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 2008 Volkswagen Polo Diesel 1422cc has had 17 MOT tests on record, passing 11 and failing 6 (65% pass rate). It has 84,222 miles on the clock, averaging 5,159 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 SY08 VLJ
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
Below average| Latest reading | 84,222 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 7 |
| Average per year | 5,159 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SY08 VLJ
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Full MOT Test History 17 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 | SY08 VLJ |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2008 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SY — Inverness, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 08 — March 2008 to August 2008 |
More SY08 V plates
Browse all SY08 V registrations from Inverness.
About SY08 VLJ
What car is SY08 VLJ?
SY08 VLJ is an silver Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Inverness in 2008.
What is the mileage of SY08 VLJ?
The last recorded mileage for SY08 VLJ was 84,222 miles, recorded on 29 Jul 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SY08 VLJ passed its MOT?
SY08 VLJ has had 17 MOT tests with a 65% pass rate (11 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 29 Jul 2021.
Is SY08 VLJ ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SY08 VLJ is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2008, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is SY08 VLJ?
SY08 VLJ is approximately 18 years old. Age identifier 08 means registered between 1 March 2008 and 31 August 2008.