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 17 MOT tests on record, passing 11 and failing 6 (65% pass rate). It has 120,347 miles on the clock, averaging 8,337 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 RA53 DBX
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 | 120,347 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 8,337 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check RA53 DBX
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Full MOT Test History 17 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 | RA53 DBX |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RA — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More RA53 D plates
Browse all RA53 D registrations from Reading.
About RA53 DBX
What car is RA53 DBX?
RA53 DBX is an silver Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.
What is the mileage of RA53 DBX?
The last recorded mileage for RA53 DBX was 120,347 miles, recorded on 14 Dec 2016 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RA53 DBX passed its MOT?
RA53 DBX has had 17 MOT tests with a 65% pass rate (11 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 14 Dec 2016.
Is RA53 DBX ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RA53 DBX 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 RA53 DBX?
RA53 DBX is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.