2021 Skoda Karoq 1.5L Petrol · DN21 MPX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 May 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory concerning slight play in the near‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint. Over the preceding three years the vehicle has shown a mixed picture: a clean pass in 2025, a series of advisories in 2024 and a failure on the same date for a serious off‑side front shock absorber fluid leak. The trend therefore points to a recent improvement – the major leak has been cleared – yet the persistence of multiple front‑suspension and brake advisories indicates that wear is accumulating and the vehicle is entering a phase where corrective maintenance will become increasingly urgent. At 30,969 miles the Karoq has logged roughly 6,200 miles per annum since its first registration in 2021. This is comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope and suggests the car has not been subjected to excessive short‑trip abuse or high‑speed highway wear. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would hint at long periods of storage, but the relatively modest annual distance means that many wear items (tires, brake discs, suspension bushings) may be more influenced by calendar ageing than by mileage alone. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension and steering assembly. The recurring advisory on the lower arm pins and bushes, together with the anti‑roll bar ball‑joint play, can manifest as clunking or vague steering wander, especially when negotiating bumps or during hard cornering. The off‑side shock absorber that previously leaked and the near‑side unit showing oil mist are likely to be losing damping efficiency; watch for excessive body roll, uneven tyre wear or a soft, squishy feel when applying the brakes. The front brake discs were noted as worn and pitted – they may still be within legal limits but are approaching the end of their service life, so a thorough visual inspection for deep scoring and a test‑drive brake feel check for shudder or reduced bite are advisable. The near‑side front tyre was flagged as perishing; examine the sidewalls for cracks, dry rot or bulges and verify tread depth, as ageing tyres can fail well before the tread is exhausted. Beyond the front‑end concerns, a vehicle of this age should be inspected for typical time‑related deterioration. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, checking voltage and charge retention, as prolonged periods of low use can lead to sulphation. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider a change if the service book shows no recent top‑up, since fluid degradation can accelerate wear of seals and bearings. Look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and underbody, and ensure the exhaust system is free of cracks or excessive rust. A full service history with regular oil changes and scheduled suspension component replacements will provide confidence that the car has been maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations.