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 Skoda Fabia Petrol 1198cc has had 21 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 6 (71% pass rate). It has 150,065 miles on the clock, averaging 7,994 miles per year, around the UK average of 7,400. The 1.2 MPI engine is known for inlet cam gear (early plastic version). Common Skoda Fabia issues include 1. central locking system failures and 2. rear door seals leaking – water ingress into footwells.
MOT & Mileage History for SM53 RWE
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 | 150,065 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 3,801 |
| Average per year | 7,994 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
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Full MOT Test History 21 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Skoda Fabia
These are the most commonly reported problems on Skoda Fabia models (2000–2007), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
1. Central Locking System Failures
The locking motor—especially the one controlling boot opening—wears out or develops internal faults. Wiring can also corrode or break, particularly at connection points.[1] Poor earth connections are a documented issue on early models.[3] · Typical repair: £150–£350 per door/latch (parts £40–120, labour £100–200). Boot motor replacement: £200–400.
2. Rear Door Seals Leaking – Water Ingress into Footwells
The rubber seals around the rear doors degrade with age and UV exposure, allowing rainwater to enter the cabin. The seal material hardens and loses its compression over time. Drain holes at the base of rear doors can also become blocked.[3] · Typical repair: Seal replacement: £120–250 per door. Preventative cleaning of drain holes: £30–50.
3. Electrical Glitches – Persistent Warning Lights and Sensor Faults
Corroded earth connections (particularly under the battery and behind the near-side front wheel liner) cause voltage drop and sensor malfunction. Coolant temperature sensors corrode, triggering false low-coolant warnings. Bulb holders accumulate moisture and corrosion, causing flickering headlights and persistent bulb-failure warnings. Window switches develop microswitch failures.[3] · Typical repair: Cleaning/remaking earth connections: £80–150. Coolant sensor replacement: £40–80 (parts £15–30, labour £25–50). Bulb holder cleaning/replacement: £30–60 per location.
4. Dashboard Rattles and Creaks
Dashboard panels work loose at their mounting points due to vibration and age, causing annoying rattles and creaks, particularly over bumps.[1] · Typical repair: £60–120 (labour to locate and tighten/shim fasteners; very few parts needed)
Inlet cam gear (early plastic version)
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | SM53 RWE |
| Make | Skoda |
| Model | Fabia |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1198cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SM — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SM53 R plates
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About SM53 RWE
What car is SM53 RWE?
SM53 RWE is an silver Skoda Fabia, petrol (1198cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2003.
What is the mileage of SM53 RWE?
The last recorded mileage for SM53 RWE was 150,065 miles, recorded on 19 Aug 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SM53 RWE passed its MOT?
SM53 RWE has had 21 MOT tests with a 71% pass rate (15 passes, 6 failures). It last was tested on 19 Aug 2021.
Is SM53 RWE ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SM53 RWE is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2003, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is SM53 RWE?
SM53 RWE is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.