2020 Skoda Karoq 1.5L Petrol · K44 SAU

The vehicle was presented for MOT on 6 January 2026 and initially failed on a major defect concerning the offside front suspension arm, specifically that the console arm bush bonding compound had failed and the bush was excessively worn, resulting in excessive movement. The same test recorded an advisory on the nearside front for the identical component where the bonding compound was noted as failing but not yet resulting in excessive movement, alongside a further advisory for slight damage, cracking or perishing to the offside rear tyre. The vehicle subsequently passed, although the offside rear tyre advisory remained live. Reviewing the preceding three years of testing, the 2024 and 2023 tests passed without any advisories, and the 2025 test passed with notes that the rear inner brake pads were wearing thin on both sides and that the nearside rear tyre showed signs of cracking or perishing. The maintenance trend over the full five-year MOT history is therefore stable but shows a clear deterioration in the most recent test, with the front suspension bush failure being the principal concern and an emerging pattern of tyre age-related deterioration across both rear wheels. With a recorded mileage of 30,866 miles over an approximate six-year period, this Karoq has covered an annual average of around 5,144 miles, which is notably low for its age and places it firmly in the lower-mileage bracket for a vehicle of this vintage. Such low usage typically means longer intervals between routine servicing and a greater likelihood of the vehicle standing for extended periods between journeys. The mechanical implications of low annual mileage are generally favourable for major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch and gearbox, but they do increase the risk of certain standing-related defects including brake disc corrosion, seized or binding calipers, deteriorated rubber components from age rather than wear, and degradation of time-sensitive fluids. Given the major defect recorded against the offside front suspension arm bush and the advisory on the nearside equivalent, it is essential to verify exactly what remedial work was carried out between the failure and the subsequent pass on the same day, ideally by obtaining the repair invoice and confirming whether original equipment bushes were replaced or whether aftermarket components were fitted. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any clonks, knocks or vagueness from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, speed bumps and during full-lock manoeuvres, as bonding compound failure on console arm bushes typically produces a dull knock under load and can allow imprecise steering response. Also examine the vehicle on a ramp or over a pit to check for any residual movement in the front suspension arms, uneven tyre wear across the front axle which would indicate bushes settling or misalignment, and evidence of fresh grease or component replacement. The fact that both sides have shown similar symptoms within the same test suggests the bonding compound degradation is systemic rather than localised and may recur. Beyond the suspension, the advisories for tyre cracking and perishing on both rear wheels across consecutive tests indicate that the rear tyres are ageing prematurely, likely due to low mileage and prolonged standing which causes sidewall rubber to deteriorate regardless of tread depth. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, checking DOT date codes to confirm they are no older than around five years, and budget for a full set replacement if any show significant perishing. The 2025 advisory for rear inner brake pads wearing thin should be followed up by direct inspection of pad material thickness and a check for brake disc lipping, scoring, or surface corrosion from standing. Given the low usage profile, also verify the condition and age of the 12 volt battery, as a six-year-old unit is likely approaching the end of its service life, and confirm when the brake fluid, coolant and automatic transmission fluid if fitted were last changed, as these degrade on a calendar basis irrespective of mileage. Finally, ensure the service book is fully stamped and cross-reference any gaps with the in-car service interval display to confirm the vehicle has been maintained in line with manufacturer schedule.