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BJ53 YUG

2003 Volkswagen Beetle

Silver Petrol 1596cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires7 Aug 2026
Tests36 (21 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate58.3%

Mileage

128,031 mi
Last recorded128,031 miles
Recorded on1 Aug 2025
Typical for 2003 Volkswagen Beetle73,703 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationBJ53 YUG
MakeVolkswagen
ModelBeetle
Year2003
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,596cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

21 pass 15 fail
Pass 1 Aug 2025 128,031 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge nearside and offside front (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 1 Aug 2025 128,031 miles

Electronic stability control warning lamp indicates a fault (7.12 (e))

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced nearside and offside (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge nearside and offside front (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 6 Aug 2024 123,567 miles

Coil spring corroded all coil springs corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear pipe corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fail 1 Aug 2024 123,566 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Coil spring corroded all coil springs corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear pipe corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Pass 3 Aug 2023 118,461 miles

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

rear axle beam corroded

Fail 3 Aug 2023 118,461 miles

Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced nearside and offside (4.1.4 (b))

Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

rear axle beam corroded

Pass 4 Aug 2022 113,225 miles

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

offside rear inner and outer sill corroded

Fail 4 Aug 2022 113,225 miles

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced nearside and offside (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

offside rear inner and outer sill corroded

Pass 30 Jul 2021 108,643 miles

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

slight corrosion on rear axle

Fail 30 Jul 2021 108,642 miles

Electronic stability control warning lamp indicates a fault (7.12 (e))

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Headlamp has a product on the light source so that the light output is severely reduced nearside and offside front (4.1.4 (b))

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (7.1.1 (a) (i))

slight corrosion on rear axle

Pass 7 Aug 2020 102,989 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

offside rear outer sill skirt corroded

Fail 6 Aug 2020 102,988 miles

Electronic stability control warning lamp indicates a fault (7.12 (e))

Offside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

offside rear outer sill skirt corroded

Pass 1 Aug 2019 98,100 miles

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 2 Aug 2018 91,244 miles
Fail 2 Aug 2018 91,244 miles

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Pass 7 Aug 2017 85,389 miles

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Fail 4 Aug 2017 85,389 miles

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 8 Aug 2016 79,219 miles
Fail 8 Aug 2016 79,219 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Pass 16 Feb 2016 77,550 miles

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt track rod end (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Fail 16 Feb 2016 77,550 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Tie bar/rod ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt track rod end (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Pass 19 Feb 2015 71,250 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Direction indicators slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Fail 17 Feb 2015 71,234 miles

Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.5.C.1a)

Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside rear tyre 12 years old/ perished

Offside Front Direction indicators slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Pass 15 Feb 2014 64,681 miles
Pass 17 Feb 2013 58,576 miles

EML LIGHT IS ON .

OFFSIDE REAR TYRE OLD & CRACKED , STRONG ADVICE.

Fail 17 Feb 2013 58,576 miles

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

EML LIGHT IS ON .

OFFSIDE REAR TYRE OLD & CRACKED , STRONG ADVICE.

Pass 17 Feb 2012 52,769 miles

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Pass 24 Feb 2011 48,559 miles
Pass 10 Feb 2010 43,952 miles

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 1 Sep 2009 40,765 miles
Fail 30 Aug 2009 40,763 miles

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Pass 20 Aug 2008 33,923 miles
Pass 2 Mar 2007 22,178 miles
Fail 1 Mar 2007 22,178 miles

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Pass 4 Oct 2006 19,594 miles
Fail 4 Oct 2006 19,594 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too low and too far to the right. (1.8)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Windscreen wiper blade insecure (8.2.2)

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Beetle?

Based on 1,719,137 MOT tests across 112,454 vehicles.

71.7%
Pass Rate
4,798
Miles/Year
56
Year Lifespan
112,454
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 44,561
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 33,096
Stop lamp not working 28,079
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 27,964
Headlamp not working on dipped beam 23,197
Full Volkswagen Beetle reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

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BJ53 YUG is a 2003 Volkswagen Beetle in Silver with a 1,596cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.3%.

Across all 2003 Volkswagen Beetle models, the average MOT pass rate is 70.9% with a typical mileage of 73,703 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Volkswagen Beetle fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 44,561 recorded failures. If you're considering buying BJ53 YUG, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Volkswagen Beetle typically stays on UK roads for around 56 years. At 23 years old, this Volkswagen Beetle is still in the earlier part of its expected life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of BJ53 YUG?

You can check the full history of BJ53 YUG by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was BJ53 YUG registered?

BJ53 YUG is a 2003 Volkswagen Beetle, first registered on 10 October 2003.

Is BJ53 YUG safe to buy?

The MOT history for BJ53 YUG shows 36 tests with a 58.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does BJ53 YUG have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on BJ53 YUG. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.