2022 Skoda Karoq 1.5L Petrol · OY72 MSU

The Skoda Karoq most recently passed its MOT on 26 August 2026 with no failures but a notable cluster of advisories, indicating that the vehicle is mechanically roadworthy at present but is beginning to show wear in several key areas. A clear maintenance trend can be observed by comparing this test with the prior pass on 16 September 2025: the front shock absorber oil misting advisories are recurring, and additional issues have emerged in the form of a corroded rear coil spring and pitted rear brake discs. The fact that the advisory list has expanded rather than reduced between tests suggests a slowly worsening condition rather than a stable or improving one, although nothing has yet reached the threshold for failure. A prospective buyer should therefore not interpret the absence of failures as evidence of long-term mechanical soundness. With 18,836 miles recorded against an age of approximately four years, the Karoq is covering roughly 4,709 miles annually, which is well below average and points to a vehicle that has either been used lightly for short journeys or has spent significant periods standing. Low annual mileage of this nature carries its own mechanical implications, particularly in relation to corrosion from limited use, brake disc surface degradation due to infrequent cleaning under braking, and the premature ageing of rubber components and fluids through calendar-based degradation rather than wear. The MOT history does not show any test prior to the 2025 entry, but the mileage progression between the two recorded tests appears consistent with light, regular use rather than sudden long-distance accumulation. Several advisories warrant closer inspection during a physical examination and test drive. The recurring front shock absorber oil misting on both sides should be monitored for progression: light surface seepage is cosmetic at this stage, but if it develops into a visible wet film or wetness on the body of the damper, replacement will become necessary. Listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces and watch for uneven front tyre wear, as both are common symptoms of worn dampers. The rear coil spring corrosion advisory requires a careful visual check of the offside rear spring for flaking, pitting, or section loss, particularly in the active coils, and any knocking from the rear over bumps would indicate the spring has weakened. The pitted and scored rear brake discs are a known consequence of low mileage and standing time, where corrosion etches the braking surface even though pad wear is minimal; on the test drive, expect a slight initial brake shudder or judder at low speed until the surface cleans up, and check that the rear calipers are releasing freely and not binding, as seized calipers are common on lightly used vehicles. Given the low mileage and four-year age, several time-based inspections are highly recommended before purchase. The tyres, which already attracted perishing advisories on the 2025 test, should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, dry rot, and tread depth, as rubber degrades with age regardless of mileage; any tyre older than six years from its DOT date stamp should be replaced. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as short-trip use and standing periods drastically shorten battery life in modern vehicles. All fluid services, including brake fluid (typically due every two years), coolant, and the DSG or manual gearbox oil, should be verified by service records or a dipstick/computer readout, as calendar degradation rather than mileage is the limiting factor for these items. Finally, inspect under the bonnet and beneath the vehicle for any standing-related corrosion, surface rust on the exhaust, and signs of moisture ingress in the cabin, all of which are typical of low-mileage used cars.