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 Passat Petrol 1984cc has had 15 MOT tests on record, passing 11 and failing 4 (73% pass rate). It has 97,735 miles on the clock, averaging 6,783 miles per year, below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.0 engine is known for adr-specific forum data and specialist garage documentation. Common Volkswagen Passat issues include suspension upper control arm links (front multi-link arms) and sunroof drain blockages causing interior water leaks.
MOT & Mileage History for SM53 VEL
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 | 97,735 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 21 |
| Average per year | 6,783 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SM53 VEL
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- Outstanding finance check Experian
- Stolen vehicle check Experian
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- Plate & colour change history
- Franchised dealer records
- Independent garage visits
- Service interval analysis
- Warranty work logged
Full MOT Test History 15 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Volkswagen Passat
These are the most commonly reported problems on Volkswagen Passat models (1997–2005), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
Suspension upper control arm links (front multi-link arms)
Bushings and ball joints wear out prematurely, leading to play or complete failure. · Typical repair: £200-£400 per side (parts £80-£150, labour 2-3 hours at £100/hr indie rate).
Sunroof drain blockages causing interior water leaks
Drains clog with debris, water backs up and floods footwells, soaking modules (convenience module driver side, TCM passenger side). · Typical repair: £100-£300 to clear drains/replace modules; £800+ if full harness needed (estimated).
Rear window regulators
Plastic guides/gears strip or snap, windows drop into door. · Typical repair: £150-£250 per door (aftermarket regulator £50-£80, 1-2 hours labour).
Door latches/locks failing
Mechanisms seize or microswitches fail, causing central locking glitches. · Typical repair: £100-£200 per door (rebuild kit £30-£50, 1 hour labour).
ADR-specific forum data
Specialist garage documentation
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | SM53 VEL |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1984cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SM — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SM53 V plates
Browse all SM53 V registrations from Edinburgh.
About SM53 VEL
What car is SM53 VEL?
SM53 VEL is an blue Volkswagen Passat, petrol (1984cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2003.
What is the mileage of SM53 VEL?
The last recorded mileage for SM53 VEL was 97,735 miles, recorded on 15 Aug 2017 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SM53 VEL passed its MOT?
SM53 VEL has had 15 MOT tests with a 73% pass rate (11 passes, 4 failures). It last passed on 15 Aug 2017.
Is SM53 VEL ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SM53 VEL 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 VEL?
SM53 VEL is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.