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 2002 Volkswagen Polo Diesel 1422cc has had 19 MOT tests on record, passing 10 and failing 9 (53% pass rate). It has 185,435 miles on the clock, averaging 10,671 miles per year, above 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 LA51 UPD
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gaps in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Above average| Latest reading | 185,435 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 239 |
| Average per year | 10,671 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check LA51 UPD
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Full MOT Test History 19 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 | LA51 UPD |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Green |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | LA — Wimbledon, London |
| Age identifier | 51 — September 2001 to February 2002 |
More LA51 U plates
Browse all LA51 U registrations from Wimbledon.
About LA51 UPD
What car is LA51 UPD?
LA51 UPD is an green Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Wimbledon in 2002.
What is the mileage of LA51 UPD?
The last recorded mileage for LA51 UPD was 185,435 miles, recorded on 30 Jan 2016 during its most recent MOT test.
Has LA51 UPD passed its MOT?
LA51 UPD has had 19 MOT tests with a 53% pass rate (10 passes, 9 failures). It last passed on 30 Jan 2016.
Is LA51 UPD ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, LA51 UPD is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2002, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is LA51 UPD?
LA51 UPD is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.