2018 Skoda Karoq 1.5L Petrol · AX18 DWP

A clear pattern of recurring tyre and brake disc advisories defines the mechanical profile of this 2018 Skoda Karoq. Across the six recorded MOT examinations from 2021 through to the most recent pass on 20 August 2026, the vehicle has never failed a test, but the advisory items form a consistent and identifiable theme. Front brake disc wear was noted in both 2025 and 2026, and tyre wear reaching close to the legal limit has appeared on every test since 2021, affecting the nearside front in 2021 and 2022, and broadening to include all three remaining tyres by 2026. The absence of any recorded structural corrosion, suspension component defects, exhaust failures, or lighting issues is a notable positive, and the trend between 2024 and 2026 suggests that consumable wear is the dominant mechanical concern rather than any deterioration of core safety systems. With 38,739 miles recorded over approximately eight years, this Karoq has averaged around 4,800 miles annually, a notably low accumulation rate for a family SUV of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests consistently performed from 2021 through 2026, which indicates the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for extended periods. Mechanically, this low annual mileage means that major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, and turbocharger have accumulated relatively little wear, and corrosion is unlikely to have progressed aggressively. However, lightly used vehicles can still develop issues from short-trip running patterns, particularly with brakes and tyres, as the wear pattern recorded here suggests. For a prospective buyer, the primary inspection focus should be the braking and tyre condition flagged at the most recent test. With front brake disc wear noted as excessive but not failed in both 2025 and 2026, the discs are likely at or near their minimum legal thickness and should be measured directly with a micrometer or vernier caliper before purchase. On a test drive, listen for any rotational graunching or judder through the brake pedal, particularly under firm application from higher speed, which would suggest the discs have worn beyond a serviceable state or developed lipping. Similarly, all four tyres were noted as approaching the legal limit in 2026, so a close visual inspection of tread depth across the full width of each tyre is warranted, paying particular attention to inner and outer shoulder wear, which can indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues. Beyond the flagged advisories, a test drive should include specific checks for symptoms that commonly affect the Karoq platform. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the anti-roll bar bushes and lower wishbone links, which are known wear items on MQB-platform vehicles. On the steering, check for any vagueness off-centre, uneven self-centring, or pulling to one side under braking, any of which could indicate worn front suspension components contributing to the uneven tyre wear pattern observed. Finally, inspect the underside of the vehicle, including the subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and fuel lines, for any surface corrosion or weeping, and confirm that the rear brake pads, which were noted as wearing thin in 2022, have been replaced since and are showing adequate material remaining.