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 24 MOT tests on record, passing 17 and failing 7 (71% pass rate). It has 173,017 miles on the clock, averaging 8,916 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 SM53 TPO
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 | 173,017 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 13,840 |
| Average per year | 8,916 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SM53 TPO
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Full MOT Test History 24 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 | SM53 TPO |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SM — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SM53 T plates
Browse all SM53 T registrations from Edinburgh.
About SM53 TPO
What car is SM53 TPO?
SM53 TPO is an silver Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2003.
What is the mileage of SM53 TPO?
The last recorded mileage for SM53 TPO was 173,017 miles, recorded on 6 Jun 2023 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SM53 TPO passed its MOT?
SM53 TPO has had 24 MOT tests with a 71% pass rate (17 passes, 7 failures). It last was tested on 6 Jun 2023.
Is SM53 TPO ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SM53 TPO 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 SM53 TPO?
SM53 TPO is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.