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 24 MOT tests on record, passing 17 and failing 7 (71% pass rate). It has 98,329 miles on the clock, averaging 4,940 miles per year, well below 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 LW03 HCW
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
Low mileage| Latest reading | 98,329 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 4,940 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check LW03 HCW
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- Warranty work logged
Full MOT Test History 24 tests on record
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Buyers comparing the Volkswagen Polo often also look at these models. Check their MOT history and reliability before deciding:
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 | LW03 HCW |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Red |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | LW — Sidcup, London |
| Age identifier | 03 — March 2003 to August 2003 |
More LW03 H plates
Browse all LW03 H registrations from Sidcup.
About LW03 HCW
What car is LW03 HCW?
LW03 HCW is an red Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Sidcup in 2003.
What is the mileage of LW03 HCW?
The last recorded mileage for LW03 HCW was 98,329 miles, recorded on 4 Apr 2022 during its most recent MOT test.
Has LW03 HCW passed its MOT?
LW03 HCW has had 24 MOT tests with a 71% pass rate (17 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 4 Apr 2022.
Is LW03 HCW ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, LW03 HCW 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 LW03 HCW?
LW03 HCW is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.