2021 Skoda Karoq SE Drive TSI 1.0L Petrol · LK21 FML

The vehicle presented is a 2021 Skoda Karoq SE Drive TSI with 35,323 recorded miles, and its most recent DVSA MOT test conducted on 4 March 2026 resulted in a pass. There are no recorded failures, dangerous defects, or refusals at any point in its MOT history, which demonstrates a stable and well-maintained compliance record across all three annual tests. The advisories raised have been minor and non-safety-critical, though the recurrence of near-side front shock absorber oil misting in both 2024 and 2026 suggests the front damper may be beginning to show natural age-related seal wear rather than a one-off observation. Overall, the maintenance trajectory appears steady and consistent, with no evidence of deterioration between test cycles. In terms of mileage, the Karoq averages approximately 7,065 miles per year over its five-year life, which sits broadly within the typical usage bracket for a privately owned family SUV of this age. This is neither an excessively high figure that would imply heavy motorway wear on drivetrain and clutch components, nor a notably low figure that would raise immediate concerns about prolonged standing, dry rot in rubber components, or fuel system degradation. The recorded mileage progression between the 2024 and 2026 tests appears consistent, indicating regular use that should have kept lubricants circulated, brakes exercised, and the 12-volt battery maintained through normal charging cycles. There are no significant gaps in the mileage record that would point to extended periods off the road. The recurring advisory regarding oil misting on the near-side front shock absorber warrants attention during a physical inspection. Light misting indicates the internal seal is beginning to weep hydraulic fluid, which is an early-stage wear condition that will progressively worsen rather than resolve itself. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during heavy braking, as well as any excessive body roll or continued bouncing after pressing down on each front corner with the vehicle stationary. It is also worth inspecting the front tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which can indicate the damper is no longer damping effectively. Replacement of the front strut cartridge or complete damper assembly will likely be required within the next 12 to 24 months if the misting accelerates. Given the advisory history regarding tyre perishing and cracking across all four corners in 2024, the buyer should carry out a close visual inspection of the current tyres for sidewall cracking, particularly in the area between the tread shoulder and the rim. Rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of remaining tread depth, and tyres fitted to the vehicle at original sale may now be approaching five or six years old. Furthermore, despite the mileage being moderate, this is a five-year-old vehicle and time-based servicing items merit verification, including the date and stamp history for the most recent brake fluid change, coolant renewal, spark plug replacement on the TSI engine, and the condition and age of the 12-volt battery. A service book stamped at the correct Skoda intervals, along with any supporting invoices, will provide reassurance that the timing chain, dual-clutch DSG gearbox oil and filter, and haldex coupling service on the four-wheel-drive system have been attended to as required. Confirming that no warning lights are present on the instrument cluster and that the infotainment and driver assistance systems function correctly during a thorough pre-purchase inspection will complete a sensible due diligence check on this otherwise sound example.