Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Up beats: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volkswagen Golf
75%
MOT pass rate · 1,830,545 vehicles
Volkswagen Up beats
93%
MOT pass rate · 525 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Volkswagen Up beats is the more reliable of the two — 93% pass first time versus 75%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen Up beats |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% | 93% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 25% | 7% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 0.5 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% ✓ | 3% |
| Average mileage | 117,668 mi | 21,761 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1,830,545 | 525 |
Most common faults
Volkswagen Golf
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Volkswagen Up beats
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Volkswagen Up beats is the more reliable of the two — 93% pass first time versus 75%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Volkswagen Golf report Full Volkswagen Up beats report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.