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 20 MOT tests on record, passing 14 and failing 6 (70% pass rate). It has 171,945 miles on the clock, averaging 8,902 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 SM03 MKU
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 | 171,945 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 4,580 |
| Average per year | 8,902 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SM03 MKU
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- Service interval analysis
- Warranty work logged
Full MOT Test History 20 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 | SM03 MKU |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SM — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 03 — March 2003 to August 2003 |
More SM03 M plates
Browse all SM03 M registrations from Edinburgh.
About SM03 MKU
What car is SM03 MKU?
SM03 MKU is an silver Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2003.
What is the mileage of SM03 MKU?
The last recorded mileage for SM03 MKU was 171,945 miles, recorded on 16 Nov 2020 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SM03 MKU passed its MOT?
SM03 MKU has had 20 MOT tests with a 70% pass rate (14 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 16 Nov 2020.
Is SM03 MKU ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SM03 MKU 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 SM03 MKU?
SM03 MKU is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.