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 2004 Volkswagen Polo Diesel 1422cc has had 21 MOT tests on record, passing 14 and failing 7 (67% pass rate). It has 115,947 miles on the clock, averaging 6,125 miles per year, below 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 SN53 GBC
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 | 115,947 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 9,532 |
| Average per year | 6,125 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SN53 GBC
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Full MOT Test History 21 tests on record
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Buyers comparing the Volkswagen Polo often also look at these models. Check their MOT history and reliability before deciding:
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 | SN53 GBC |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SN — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SN53 G plates
Browse all SN53 G registrations from Edinburgh.
About SN53 GBC
What car is SN53 GBC?
SN53 GBC is an black Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2004.
What is the mileage of SN53 GBC?
The last recorded mileage for SN53 GBC was 115,947 miles, recorded on 4 Mar 2020 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SN53 GBC passed its MOT?
SN53 GBC has had 21 MOT tests with a 67% pass rate (14 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 4 Mar 2020.
Is SN53 GBC ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SN53 GBC is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2004, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is SN53 GBC?
SN53 GBC is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.