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 22 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 7 (68% pass rate). It has 147,793 miles on the clock, averaging 5,803 miles per year, 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 RJ53 VHP
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
Below average| Latest reading | 147,793 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 5,803 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
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Full MOT Test History 22 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
Thinking about buying this car? These resources will help you make an informed decision.
Vehicle Details
| Registration | RJ53 VHP |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RJ — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More RJ53 V plates
Browse all RJ53 V registrations from Reading.
About RJ53 VHP
What car is RJ53 VHP?
RJ53 VHP is an black Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.
What is the mileage of RJ53 VHP?
The last recorded mileage for RJ53 VHP was 147,793 miles, recorded on 26 Jul 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RJ53 VHP passed its MOT?
RJ53 VHP has had 22 MOT tests with a 68% pass rate (15 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 26 Jul 2021.
Is RJ53 VHP ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RJ53 VHP 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 RJ53 VHP?
RJ53 VHP is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.