2019 Skoda Karoq 1.0L Petrol · FP69 BTY

The 2019 Skoda Karoq currently holds a valid MOT certificate, having passed its most recent test on 5 June 2026 with no failures but carrying two advisories relating to slight perishing and damage on both rear tyres. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, the vehicle has passed every test consecutively since at least late 2022, with no recorded failures or dangerous defects, which indicates a broadly stable maintenance trajectory. However, the advisory pattern reveals a slowly worsening picture rather than outright deterioration, as the same front shock absorber oil misting advisory has been flagged consistently across 2024 and 2025, the brake discs were noted as worn and pitted at the 2023 test, and the rear tyres have now joined the list with age-related perishing. None of these issues have yet reached a failure threshold, but their recurrence points to components approaching the latter portion of their service life and warrants close inspection. With 62,310 miles accumulated over approximately seven years, this Karoq is averaging around 8,900 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a family SUV of this vintage and suggests regular rather than neglected use. The mileage progression between tests, spanning 2022 through 2026, reflects steady accumulation without any obvious long gaps that would imply extended standing periods, nor any rapid surges that would suggest motorway hammering or towing stress. Mechanically, this usage profile is favourable because it keeps consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and suspension components working rather than seizing through disuse, though it does mean these wear items will now be approaching their second or third replacement cycle. The diesel or petrol unit, depending on variant, should have been serviced at manufacturer-recommended intervals, so verification of a complete service book stamp history is essential. The recurring advisories on the front shock absorbers are the most significant recurring theme in the MOT record and merit careful attention during any inspection. Light oil misting in 2024 and 2025 typically indicates the beginning of seal degradation within the damper, which progresses gradually to more pronounced seepage and eventual reduction in damping efficiency. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, watch for excessive body roll through corners, and observe whether the nose dips excessively under heavy braking. A bounce test by pushing down firmly on each front corner should produce a single controlled rebound rather than multiple oscillations. Given that the advisories are now two years old, a thorough visual check underneath for fresh oil residue on the damper bodies and surrounding spring seats is strongly advised, and budgeting for replacement front shock absorbers within the next service interval would be prudent. The advisories on the brake discs from 2023 and the current tyre perishing issue also deserve focused inspection. Pitted and scored front and rear discs noted at the 2023 test will have continued to wear, so the discs should be examined for lip formation, hot spots, and any sign of warping, the latter of which typically manifests as brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm deceleration. The reported nearside front tyre wear close to the legal limit in 2023 has clearly been addressed, but the current rear tyre perishing indicates age-related rubber degradation, which is common on a seven-year-old vehicle regardless of tread depth, so all four tyres should be closely inspected for sidewall cracking, particularly in the flex zone between tread and wheel rim. Beyond the advisory items, given the vehicle's age and mileage, it is sensible to verify the condition and age of the 12V battery, check the brake fluid and coolant for time-based replacement regardless of appearance, inspect the timing belt or cambelt service interval status depending on engine variant, and examine the underside for any developing corrosion around suspension arms, exhaust hangers, and subframe mounting points. A thorough road test on varied surfaces, combined with a borescope inspection of brake discs through the wheel spokes, will give the clearest indication of the remaining service life of these wearing components.