2009 Toyota Prius 1.5L Hybrid electric · AP09 AAV

The most recent DVSA MOT on 18 July 2026 recorded a Pass, but it noted that the off‑side front and rear road wheels are slightly distorted and that the off‑side headlamp lens is contaminated, reducing light output. Earlier in the same year the vehicle also failed a test for the same wheel distortion, indicating that the issue has persisted despite the later pass. Over the past three years the MOT record shows a pattern of intermittent failures – major suspension and anti‑roll‑bar faults in 2023, a wiper failure and tyre wear warnings in 2022 – followed by passes with advisory notes. The trend suggests that the vehicle’s maintenance has been reactive rather than proactive, with recent work apparently bringing the car back to a passable state but without fully resolving recurring wear items. At 134 368 mi the car has averaged roughly 7 900 mi per year since its 2009 introduction, which sits squarely within normal UK usage for a hybrid. The mileage does not indicate any periods of extreme short‑term abuse, but the relatively modest annual figure could also reflect long spells of inactivity, which can exacerbate corrosion, rubber hardening and battery sulphation. The recorded mileage is consistent with the age of the power‑train and hybrid components, yet the combination of age and mileage means that many wear items – suspension bushings, brake discs, tyres and the high‑voltage battery – are approaching the latter stages of their service lives. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the wheel condition; a slight distortion can cause vibration at speeds above 50 mph and uneven tyre wear, so a wheel‑balancing and true‑up check is essential, as is a visual inspection for cracks or sidewall ageing. The recurring brake‑pipe corrosion noted in 2022, 2023 and 2025 should be examined for rust perforation or loss of flexibility, and the brake discs, flagged as worn in 2023, should be measured for thickness and inspected for scoring that could lead to brake shudder. The 2023 suspension fault involving an insecure coil‑spring lower seat and the anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust cover indicate that front‑end bushings and joints may be nearing the end of their service interval; any clunk or knock when compressing the front suspension, or a loose feeling on cornering, would warrant a thorough suspension inspection. Headlamp output should be verified, especially the off‑side unit, and the wiper that failed in 2022 should be tested for adequate clearance and blade condition. Finally, the underseal applied in 2025 should be examined for delamination, as any exposed rusted panels can accelerate structural corrosion. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive age‑related check is advisable. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, which can occur even on low‑mileage cars that have been stored for long periods. Verify the 12 V battery’s cranking voltage and consider a load test, as batteries over 10 years often lose capacity. For the hybrid system, request service records for the high‑voltage battery, inverter coolant and any recent coolant flushes; a drop‑in voltage test and a check for coolant leaks are prudent. Examine the brake fluid for moisture content, as a fluid change is recommended every two years regardless of mileage. Lastly, confirm that the under‑body rust‑proofing remains intact, especially around the rear underside where rust was noted in 2023, and ensure that any corrosion has been treated to prevent progression into structural members.