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 18 MOT tests on record, passing 17 and failing once (94% pass rate). It has 42,975 miles on the clock, averaging 1,481 miles per year, well 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 WM53 SAR
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failure recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Low mileage| Latest reading | 42,975 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 7,851 |
| Average per year | 1,481 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check WM53 SAR
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Full MOT Test History 18 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
Thinking about buying this car? These resources will help you make an informed decision.
Vehicle Details
| Registration | WM53 SAR |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | WM — Bristol, West of England |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More WM53 S plates
Browse all WM53 S registrations from Bristol.
About WM53 SAR
What car is WM53 SAR?
WM53 SAR is a silver Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Bristol in 2004.
What is the mileage of WM53 SAR?
The last recorded mileage for WM53 SAR was 42,975 miles, recorded on 28 Jan 2026 during its most recent MOT test.
Has WM53 SAR passed its MOT?
WM53 SAR has had 18 MOT tests with an 94% pass rate (17 passes, 1 failure). It last passed on 28 Jan 2026.
Is WM53 SAR ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, WM53 SAR 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 WM53 SAR?
WM53 SAR is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.