to check on a up! GTI
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Gearbox noise at idle and through the gears
What to look for: With the engine idling in neutral, listen for a whine or grinding. On the test drive, accelerate through each gear and listen for the same noise under load.
Why it matters: Some owners have reported an unusual noise from the gearbox at idle, which can come before a gearbox failure. It isn't common, but a quiet gearbox is what you want, and a noisy one needs a specialist opinion before buying.
Rear drum brakes
What to look for: Look through the rear wheels at the brake drums for heavy rust. On the drive, especially if the car has been parked overnight in the cold, check it pulls away cleanly without the back brakes dragging.
Why it matters: The GTI has drum brakes at the back, and they're known for rusting. In cold, damp weather some cars stick on their rear brakes after standing. A car that frees off as it warms is usually fine; one that keeps dragging needs the rear brakes checking.
Springs and dampers
What to look for: Drive over a few bumps and listen for knocks or clunks from each corner. Look behind the wheels for a broken coil spring and at the dampers for oil misting.
Why it matters: Springs have been known to break in very cold weather on cars driven hard over undulating roads, and the short, firm suspension works hard. Worn dampers and springs are a normal age item and are straightforward to replace.
Also in the full guide
- Vibration at certain revs
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the up! GTI
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Volkswagen.