Behold the mighty Up!
Discussion
Amazing how quickly things escalate when it comes to cars
Sons original wish / dream as a first car was something like a MiTo but insurance prices rocketing this year have rendered stuff like that silly money so we re-grouped last week and drew up a new shortlist:
Up! / Citigo / Mii
107 / Aygo / C1
Picanto
He is a closet VW fanboy so immediately gravitated towards an Up! - we were ok with that as they just look / feel solid and safe
Started looking at what was around that kind of met his wishlist of not white, not 5 door and not steel wheels - immediately removing about 75% of Up!s for sale
The inevitable budget creep set in and then frustration at traders / dealers lying (4 services in 11 years is NOT a full history etc) or not replying to telephone message and / or emails.
Finally found THE car today, small trader been in business over 30 years, good reviews, well written advert and lots of pictures - that always builds confidence that you are buying from a decent seller.
1 owner car, full VW history, matching Kumho winter tyres (another good sign) and 34k from new, hopefully picking up this weekend
Hoping he will see this as more than a car to simply get 12 months NCB on and then move on from
Sons original wish / dream as a first car was something like a MiTo but insurance prices rocketing this year have rendered stuff like that silly money so we re-grouped last week and drew up a new shortlist:
Up! / Citigo / Mii
107 / Aygo / C1
Picanto
He is a closet VW fanboy so immediately gravitated towards an Up! - we were ok with that as they just look / feel solid and safe
Started looking at what was around that kind of met his wishlist of not white, not 5 door and not steel wheels - immediately removing about 75% of Up!s for sale
The inevitable budget creep set in and then frustration at traders / dealers lying (4 services in 11 years is NOT a full history etc) or not replying to telephone message and / or emails.
Finally found THE car today, small trader been in business over 30 years, good reviews, well written advert and lots of pictures - that always builds confidence that you are buying from a decent seller.
1 owner car, full VW history, matching Kumho winter tyres (another good sign) and 34k from new, hopefully picking up this weekend
Hoping he will see this as more than a car to simply get 12 months NCB on and then move on from
Good 1st car.
We bought our eldest an Up in 2018 as his first/learner car. It did the job perfectly. He kept it about 18 months after passing his test then upgraded to a Polo.
The prices of them now, like every other car are silly. A 4 year old with 40000 miles cost us £4600 in 2018, now the same car at 9 years old with double the miles is the same price, or more.
Our 2nd (and last) son turns 17 next year so starting to have a look at what's available, really wish we'd kept the original Up.
He quite likes the 107 / C1 / Aygo triplets as well so I've been checking those out too.
We bought our eldest an Up in 2018 as his first/learner car. It did the job perfectly. He kept it about 18 months after passing his test then upgraded to a Polo.
The prices of them now, like every other car are silly. A 4 year old with 40000 miles cost us £4600 in 2018, now the same car at 9 years old with double the miles is the same price, or more.
Our 2nd (and last) son turns 17 next year so starting to have a look at what's available, really wish we'd kept the original Up.
He quite likes the 107 / C1 / Aygo triplets as well so I've been checking those out too.
Bobupndown said:
Good 1st car.
We bought our eldest an Up in 2018 as his first/learner car. It did the job perfectly. He kept it about 18 months after passing his test then upgraded to a Polo.
The prices of them now, like every other car are silly. A 4 year old with 40000 miles cost us £4600 in 2018, now the same car at 9 years old with double the miles is the same price, or more.
Our 2nd (and last) son turns 17 next year so starting to have a look at what's available, really wish we'd kept the original Up.
He quite likes the 107 / C1 / Aygo triplets as well so I've been checking those out too.
My son is into his cars so I did not really need to explain to him that the Up! / Citigo / Mii are probably more refined and solid whereas the Aygo / 107 / C1 are more fun - OH is definitely happier that he chose an Up!, he is her "bay boy" and wants to see him in a safe a car as possible We bought our eldest an Up in 2018 as his first/learner car. It did the job perfectly. He kept it about 18 months after passing his test then upgraded to a Polo.
The prices of them now, like every other car are silly. A 4 year old with 40000 miles cost us £4600 in 2018, now the same car at 9 years old with double the miles is the same price, or more.
Our 2nd (and last) son turns 17 next year so starting to have a look at what's available, really wish we'd kept the original Up.
He quite likes the 107 / C1 / Aygo triplets as well so I've been checking those out too.
That looks like a great first car, and he's made the right decision going for the Up rather than the MiTo.
I had my 2012 Up ("take up" / base spec) for 6 years - from 2015 until 2021, taking it from 10k miles to 85k miles. I was in my 30's, and I used it as my do-it-all daily. Of course, I was ridiculed by my work mates (most were driving PCP cars, paying £500 per month), but I had the last laugh, as my little Up cost peanuts to run, and enabled me to save up (pardon the pun) for more important things in life.
Just a few things to be aware of:
- Mine had a rattle from the gearbox/engine when cold and idle. This sounded line a clutch release bearing (sound went away when depressing the clutch). I had it checked by VW main dealer, and I was advised "they all do that sir". I believe it is due to the gearbox oil and lack of sound deadening. it got NO worse during the 6 years I owned the car, and the sound went away when driving.
- The gear shift can sound quite noisy. Again, I've been told it is due to the above. Nothing to worry about.
- The little MPI engine used 1 little of oil every 8k, so make sure have a spare litre in the boot and check every few weeks - the sump is tiny.
- The front wings can rust from the inside out (mine did - and I've seen a few other Up's with bubbling front arches). I believe the foam in the arch liner can collect water. The rest of my car, however, was solid/rot free.
- Timing belt needs changing every 5 years (and 80k - whatever comes first). VW main dealer did mine for around £350... but prices might have increased since then.
- My aux belt went at the same milage as what your car is now. Symptom is a slight squeak/squeal when the car is cold and you accelerate. This was done very cheaply from a local garage.
After I sold the Up, I moved to a BMW 116d, however, Ive moved the BMW on fter 2 years due to its chronic unreliability. I've now gone back to a city car - this time This time a 2018 Peugeot 108 (I fancied a change haha), although, the 108 is nowhere near as refined as my Up.
I hope this helps
I had my 2012 Up ("take up" / base spec) for 6 years - from 2015 until 2021, taking it from 10k miles to 85k miles. I was in my 30's, and I used it as my do-it-all daily. Of course, I was ridiculed by my work mates (most were driving PCP cars, paying £500 per month), but I had the last laugh, as my little Up cost peanuts to run, and enabled me to save up (pardon the pun) for more important things in life.
Just a few things to be aware of:
- Mine had a rattle from the gearbox/engine when cold and idle. This sounded line a clutch release bearing (sound went away when depressing the clutch). I had it checked by VW main dealer, and I was advised "they all do that sir". I believe it is due to the gearbox oil and lack of sound deadening. it got NO worse during the 6 years I owned the car, and the sound went away when driving.
- The gear shift can sound quite noisy. Again, I've been told it is due to the above. Nothing to worry about.
- The little MPI engine used 1 little of oil every 8k, so make sure have a spare litre in the boot and check every few weeks - the sump is tiny.
- The front wings can rust from the inside out (mine did - and I've seen a few other Up's with bubbling front arches). I believe the foam in the arch liner can collect water. The rest of my car, however, was solid/rot free.
- Timing belt needs changing every 5 years (and 80k - whatever comes first). VW main dealer did mine for around £350... but prices might have increased since then.
- My aux belt went at the same milage as what your car is now. Symptom is a slight squeak/squeal when the car is cold and you accelerate. This was done very cheaply from a local garage.
After I sold the Up, I moved to a BMW 116d, however, Ive moved the BMW on fter 2 years due to its chronic unreliability. I've now gone back to a city car - this time This time a 2018 Peugeot 108 (I fancied a change haha), although, the 108 is nowhere near as refined as my Up.
I hope this helps
Yep, totally agree. Bought my daughter an Up 75bhp ‘High Up’ with heated seats and rear sensors (otherwise she just will reverse into something - when she learns to reverse!)
It is white, but she will have to deal with that, as I got a good deal.
Great cars. I had a Citigo 75bhp for a couple of years when I had a 10 mile commute.
Ticks the ‘badge’ box for the teens too!
My Superb 280 AWD is ‘good but not cool, Daddy! - I much preferred your Stinger!’
It is white, but she will have to deal with that, as I got a good deal.
Great cars. I had a Citigo 75bhp for a couple of years when I had a 10 mile commute.
Ticks the ‘badge’ box for the teens too!
My Superb 280 AWD is ‘good but not cool, Daddy! - I much preferred your Stinger!’
Collection day today of my sons Up!
Two trains over to just outside Chesterfield - collected by dealer from station and arrived there to find the Up! parked outside.
Full inspection showed it was exactly as described - pretty much as mint a 7 year old car could be.
Did paperwork and drove off, very enjoyable trip over the Peak District to visit my mum and terminally ill aunt for a cuppa and catch up
Car drove absolutely beautifully all the way over the Peak District and then down the M6.
Stopped off at petrol station 1/2 mile from home to brim the tank and work out actual mpg - 58mpg - impressed
30 seconds later we were T boned whilst crossing the roundabout, car waiting at the roundabout did not see us and drove straight in to us
Foreign national in a Renault Megane - my first instinct was to pull him from his car and tear his head off - my sons first car, a beautiful first car, less than 6 hours since collection and driven into with my precious son in the car.
Fortunately, common sense prevailed and after a few choice words in his direction I calmed down and got to work
Took photos of him and the car
Got his insurance details and checked they were valid using online access to his insurance provider (Hastings)
Reported to police and advised that if no injuries to parties and road not blocked then could be reported online
Checked with DVLA that his car was taxed and MOT'd
Checked the address he gave me checked out via Google Maps
Checked his email was valid by sending him an email and then checking his email account on his phone
Got a 3rd party witness details and got the Megane driver to admit liability in front of the witness
The UP! is still driving perfectly, the passenger door still opens and closes perfectly and side airbags were not activated, to my untrained eye there is no structural damage, no suspension / steering damage, its simply panelwork and paint so should be repairable and non categorised
Here is the damage
I am really hoping that they do not write it off and will fight like hell to get it repaired but following my experience with Churchill after the BMW battery incident last Dec I simply do not know what they will do - insurers seem to see write off as the "go to" option nowadays
Absolutely devastated for my son but at least we are both unhurt
I believe that as long he admits liability with his insurer all I need to do is inform my insurer that an accident has occurred but at this stage there is zero need for me to make a claim?
Two trains over to just outside Chesterfield - collected by dealer from station and arrived there to find the Up! parked outside.
Full inspection showed it was exactly as described - pretty much as mint a 7 year old car could be.
Did paperwork and drove off, very enjoyable trip over the Peak District to visit my mum and terminally ill aunt for a cuppa and catch up
Car drove absolutely beautifully all the way over the Peak District and then down the M6.
Stopped off at petrol station 1/2 mile from home to brim the tank and work out actual mpg - 58mpg - impressed
30 seconds later we were T boned whilst crossing the roundabout, car waiting at the roundabout did not see us and drove straight in to us
Foreign national in a Renault Megane - my first instinct was to pull him from his car and tear his head off - my sons first car, a beautiful first car, less than 6 hours since collection and driven into with my precious son in the car.
Fortunately, common sense prevailed and after a few choice words in his direction I calmed down and got to work
Took photos of him and the car
Got his insurance details and checked they were valid using online access to his insurance provider (Hastings)
Reported to police and advised that if no injuries to parties and road not blocked then could be reported online
Checked with DVLA that his car was taxed and MOT'd
Checked the address he gave me checked out via Google Maps
Checked his email was valid by sending him an email and then checking his email account on his phone
Got a 3rd party witness details and got the Megane driver to admit liability in front of the witness
The UP! is still driving perfectly, the passenger door still opens and closes perfectly and side airbags were not activated, to my untrained eye there is no structural damage, no suspension / steering damage, its simply panelwork and paint so should be repairable and non categorised
Here is the damage
I am really hoping that they do not write it off and will fight like hell to get it repaired but following my experience with Churchill after the BMW battery incident last Dec I simply do not know what they will do - insurers seem to see write off as the "go to" option nowadays
Absolutely devastated for my son but at least we are both unhurt
I believe that as long he admits liability with his insurer all I need to do is inform my insurer that an accident has occurred but at this stage there is zero need for me to make a claim?
Edited by Andy665 on Saturday 4th November 21:06
. I hope this all gets sorted for you!Excellent choice for first car , bought one last year for my lad to learn in, it's been brilliant, I enjoy driving it as well, his driving test next month so doubt I'll get my hands on the keys once he's passed
Real shame some Muppet has hit yours so soon after you got it must be gutted hope it gets sorted
Real shame some Muppet has hit yours so soon after you got it must be gutted hope it gets sorted
MJK 24 said:
Sad end to a good day.
I’d wager that will be written off sadly. It is structurally damaged. The rear quarter is barely misshaped behind the door and won’t repair easily.
I do not think there is any structural damage, passenger door opens and closes perfectly, car drives perfectly, its simply outer panels and therefore not structuralI’d wager that will be written off sadly. It is structurally damaged. The rear quarter is barely misshaped behind the door and won’t repair easily.
If it is written off it will be an interesting negotiation re: settlement seeing as though I have clear evidence of what "market value" of the car was as it had been paid for just 6 hours previously, I fear a typical insurance company shafting
Looking on AT there are only 11 Club Ups for sale and they cover a £2k price differential between low and high price, price I paid virtually bang in the middle.
Edited by Andy665 on Sunday 5th November 07:44
I'm currently on the hunt for a car for my daughter who's learning to drive. She had some money from her grandmother so we got her a Fiat 500 but she can't (won't) drive it!!! Had a meltdown because it was different from her instructors car (Focus) and she didn't feel safe??? So I sold it.
Anyway, these are on my list to take her to see, she'll be sitting in every single small car model I can find this time. The things I deem important are very different from hers mind you.
Anyway, these are on my list to take her to see, she'll be sitting in every single small car model I can find this time. The things I deem important are very different from hers mind you.
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