2018 Skoda Karoq 1.6L Diesel · SL68 CKA

A pattern of tyre wear on the nearside front and rear edges is the defining mechanical story of this Karoq. The 2024-10-02 test recorded a dangerous failure on the nearside front Continental with tread below 1.6mm, which is the only outright failure across the four-year MOT history. Prior to that, an advisory was raised at the 2023-10-06 test for offside front edge wear at 2.7mm, and the most recent pass on 2025-09-29 recorded a nearside rear Lanvigator worn to 2mm. Both sides of the vehicle showing consistent shoulder or edge wear rather than even centre wear typically points to suspension geometry issues rather than simply tyre age, so the recurring advisories across consecutive years suggest an underlying component problem rather than isolated tyre neglect. The fact that the vehicle has passed every test since that single dangerous failure, including a clean pass in 2024-10-02 after the failed re-test and again with only one advisory in 2025, indicates that the immediate safety defects were addressed, but the geometry concern that produces the wear pattern has not been definitively resolved. With 117,258 miles accumulated over approximately eight years, this Karoq is running at roughly 14,657 miles per year, which is substantially above the average annual mileage for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use throughout its life rather than laid up for extended periods, and the relatively steady annual accumulation indicates consistent long-distance or commuter use rather than sporadic short journeys. Mechanically, this usage profile means higher-than-average wear on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted to the manual gearbox, turbocharger internals, brake discs and pads, suspension bushes, coil springs, and the rubber gaiters on the drive shafts. The DSG automatic variant, which is common on the Karoq, should also be considered carefully as these units are sensitive to frequent oil and mechatronic fluid changes, and high mileage increases the likelihood of mechatronic wear if the previous service schedule was neglected. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the suspension geometry, as the tyre wear pattern on both nearside and offside edges strongly suggests camber or tracking irregularities. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, and top mount bearings, which are known wear items on the MQB platform shared with other Volkswagen Group vehicles. Feel for any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration, vibration through the steering wheel at speed, or uneven steering self-centring, all of which would indicate geometry misalignment or worn suspension linkages. Inspect all four tyres for inner-edge wear specifically by looking at the tread shoulders, as this is often missed from a casual glance but is the most telling sign of camber issues on this platform. Beyond the suspension, the high mileage warrants close attention to the braking system, with particular focus on disc lipping, pad wear, and any binding calipers that can be detected by feeling for uneven residual drag when the vehicle is pushed in neutral or by checking for hot wheels immediately after a drive. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of oil leaks from the engine, particularly around the cam chain cover and turbo oil feed lines, and check the condition of the drive shaft gaiters and CV joints for splits or grease loss. On the test drive, listen for any whining or rumbling from the gearbox during slow-speed manoeuvres, feel for any hesitation or flaring during gear changes if automatic, and ensure the clutch if manual engages smoothly without slipping under load. Given the consistent mileage accumulation and absence of corrosion advisories, the structural integrity appears sound, but the recurring tyre wear pattern remains the primary concern that should be investigated and rectified before purchase.