Used Skoda Karoq cars for sale

Is a second hand Skoda Karoq a good car?

Is it good? The Skoda Karoq is as virtuous as a vicar running a charity marathon. But while the running reverend may be admirable, they might not be your first choice for a night in the pub. It’s the same with the Karoq – it has dozens of sensible virtues, but it’s not all that much fun.

Let’s think about those worthy good points first. The cabin is well made and very roomy, so adults can travel in comfort whether in the front or the back. Find a car fitted with the optional VarioFlex seating system and the Skoda is clever as well as spacious. This splits the rear bench into three parts which fold, slide, and can be removed completely for maximum luggage space.

Comfort is another plus. The suspension has been tuned to be forgiving of poor surfaces, coping well with potholes around town without becoming soft and wallowy at speed. It corners neatly enough, too, although if you want a sporty family SUV the Seat Ateca will suit you better.

The entry-level engine is a 1.0-litre petrol. It’s fine around town, and copes on the open road, but it can feel a bit out of its depth if the car is loaded with passengers and luggage. The 1.5-litre petrol is a better allrounder, while one of the 2.0-litre diesels are great for high-mileage drivers. It’s a shame there’s no full or plug-in hybrid, though.

If you have a caravan or trailer to tow, the diesel 4x4 models make a lot of sense.

What to look for when buying a used Skoda Karoq

Skoda generally makes reliable cars, and that applies to the Karoq as much as any other model. Minor electrical glitches are more common than serious mechanical faults. If there are problems, Skoda dealers usually put them right quickly.

The standard warranty lasts for three years and 60,000 miles. That’s much shorter than the five-year, unlimited mileage cover on the Hyundai Tucson and the seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the Kia Sportage.

If the car you are thinking of buying has VarioFlex seating, have a good play with all the seats to make sure they work as they should. Otherwise all the usual checks should apply – check over the bodywork for any dents and scratches, and look at the alloys for signs of damage. A car with a full service history is a better bet than one without – Skoda dealers don’t charge silly money so there’s no excuse for skipping scheduled work. Servicing plans are available to spread the cost.

Skoda Karoq FAQs