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 18 MOT tests on record, passing 16 and failing 2 (89% pass rate). It has 185,371 miles on the clock, averaging 7,987 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 SB53 FCF
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 | 185,371 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 7,987 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SB53 FCF
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Full MOT Test History 18 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 | SB53 FCF |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SB — Glasgow, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SB53 F plates
Browse all SB53 F registrations from Glasgow.
About SB53 FCF
What car is SB53 FCF?
SB53 FCF is an blue Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Glasgow in 2003.
What is the mileage of SB53 FCF?
The last recorded mileage for SB53 FCF was 185,371 miles, recorded on 9 Dec 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SB53 FCF passed its MOT?
SB53 FCF has had 18 MOT tests with an 89% pass rate (16 passes, 2 failures). It last passed on 9 Dec 2021.
Is SB53 FCF ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SB53 FCF 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 SB53 FCF?
SB53 FCF is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.