# Lancia Ypsilon — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Lancia Ypsilon on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/lancia-ypsilon

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2015
- **Ideal trim**: Gold
- **Target mileage**: 50,000–70,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £4,000

## Why this model

The Lancia Ypsilon is a stylish and quirky city car, primarily sold in Italy and other European LHD markets. Lancia hasn't officially sold cars in the UK for decades, so any Ypsilon you find here will almost certainly be a personal import. This makes it a very unique choice, but comes with significant challenges. While it offers Italian flair and a comfortable ride for its size, finding parts, specialist mechanics, and even insurance can be a real headache. Its rarity means resale value is highly unpredictable – it could be very hard to sell, or find a niche buyer who appreciates its uniqueness. It's definitely not a car for someone looking for a straightforward, easy ownership experience. The 2-star Euro NCAP rating from 2015 is also a significant concern for safety.

## What you should pay

Due to its status as a rare import and Lancia's absence from the UK market, pricing for the Ypsilon is highly variable and often reflects its niche appeal rather than typical market forces. You might find examples priced very cheaply because they are hard to sell, or slightly higher if an owner is trying to recoup import costs. Expect a wider price range than for mainstream cars. We've used a target price that reflects its age, segment, and the practical challenges of ownership in the UK.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Gold' trim typically offers a good balance of features without being overly complex or expensive. It usually includes essentials like air conditioning, electric windows, and a decent audio system, making it comfortable for daily use. Higher trims like 'Platinum' might add more luxuries but could also introduce more potential electrical components to go wrong, which is a bigger risk with a rare import where parts are hard to find.

## What to check before you buy

- Electrical gremlins (e.g., warning lights, infotainment issues)
- Suspension components (wear and tear, especially on UK roads)
- Interior trim quality (can show wear quickly)
- Parts availability (major challenge in the UK)
- Rust (check common areas like wheel arches and sills)

## Running costs

For a 2015 1.2L petrol Ypsilon, fuel costs would be around 12 pence per mile (based on 55 mpg and current petrol prices of £1.45/litre). Road tax (VED) for a 2015 model with CO2 emissions around 115 g/km would typically be £30 per year. Insurance can be higher than average due to its rarity and the potential difficulty in sourcing parts for repairs. Maintenance costs could also be elevated due to the need for specialist knowledge and imported parts.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 69-85 hp
- **Mpg**: 50-65 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: 2/5
- **Safety Rating**: 2-star Euro NCAP (2015)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Silver | £10,500 | £3,200 | Manual air conditioning; Electric front windows; Radio/CD player with MP3 |
| Gold | £12,000 | £4,000 | Automatic climate control; Electric rear windows; Leather steering wheel |
| Platinum | £13,500 | £4,800 | Part-leather upholstery; Rear parking sensors; Cruise control |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £4,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £3,700 | 7.5% |
| 2028 | £3,400 | 8.1% |
| 2029 | £3,100 | 8.8% |
| 2030 | £2,800 | 9.7% |

The Lancia Ypsilon, especially a 2015 model, has already passed its steepest depreciation curve. Its value is now largely dictated by its niche status as a rare import rather than typical market depreciation. While it will continue to lose some value, the annual loss in absolute terms will be relatively small. The 'sweet spot' for buying is now, as you're getting it at a very low price point, but be aware that selling it on might also be challenging.

Total value lost since new: 90%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Fiat 500](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/fiat-500.md)
- Ford Ka
- [Toyota Aygo](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/toyota-aygo.md)

---

Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.