2020 Skoda Kamiq SE L TSI 1.5L Petrol · NU70 TKF

The vehicle's most recent recorded DVSA test on 30 October 2025 resulted in a failure, with a Major defect recorded against the offside track rod end ball joint dust cover, described as excessively damaged or deteriorated to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The same date also shows a pass entry, which reflects the standard DVSA practice of recording a retest pass once the identified defect has been rectified on site or within the permitted repair window. The earlier record is mixed but generally stable, with clean passes in 2023 and 2024, although both prior tests carried brake-related advisories that point to a gradual, predictable wear pattern on the rear braking system rather than any abrupt deterioration. Taken overall, the maintenance trend is one of broadly consistent upkeep with no escalating structural or corrosion advisories, though the track rod end issue does represent a steering component failure that warrants close inspection. With a recorded mileage of 56,405 miles over approximately six years, the vehicle is running at around 9,400 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment. There are no unusual gaps in the recorded mileage between tests that would point to extended periods of standing, nor any indications of rapid accumulation that would suggest an unusually hard-driven life. This average usage pattern tends to produce steady, even wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and discs, and keeps the drivetrain, coolant and oil within sensible calendar-based service intervals. The absence of any mileage gap anomalies means that concerns about seized calipers from standing, severe underbody corrosion, or aged rubber components through lack of use are less likely to be prominent, although they should still be physically verified. Turning to the advisories, the recurring reference to the offside rear brake disc being worn, pitted or scored on both the 2023 and 2024 tests indicates progressive surface wear on that corner, even though it has not yet been deemed seriously weakened. On a test drive, this typically presents as a faint grinding or roughness through the brake pedal, possible vibration or brake shudder under firm application from higher speed, and uneven pad transfer onto the disc surface. The 2024 advisory for rear brake pads wearing thin on both sides confirms the pads were approaching their minimum thickness at that point and will almost certainly have required replacement by now or be due imminently, so inspecting pad material depth and confirming recent pad and disc renewal is sensible. The track rod end dust cover failure recorded in 2025 is significant because a perished boot allows dirt and moisture into the ball joint, accelerating wear of the joint itself; on test, listen and feel for a clonking or knocking through the steering when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and check for uneven front tyre wear, particularly inner-edge feathering, which is a classic symptom of a worn track rod end. Beyond the recorded items, a prospective buyer of a six-year-old Skoda with this mileage profile should still carry out straightforward age- and use-related checks before purchase. Tyres should be examined for both tread depth and sidewall condition, as tyres fitted at the original factory date or earlier will be approaching the end of their safe usable life due to rubber perishing and cracking, regardless of remaining tread. The 12-volt battery on a 2020 vehicle is likely due for replacement if it has not already been changed, and a load test or at the very least a check of the manufacturing date stamp is worthwhile. Brake caliper slide pins and pistons should be inspected for free movement and any evidence of seizing, particularly at the rear where the prior advisories were recorded. Fluid services should be verified against time rather than mileage, confirming that the brake fluid has been changed within the last two years and that the engine oil and filter have been renewed at sensible intervals, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades irrespective of use. Finally, a thorough underbody and wheel arch visual inspection is recommended to confirm the absence of any developing corrosion on suspension arms, subframe mounting points and exhaust components, areas where early surface oxidation can quickly progress on a vehicle regularly exposed to wet British roads.