2016 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · GV65 AAZ

The most recent MOT test conducted on 21 August 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle is exhibiting a clear trend of worsening mechanical condition regarding its suspension and drivetrain components. While the vehicle has consistently passed its tests, the frequency and nature of the advisories and minor defects have increased significantly over the last twelve months. We are seeing a transition from isolated tyre wear issues to more complex structural and mechanical concerns, including steering column play, worn anti-roll bar linkages, and deteriorating drive shaft boots. This pattern suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase of life where multiple wear-and-tear components are reaching the end of their service life simultaneously, requiring more frequent and potentially more costly maintenance interventions to remain roadworthy. With 246,489 miles recorded over approximately ten years, this Toyota Prius has been driven at an average rate of nearly 25,000 miles per year. This is significantly higher than the UK national average and classifies this as a high-mileage vehicle. Such intensive usage places substantial cumulative stress on all mechanical systems, particularly the hybrid drivetrain, suspension geometry, and braking components. While high mileage on a Prius often indicates regular motorway use which can be less taxing on the engine than stop-start city driving, the sheer volume of revolutions and mechanical cycles means that components like wheel bearings, bushes, and CV joints are subject to accelerated fatigue. You must approach this vehicle with the understanding that many major service items and heavy-duty components are likely nearing the end of their functional lifespan. During your test drive, you should pay close attention to the steering and suspension feedback due to the recorded issues with the steering column universal joint and various suspension bushes. Listen for any knocking, clunking, or rhythmic thudding when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which would indicate the worn nearside front suspension arm bush or the anti-roll bar linkages are deteriorating further. The advisory regarding the offside rear shock absorber showing light oil misting is a precursor to total seal failure; if you notice the rear of the car bouncing excessively or feeling unsettled after bumps, the shock absorber will require immediate replacement. Furthermore, the severely deteriorated offside front CV boot is a critical concern, as it allows grease to escape and grit to enter the joint, which will lead to a loud clicking sound when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. The recent history of tyre wear advisories suggests that the vehicle may suffer from alignment issues or uneven loading, so you must inspect the tread depth and look for irregular wear patterns across all four tyres. Check the sidewalls for any signs of bulging or uneven scrubbing, which could indicate underlying suspension geometry faults. Given the high mileage and the age of the vehicle, you should also verify the service history to ensure that the hybrid battery cooling system has been cleaned and that the engine coolant and brake fluid have been changed according to manufacturer intervals, as these are vital for long-term reliability. Finally, inspect the underside of the vehicle for excessive corrosion or fluid leaks, particularly around the drive shafts and shock absorbers, to ensure that the reported minor defects have not escalated into more significant structural or mechanical failures.