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WA53 BPE

2003 Skoda Fabia · Petrol · 1198cc

Orange Registered in Exeter, West of England · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeSkoda
ModelFabia
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine1198cc
ColourOrange
ULEZ (est.)Likely Non-compliantPetrol pre-2006
Est. Annual Tax£130–£165

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 Skoda Fabia Petrol 1198cc has had 20 MOT tests on record, passing 17 and failing 3 (85% pass rate). It has 113,879 miles on the clock, averaging 6,209 miles per year, below the UK average of 7,400. The 1.2 MPI engine is known for inlet cam gear (early plastic version). Common Skoda Fabia issues include 1. central locking system failures and 2. rear door seals leaking – water ingress into footwells.

MOT & Mileage History for WA53 BPE

MOT Status
Due date passed
113,879
Last Mileage
Recorded
20
Total Tests
Since 2006
85%
Pass Rate
17 passed, 3 failed

Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.

3

MOT failures recorded

Out of 20 tests on record
6,209

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
2

Gaps in MOT history

Periods with no valid MOT — may have been SORN or untaxed

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading113,879 miles
Reading date
Miles last year9,983
Average per year6,209
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for WA53 BPE 4k32k59k87k114k '06'24'17

Check WA53 BPE

Full MOT Test History 20 tests on record

PASS
Mileage113,879 miles
Since last MOT+9,983 miles
PASS
Mileage103,896 miles
Since last MOT+198 miles
FAIL
Mileage103,698 miles
Since last MOT+8,612 miles
PASS
Mileage95,086 miles
Since last MOT+8,160 miles
PASS
Mileage86,926 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage86,925 miles
Since last MOT+7,814 miles
PASS
Mileage79,111 miles
Since last MOT+7,515 miles
PASS
Mileage71,596 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage71,596 miles
Since last MOT+8,639 miles
PASS
Mileage62,957 miles
Since last MOT+10,820 miles
PASS
Mileage52,137 miles
Since last MOT+10,963 miles
PASS
Mileage41,174 miles
Since last MOT+9,887 miles
PASS
Mileage31,287 miles
Since last MOT+2,438 miles
PASS
Mileage28,849 miles
Since last MOT+4,148 miles
PASS
Mileage24,701 miles
Since last MOT+3,289 miles
PASS
Mileage21,412 miles
Since last MOT+3,447 miles
PASS
Mileage17,965 miles
Since last MOT+3,560 miles
PASS
Mileage14,405 miles
Since last MOT+4,578 miles
PASS
Mileage9,827 miles
Since last MOT+5,408 miles
PASS
Mileage4,419 miles

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🔧 Reported issues for this Skoda Fabia

These are the most commonly reported problems on Skoda Fabia models (2000–2007), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.

1. Central Locking System Failures

The locking motor—especially the one controlling boot opening—wears out or develops internal faults. Wiring can also corrode or break, particularly at connection points.[1] Poor earth connections are a documented issue on early models.[3] · Typical repair: £150–£350 per door/latch (parts £40–120, labour £100–200). Boot motor replacement: £200–400.

2. Rear Door Seals Leaking – Water Ingress into Footwells

The rubber seals around the rear doors degrade with age and UV exposure, allowing rainwater to enter the cabin. The seal material hardens and loses its compression over time. Drain holes at the base of rear doors can also become blocked.[3] · Typical repair: Seal replacement: £120–250 per door. Preventative cleaning of drain holes: £30–50.

3. Electrical Glitches – Persistent Warning Lights and Sensor Faults

Corroded earth connections (particularly under the battery and behind the near-side front wheel liner) cause voltage drop and sensor malfunction. Coolant temperature sensors corrode, triggering false low-coolant warnings. Bulb holders accumulate moisture and corrosion, causing flickering headlights and persistent bulb-failure warnings. Window switches develop microswitch failures.[3] · Typical repair: Cleaning/remaking earth connections: £80–150. Coolant sensor replacement: £40–80 (parts £15–30, labour £25–50). Bulb holder cleaning/replacement: £30–60 per location.

4. Dashboard Rattles and Creaks

Dashboard panels work loose at their mounting points due to vibration and age, causing annoying rattles and creaks, particularly over bumps.[1] · Typical repair: £60–120 (labour to locate and tighten/shim fasteners; very few parts needed)

Inlet cam gear (early plastic version)

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationWA53 BPE
MakeSkoda
ModelFabia
ColourOrange
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1198cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeWA — Exeter, West of England
Age identifier53 — September 2003 to February 2004

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About WA53 BPE

What car is WA53 BPE?

WA53 BPE is a orange Skoda Fabia, petrol (1198cc). First registered in Exeter in 2003.

What is the mileage of WA53 BPE?

The last recorded mileage for WA53 BPE was 113,879 miles, recorded on 4 Apr 2024 during its most recent MOT test.

Has WA53 BPE passed its MOT?

WA53 BPE has had 20 MOT tests with an 85% pass rate (17 passes, 3 failures). It last passed on 4 Apr 2024.

Is WA53 BPE ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, WA53 BPE 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 WA53 BPE?

WA53 BPE is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.