Vehicle summary
ULEZ status is estimated based on fuel type and registration year. It may not reflect the actual emission standard of this vehicle. Check with TfL for a definitive answer.
At a glance
This 2003 Volkswagen Polo Diesel 1422cc has had 16 MOT tests on record, passing 13 and failing 3 (81% pass rate). It has 122,019 miles on the clock, averaging 7,495 miles per year, around the UK average of 7,400. The 1.4 TDI engine is known for 1. oil pump chain & balance shaft chain wear / failure and 2. injector unit (pd pump–dooer) wear & electrical failure. Common Volkswagen Polo issues include engine-specific faults and brake pad and disc wear:.
MOT & Mileage History for FD53 LAO
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
About average| Latest reading | 122,019 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 20,000 |
| Average per year | 7,495 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check FD53 LAO
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- Service interval analysis
- Warranty work logged
Full MOT Test History 16 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Volkswagen Polo
These are the most commonly reported problems on Volkswagen Polo models (2002–2009), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
Engine-specific faults
Brake pad and disc wear:
Tyre wear and replacement:
Spark plug replacement:
1. Oil Pump Chain & Balance Shaft Chain Wear / Failure
The chain driving the oil pump and balance shaft (where fitted) is undersized for the loads imposed by the three-cylinder engine's unbalanced firing impulses. Early models are particularly vulnerable; chain tensioner wear allows excessive slack, leading to chain stretch, skip, or catastrophic failure[1].
2. Injector Unit (PD Pump–Dooer) Wear & Electrical Failure
Worn plunger seals allow diesel and engine oil to mix; electrical spools fail (sticking or electrical contact wear). These are high-wear components under the extreme pressures of the PD system[1].
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Volkswagen Polo
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | FD53 LAO |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | FD — Nottingham, Forest and Fens |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More FD53 L plates
Browse all FD53 L registrations from Nottingham.
About FD53 LAO
What car is FD53 LAO?
FD53 LAO is an silver Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Nottingham in 2003.
What is the mileage of FD53 LAO?
The last recorded mileage for FD53 LAO was 122,019 miles, recorded on 21 Nov 2018 during its most recent MOT test.
Has FD53 LAO passed its MOT?
FD53 LAO has had 16 MOT tests with an 81% pass rate (13 passes, 3 failures). It last passed on 21 Nov 2018.
Is FD53 LAO ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, FD53 LAO is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2003, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is FD53 LAO?
FD53 LAO is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.