2022 Skoda Karoq 1.5L Petrol · OV22 ULT

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2022 Skoda Karoq was conducted on 2 September 2025, at which point the vehicle passed and was deemed roadworthy. Two advisory notices were issued at this examination, the first relating to light oil misting on both front shock absorbers, and the second noting that a nearside rear child seat was fitted and prevented full inspection of the adult seat belt. The earlier test on 4 September 2024 recorded a clean pass with no advisories or defects. Overall, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than deteriorating, as there is no history of failures or recurring component failures across the recorded tests. The presence of advisory items, whilst not constituting failure reasons, should nevertheless be factored into any purchase decision as they highlight components exhibiting early signs of wear or conditions requiring closer scrutiny. With 22,135 miles recorded against a vehicle that is approximately four years old, the annual usage equates to roughly 5,534 miles per year, which is notably below the national average and suggests a pattern of predominantly short journeys, light use, or extended periods of standing. This kind of low-mileage profile has its own mechanical implications distinct from high-wear scenarios. Short trips and infrequent running can lead to the 12V battery failing to reach full charge, resulting in premature degradation; brake discs and calipers may develop corrosion or seize slightly from lack of regular use; and engine oil and coolant can degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely through mileage accumulation, meaning time-based servicing intervals become particularly important regardless of the odometer reading. Given the advisory concerning oil misting on both front dampers, a prospective buyer should undertake a careful physical inspection and test drive with this in mind. Light oil misting indicates that the hydraulic fluid within the shock absorbers is beginning to seep past the internal seals, a condition that typically progresses over time and can lead to reduced damping efficiency, uneven tyre wear, and a deterioration in ride quality. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and observe whether the vehicle exhibits excessive body roll through corners or prolonged oscillation after crests. The tread wear across the front tyres should be examined for inner or outer edge wear patterns, which can suggest compromised suspension geometry or damper function. Furthermore, the shock absorber bodies and coil springs should be visually inspected for fluid residue, surface rust, or any signs of corrosion, and a firm downward push on each corner of the vehicle should produce a controlled single rebound rather than continued bouncing. Beyond the specific advisory, attention should be directed towards the typical age-related concerns associated with a low-mileage vehicle of this profile. Tyres more than four or five years old can suffer from sidewall perishing and cracking even if the tread depth remains adequate, so the date code on each tyre should be checked and any rubber older than five years considered for replacement. The brake discs should be examined for lipping, scoring, or surface corrosion, and the caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be checked for free operation. The engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid should all be verified as recently replaced in accordance with calendar-based schedules rather than purely mileage intervals, and the service history should be reviewed to confirm adherence to the manufacturer’s time-sensitive maintenance requirements. Finally, the air conditioning system, exhaust mounting rubbers, and underbody components are worth visual inspection for signs of corrosion or deterioration that can develop during periods of infrequent use, ensuring the vehicle is mechanically sound across all systems rather than simply passing its annual test.