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 15 MOT tests on record, passing 11 and failing 4 (73% pass rate). It has 136,574 miles on the clock, averaging 7,510 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 MT53 BWC
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
About average| Latest reading | 136,574 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 6,691 |
| Average per year | 7,510 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check MT53 BWC
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Full MOT Test History 15 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 | MT53 BWC |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | MT — Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More MT53 B plates
Browse all MT53 B registrations from Manchester.
About MT53 BWC
What car is MT53 BWC?
MT53 BWC is an blue Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Manchester in 2003.
What is the mileage of MT53 BWC?
The last recorded mileage for MT53 BWC was 136,574 miles, recorded on 29 Nov 2018 during its most recent MOT test.
Has MT53 BWC passed its MOT?
MT53 BWC has had 15 MOT tests with a 73% pass rate (11 passes, 4 failures). It last was tested on 29 Nov 2018.
Is MT53 BWC ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, MT53 BWC 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 MT53 BWC?
MT53 BWC is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.