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 2002 Volkswagen Polo Diesel 1422cc has had 16 MOT tests on record, passing 11 and failing 5 (69% pass rate). It has 100,712 miles on the clock, averaging 5,227 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 SY51 ETU
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 | 100,712 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 16,107 |
| Average per year | 5,227 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SY51 ETU
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Full MOT Test History 16 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 | SY51 ETU |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SY — Inverness, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 51 — September 2001 to February 2002 |
More SY51 E plates
Browse all SY51 E registrations from Inverness.
About SY51 ETU
What car is SY51 ETU?
SY51 ETU is an blue Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Inverness in 2002.
What is the mileage of SY51 ETU?
The last recorded mileage for SY51 ETU was 100,712 miles, recorded on 23 May 2018 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SY51 ETU passed its MOT?
SY51 ETU has had 16 MOT tests with a 69% pass rate (11 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 23 May 2018.
Is SY51 ETU ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SY51 ETU is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2002, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is SY51 ETU?
SY51 ETU is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.