2010 Honda Insight 1.3L Other · AV60 PLU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 13 April 2024, was passed but returned several advisories – corrosion on a rear suspension mounting, slight cracking on the off‑side rear tyre and a severely deteriorated CV boot on the off‑side front drive shaft. Over the preceding three years the record shows a pattern of recurring CV‑boot wear, progressive anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint play and occasional brake‑disc surface scoring, with a single failure in 2021 that centred on a split CV boot and a compromised anti‑roll‑bar dust cover. Since that failure the vehicle has remained passable, but the persistence of similar minor and advisory items indicates a maintenance trend that is essentially stable yet still requires attention to prevent a return to a major fault. At 194 081 mi the Insight averages roughly 12 130 mi per annum, which is well above the typical usage for a 16‑year‑old hybrid. The relatively constant annual mileage, with no obvious gaps in the MOT history, suggests the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for long periods. Such a mileage profile accelerates wear on consumables – tyre tread and sidewalls, suspension bushings, brake discs and the hybrid drivetrain – and can exacerbate corrosion on mounting points that see frequent load cycles. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the CV boots on both the off‑side front and off‑side outer drive shafts; any grease leakage, cracking or split boot will allow dirt ingress and can lead to joint failure, often manifested as a clicking or whine when the steering is turned under load. The rear tyre’s sidewall should be examined for dry‑rot, cracking or perishing, especially around the bead, as age‑related degradation can occur even if tread depth appears acceptable. The rear suspension mounting corrosion noted in the latest advisory should be inspected for rust penetration that could affect the structural integrity of the sub‑frame, and a road‑test should be used to listen for clunks or uneven ride characteristics when traversing bumps. Steering rack inner‑joint play and the near‑side front anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint, both flagged in earlier advisories, should be checked for excess movement; any looseness will be felt as vague steering feel or a vague shudder under cornering. Beyond the recurring items, the buyer should verify the condition of the brake discs for scoring and measure remaining thickness, as the 2021 advisory indicated pitting that, while not yet critical, may approach the minimum limit soon. The 12 V battery mounting has been noted as insecure on several occasions; ensure the battery is firmly bolted, terminals are clean and the charge holds, particularly as a hybrid’s auxiliary battery can be stressed by high mileage. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, a full fluid service – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and hybrid coolant – is advisable if not documented in the service book, and a thorough visual inspection for any signs of oil or coolant leaks around the engine bay and under the vehicle will help confirm the overall mechanical health before purchase.