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 23 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 8 (65% pass rate). It has 187,463 miles on the clock, averaging 9,994 miles per year, above 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 SW53 LCY
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
Above average| Latest reading | 187,463 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 9,994 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SW53 LCY
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Full MOT Test History 23 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 | SW53 LCY |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SW — Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SW53 L plates
Browse all SW53 L registrations from Aberdeen.
About SW53 LCY
What car is SW53 LCY?
SW53 LCY is an silver Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Aberdeen in 2004.
What is the mileage of SW53 LCY?
The last recorded mileage for SW53 LCY was 187,463 miles, recorded on 11 Aug 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SW53 LCY passed its MOT?
SW53 LCY has had 23 MOT tests with a 65% pass rate (15 passes, 8 failures). It last passed on 11 Aug 2021.
Is SW53 LCY ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SW53 LCY 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 SW53 LCY?
SW53 LCY is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.