2020 Skoda Karoq 1.5L Petrol · FG70 WKM

The Skoda Karoq presents a stable roadworthiness record in its most recent MOT tests, with no defects recorded in either the June 2024 or June 2025 examinations at 56,673 and 61,854 miles respectively. This clean history suggests that any prior issues have been addressed effectively, though the September 2023 failures—one for a cut tyre and another for oil-misted front shock absorbers—demand closer scrutiny. The fact that these problems were caught and presumably rectified before the next test indicates a responsive approach to maintenance, but the recurrence of the shock absorber condition within a single day (two separate test entries) implies either a persistent leak or improper repair. For now, the vehicle meets current DVSA standards, but the absence of further advisories or defects in the past year does not preclude latent wear in components not routinely checked under MOT regulations. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with typical usage for a six-year-old vehicle, averaging around 10,309 miles annually—a figure that suggests neither excessive nor minimal driving. The gap between the September 2023 failures and the June 2024 pass (a 9,612-mile interval over nine months) is unremarkable, though the near-simultaneous MOT entries in that month raise questions about whether the car was presented for test twice in quick succession to resolve issues. The most recent 5,181-mile increase between June 2024 and June 2025 reflects steady, moderate usage without any red flags for rapid deterioration. The lack of advisories in the last two tests further supports that no major wear patterns have emerged since the shock absorber and tyre issues were resolved. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension, particularly the shock absorbers, to verify that the oil misting observed in 2023 has been fully addressed and that no binding or uneven wear has developed. The nearside rear tyre failure in 2023—though likely replaced—warrants checking tread depth and condition across all four tyres, as well as the wheel alignment to rule out uneven loading or steering drift. Given the age of the vehicle, a closer look at brake components (disc thickness, caliper binding, and pad material) is also prudent, even though no MOT defects were recorded in this area. Structural integrity, including sills, wheel arches, and underbody corrosion, should be assessed, particularly in regions prone to rust given the Karoq’s body style. Finally, while the emissions system passed without comment, a pre-purchase diagnostic check for exhaust leaks or catalytic converter efficiency may be advisable, as these are not always caught in standard MOT procedures.