Nissan Qashqai vs Skoda Karoq: which is the better used buy?

On DVSA MOT records the Skoda Karoq is the more reliable used buy: it passes its first MOT 8.6 percentage points more often than the Nissan Qashqai once both are compared against what the national fleet scores at the same age. That comparison covers 69,030 real tests, not a survey.

MOT first-time pass rate

Counted from DVSA’s anonymised MOT test records. “vs age-matched” compares each model against what the national fleet scores at the same age — the only fair better-or-worse number, because an older fleet fails more whatever its build quality.

Model	Pass rate	Age-matched national	Difference	Tests
Nissan Qashqai	73.5%	78.6%	-5.2	62,848
Skoda Karoq	91.3%	87.9%	+3.4	6,182

Source: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0). National first-time pass rate 77.3%. Applies to Great Britain — Northern Ireland is tested by the DVA under a separate manual.

Nissan Qashqai

J11 2014–2021, J12 2021+ · compact crossover SUV

The Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014–2021) suffers from 1.5 dCi DPF and injector issues pre-2018, plus CVT (X-Tronic) judder on the 1.6 petrol. The J12 (2021+) is markedly more reliable, with only minor e-Power inverter and rear-wiper concerns. Best-buy: J12 2022+. Worst: J11 1.5 dCi pre-2018.

What goes wrong

1.5 dCi DPF + injectors (J11)major
Engine warning light; limp mode; DPF full message
J11 1.5 dCi 2014–2018 · Typical issue from 50,000 miles · DPF clean £400–£700; injector set £1,400+; combined often £2,000+
Check: Avoid 1.5 dCi if possible. Diagnostic scan mandatory. Service history showing repeat DPF events is a red flag.
CVT (X-Tronic) judder (J11 1.6 petrol)major
Shudder under acceleration; rubber-band feel; warning at high speed
J11 1.6 DIG-T petrol · 50,000+ miles · CVT replacement £2,500–£4,000
Check: Long test drive including motorway acceleration. Any judder = walk away.
Rear wiper motorminor
Rear wiper inactive; intermittent operation
Both J11 and J12 · £140–£220
Check: Test rear wiper during inspection.
e-Power inverter (J12)moderate
Reduced power; warning light; vehicle in limp mode
J12 e-Power 2022+ · Should be under warranty; out-of-warranty £1,800+
Check: Diagnostic scan for stored inverter codes.

Typical asking price:: J11: £6,000–£16,000 | J12: £16,000–£32,000
Real-world economy:: J12 e-Power: 44–51 mpg. J11 1.5 dCi: 47–57 mpg when running well.
Vehicle tax:: £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
Best years:: 2022, 2023, 2024
Years to avoid:: 2014–2017 (1.5 dCi)

Full Qashqai fault guide Used Nissans

Skoda Karoq

NU7, 2017–2021 (pre-facelift) and 2022–2025 (facelift) · Compact family SUV on the VW Group MQB platform, sharing mechanicals with the Seat Ateca and underpinning the Volkswagen T-Roc. Karoq sits below the larger seven-seat Kodiaq in Skoda UK's SUV range. Front-wheel drive is the volume seller in the UK; 4x4 is limited to the higher-spec 2.0 TSI Sportline and some 2.0 TDI 150 trims.

A used Skoda Karoq (NU7, 2017–2025) is largely reliable, but the 1.5 TSI Evo engine caused widespread kangarooing on 2017–2018 cars, and the DQ200 dry-clutch DSG paired with it shows judder by 35,000–70,000 miles. Best-buy: 2022+ facelift 2.0 TDI manual. Worst: 2017–2018 1.5 TSI DSG.

What goes wrong

1.5 TSI Evo kangarooing and stalling (ACT)major
Hesitation pulling away from junctions; lurching or "kangarooing" at low engine speeds; occasional stall in first gear; rough idle when warm
2017–2019 1.5 TSI EA211 Evo with Active Cylinder Management · Skoda software update was free under warranty. Out of warranty: £120–£250 ECU reflash at an independent VW Group specialist. Some owners report running 99 RON petrol helps but does not fully cure pre-update cars.
Check: On the test drive, pull away firmly from a standing start uphill in first gear and watch for hesitation or jerk. Drive in stop-start traffic for 10 minutes if possible. Ask the seller for proof the Skoda software update was applied; the service-history stamp should reference the 1.5 TSI campaign. Avoid pre-2019 cars without that proof.
DQ200 dry-clutch DSG judder and mechatronic failuremajor
Juddering pulling away in first gear; clunky 1-2 shifts; delayed engagement after reverse to drive; "gearbox" warning light
2017–2021 1.5 TSI and 1.6 TDI with the 7-speed DQ200 · 35,000–70,000 miles is the most common failure window; symptoms can start as early as 20,000 miles · £1,200–£2,000 for a mechatronic rebuild at an UK DSG specialist. £2,500–£3,500 for a full DQ200 swap. Clutch pack alone £700–£1,100 if caught early.
Check: Confirm the gearbox first: VW schedules no oil service for the dry-clutch DQ200, so missing DSG fluid records are normal — a voluntary mechatronic oil change (specialists often suggest around 60,000 miles) is a plus, not a requirement. Pull away on a hill from standstill and watch for shudder. Slow creep in a car park reveals clunky low-speed shifts. OBD scan for any P-codes in module 02 (transmission). Confirm the gearbox is DQ200 (not DQ381) via the data sticker in the boot or a VIN decode before viewing.
2.0 TDI DPF blockage and forced regen (EA288)major
Limp mode; "Particulate Filter" warning; loss of power above 50 mph; engine fan running on after key-off; rising oil level due to fuel dilution from incomplete regens
All 2.0 TDI Karoqs (2017–2025); short-trip UK urban use is the dominant trigger · Usage-driven, not mileage-driven. Cars used mainly for school runs and short commutes are highest risk. · £350–£700 for a forced regen at a Skoda dealer or VW Group specialist. £1,500–£2,800 for a DPF replacement if the filter is blocked beyond cleaning.
Check: Ask the seller for typical daily journey length and frequency of motorway use. Cars used mainly in city centres without weekly A-road runs are at high risk. OBD scan: read the DPF soot load percentage and ash mass. Pull the dipstick and check oil level is at, not above, max. A high reading points to fuel dilution from interrupted regens.
AdBlue / SCR system fault on Euro 6 TDImoderate
"AdBlue" warning that does not clear after a refill; countdown to no-start; reduced power; rare NOx sensor failure with limp mode
All Euro 6 TDI Karoqs (2017+) · 45,000–75,000 miles on the rear NOx sensor; AdBlue injector crystallisation is usage-driven · £350–£600 for a NOx sensor replacement. £250–£450 for AdBlue injector cleaning or replacement. AdBlue refill itself is £25–£45 at most filling stations.
Check: OBD scan for P229F, P20EE and P204F codes. The AdBlue tank gauge should not be empty at viewing. A near-zero reading suggests the seller has been ignoring warnings. After any refill, the ignition needs to sit on (engine off) for around 30 seconds for the system to register. Ask the seller to demonstrate.

Typical asking price:: 2017–2018 1.0 TSI / 1.6 TDI manual: £7,000–£11,000 | 2019–2021 1.5 TSI / 2.0 TDI: £10,000–£17,000 | 2022+ facelift 2.0 TDI 150: £16,000–£24,000 | 2022+ 2.0 TSI Sportline 4x4: £24,000–£31,000
Real-world economy:: 1.0 TSI 115: 38–44 mpg real-world. 1.5 TSI 150: 35–42 mpg. 2.0 TDI 150 manual: 44–51 mpg. 2.0 TSI 190 4x4: 28–33 mpg on UK mixed driving.
Vehicle tax:: £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).
Best years:: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Years to avoid:: 2017, 2018

Full Karoq fault guide Used Skodas

Which one suits you

Nissan Qashqai

Good for: Family buyers wanting practical compact SUV. Strong UK-spec features (heated seats, large boot).

Less good for: Buyers tempted by sub-£11k J11 1.5 dCi without service history — repair bills can quickly exceed purchase price.

Skoda Karoq

Good for: UK families wanting a practical compact SUV with strong resale and a wide independent-specialist network thanks to MQB platform sharing. The 2022+ facelift 2.0 TDI 150 manual in SE or SE-L is the best-rounded pick for buyers covering more than 11,200 miles a year. Used Karoqs are well-supported in every UK region, and Skoda UK's fixed-price servicing programme keeps post-warranty costs predictable.

Less good for: Buyers tempted by a pre-2019 1.5 TSI without proof the software update was applied; the kangarooing issue is real and unfixed cars hesitate at junctions. Short-trip urban-only drivers eyeing the 2.0 TDI without weekly motorway use, because the DPF will block early. Buyers expecting a Kodiaq-size interior; the Karoq is closer to a Golf in footprint despite the tall stance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more reliable, the Nissan Qashqai or the Skoda Karoq?

The Skoda Karoq. It passes its first MOT 8.6 percentage points more often than the Nissan Qashqai once both are age-adjusted, across 69,030 DVSA-recorded tests.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Nissan Qashqai?

73.5% of Nissan Qashqais pass their MOT first time, from 62,848 tests in DVSA's records. The national first-time rate is 77.3%, but cars of this model's age average 78.6% — so it runs 5.2 points worse than its age group.

What is the MOT pass rate for the Skoda Karoq?

91.3% of Skoda Karoqs pass their MOT first time, from 6,182 tests. Against the 87.9% that cars of its age average, it runs 3.4 points better.

Which years should I avoid?

For the Nissan Qashqai, J11 1.5 dCi pre-2018 had cascading DPF and injector issues; ownership in the UK often stacked £2,000+ in repairs by 60,000 miles. For the Skoda Karoq, 2017–2018 launch-year 1.5 TSI Karoqs with Active Cylinder Management (ACT) suffered from well-documented kangarooing and stalling at low engine speeds. UK owner forums and Briskoda owner threads logged hundreds of cases. Skoda issued software updates from 2019, but pre-update cars sometimes still hesitate at junctions. Pre-2019 1.6 TDI cars paired with the DQ200 dry-clutch DSG also have an elevated mechatronic-failure rate above 60,000 miles.

Which is cheaper to run?

The Nissan Qashqai returns J12 e-Power: 44–51 mpg. J11 1.5 dCi: 47–57 mpg when running well. in real UK driving; the Skoda Karoq returns 1.0 TSI 115: 38–44 mpg real-world. 1.5 TSI 150: 35–42 mpg. 2.0 TDI 150 manual: 44–51 mpg. 2.0 TSI 190 4x4: 28–33 mpg on UK mixed driving.. Vehicle tax: Qashqai — £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).; Karoq — £200/year standard rate from the second year, hybrids included — the alternative-fuel discount ended on 1 April 2025. Cars registered 2001–2017 pay a CO2 band, roughly £20–£790/year (2026/27 rates).. Insurance differs mainly by driver and postcode rather than by model, so treat any model-level insurance figure with caution.

MOT figures are counted from DVSA records and are the only measured statistic here. Prices, economy and tax bands are indicative and vary by specification, condition and where the car has lived. Last reviewed: 2026-08-14 / 2026-08-14.