2019 Skoda Kodiaq 1.5L Petrol · LE19 OOH

A clear pattern emerges from the MOT history of this Kodiaq, centred on the front suspension arm rear bushes, which have been flagged for perishing and separation across three consecutive annual tests. First noted at the 2024-09-03 test (which resulted in a failure, though the bushes themselves were only advisory), the same nearside and offside front components were repeated at the 2024-09-04 pass and again at the 2025-09-03 pass, indicating progressive deterioration rather than a single isolated event. The most recent test on 2026-08-24 returned a pass, but it did not include fresh inspection comments on these bushes, which could reflect either that the components had been replaced or, more concerningly given the persistent under-tray obscuration, that they remained hidden from view. Tyre condition also warrants attention, as both rear tyres were recorded with numerous tread cuts at the latest test, suggesting the vehicle has been operating on surfaces or in conditions that cause regular rubber damage. Aside from these points, the vehicle has maintained a clean pass record with no brake, exhaust, lighting, or structural corrosion advisories, giving a generally positive roadworthiness picture that is nevertheless tempered by the suspension wear trend. The Kodiaq has covered 90,689 miles over approximately seven years, equating to roughly 12,956 miles annually, which sits notably above the typical 8,000 to 10,000 mile average for a family SUV of this age. This higher accumulation rate has clear mechanical implications: brake discs and pads, clutch components (if manual), tyres, and suspension consumables will have experienced greater wear cycles than a lower-mileage counterpart. The mileage progression appears consistent across the recorded tests, with no extended gaps suggesting the vehicle was laid up for long periods, which is favourable for avoiding issues such as seized brake calipers, degraded tyre sidewalls, or flat-spotted tyres from stationary storage. The high annual mileage does, however, elevate the priority of inspecting the front suspension bushes that have already been flagged, as components that deteriorate under normal use will deteriorate faster when subjected to greater distances, particularly on the additional weight of a seven-seat Kodiaq. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension, specifically the rear bushes of both front lower or upper arms depending on configuration, as the repeated advisories describe perishing rubber with bonding breaking away and ultimately separation. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or wandering in the steering, as perished bushes can introduce toe instability under braking or acceleration. With the vehicle elevated on a ramp or over a pit, request that the under trays and engine cover be removed so that the front suspension arms, subframe mountings, and anti-roll bar drop links can be visually inspected; the persistent advisory about covers obscuring testable components means critical wear items may have gone unchecked. Also examine the inner and outer edges of both rear tyres for the cuts referenced in the latest advisory, as cuts deep enough to expose cord require immediate failure and any embedded damage could render the tyres unsafe even if currently within legal tread depth. The brake system should also be a focus during any appraisal, given the higher than average mileage and the absence of any recent brake-related advisories, which paradoxically means components may now be approaching a service interval. On the road, check for any pulling to one side under moderate braking, a soft or spongy pedal, or vibration through the pedal suggesting disc runout, as the Kodiaq is known to suffer binding rear calipers and warped front discs at higher mileages. Inspect the underside for any signs of fluid weeping from the shock absorber top mountings or behind the front subframe, and examine the rear silencer and exhaust hangers for corrosion, as the muddy underbody condition noted at the 2026 test may have hidden developing issues. Finally, verify that the recent tyre cuts have been addressed, as the test only noted cuts not reaching the ply, but continued use on damaged rubber can lead to rapid air loss or blowout under load, particularly relevant for a heavy family vehicle likely to be fully laden on occasion.