2003 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Petrol · RA53 FUW
2003 Volkswagen Polo (1.4L, petrol). First registered 05 Nov 2003. Recorded mileage 100,935 miles. MOT expired on 11 Sept 2025.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Sept 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 100,935 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
RA53 FUW Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/08/2024
- 100,935 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RA53 FUW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Volkswagen Polo (RA53 FUW) between September 2023 and August 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 August 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))”.
RA53 FUW Mileage History
- 05/09/202392,775 mi
- 13/09/202392,809 mi+34 mi
- 27/08/2024100,935 mi+8,126 mi
Average of roughly 8,347 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N/9N3)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (RA53 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as RA53FUW.
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
MINI
CLUBMAN
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
ROVER
45
VAUXHALL
ADAM
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
VOLKSWAGEN POLO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Electro-Hydraulic Steering PumpSerious
The electro-hydraulic power steering pump (TRW or KOYO) or its wiring loom can fail, leading to intermittent or total loss of steering assistance.
- Timing Chain Rattle (1.2 TSI)Serious
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine uses a timing chain that stretches over time, causing a distinctive rattle on cold start. If the chain jumps, it can cause catastrophic valve and piston damage.
- Front Wishbone Bush WearModerate
The front lower wishbone bushes perish prematurely, causing vague steering, knocking noises over bumps and uneven tyre wear.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.