2017 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · LW67 CAV

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 5 March 2026, resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that the vehicle was considered roadworthy at the time of examination. Looking at the broader test history across the preceding twelve months, the maintenance trajectory appears largely stable. Two further passes were issued on 17 September 2025 and 19 March 2025, all free of recorded defects. The only notable blemish is a single failure on 15 September 2025, where the nearside and offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers were deemed to no longer prevent the ingress of dirt, classified as Major defects. This was rectified within two days, with the subsequent pass on 17 September 2025 demonstrating that the necessary remedial work was carried out promptly. The absence of any recurring advisories or repeat failures suggests the underlying mechanical condition has been conscientiously maintained. With 75,387 miles recorded on a nine-year-old vehicle, the Prius has covered an average of approximately 8,376 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a hybrid of this vintage and indicates steady, moderate use rather than extensive motorway mileage or prolonged periods of standing. There are no conspicuous gaps in the recorded mileage history, and the accumulation rate is consistent with a privately owned family or commuter vehicle. This level of usage generally bodes well for mechanical longevity, as the hybrid powertrain, braking system, and suspension components have all been exercised regularly, mitigating the risks associated with either excessive wear or the corrosion and fluid degradation commonly seen in low-mileage or stored vehicles. Given that the recent MOT history is clean and free of advisories, particular attention during a physical inspection should be directed towards age-related deterioration rather than any flagged component failures. Tyres warrant close scrutiny for sidewall perishing and cracking from UV exposure, even if the tread depth remains legal, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age irrespective of mileage. A nine-year-old hybrid will also commonly exhibit surface corrosion on brake discs, particularly if the vehicle has been driven predominantly under regenerative braking, where the friction brakes see limited use; therefore, the calipers should be checked for binding and the discs for any uneven lipping or pitting that might necessitate skimming or replacement. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, located in the rear quarter or boot area on the Prius, is a known service item that typically requires replacement every five to seven years, so its age and state of charge should be verified, along with confirmation that the high-voltage hybrid system has been properly maintained. On a test drive, the prospective buyer should listen carefully for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, paying specific attention to the anti-roll bar linkage areas where the recent dust cover failure occurred, as perished boots can permit accelerated wear of the ball joints themselves. Any vagueness in steering response or irregular tyre wear patterns, such as feathering on the inner or outer edges, could point to worn suspension bushes or alignment issues. The hybrid system should transition smoothly between electric and petrol propulsion, with no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and the engine should start promptly without excessive cranking, which would indicate a healthy high-voltage battery. Finally, it is prudent to confirm the servicing history through stamped service book entries or independent garage invoices, ensuring that essential time-based items such as engine coolant, inverter coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid have been renewed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, as these fluids degrade chemically over time even when the vehicle is in regular service.