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 13 MOT tests on record, passing 9 and failing 4 (69% pass rate). It has 138,573 miles on the clock, averaging 14,581 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 ML53 ABZ
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 | 138,573 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 3 |
| Average per year | 14,581 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check ML53 ABZ
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Full MOT Test History 13 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 | ML53 ABZ |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | ML — Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More ML53 A plates
Browse all ML53 A registrations from Manchester.
About ML53 ABZ
What car is ML53 ABZ?
ML53 ABZ is an blue Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Manchester in 2003.
What is the mileage of ML53 ABZ?
The last recorded mileage for ML53 ABZ was 138,573 miles, recorded on 7 Aug 2014 during its most recent MOT test.
Has ML53 ABZ passed its MOT?
ML53 ABZ has had 13 MOT tests with a 69% pass rate (9 passes, 4 failures). It last passed on 7 Aug 2014.
Is ML53 ABZ ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, ML53 ABZ 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 ML53 ABZ?
ML53 ABZ is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.