2008 Toyota Prius 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · CV08 AEK

The vehicle shows a concerning trend of mechanical and structural wear, particularly regarding the braking and suspension systems. While it passed its latest test in May 2025 at 165,792 miles, this followed a significant failure where multiple critical issues were identified. The tester flagged a binding nearside front service brake, a corroded rear brake pipe, and a worn parking brake ratchet mechanism. The presence of a damaged rear engine mounting and worn suspension bushes on both front and rear axles indicates that the vehicle's rubber components and mounting points are reaching the end of their functional life. The recorded mileage of 165,792 miles represents a consistent usage pattern for an 18-year-old car, averaging approximately 9,200 miles per year. However, the history reveals a sharp decline in maintenance quality between 2024 and 2025. The vehicle went from a clean test at 150,450 miles in 2024 to a multi-point failure shortly after, involving split CV boots, a leaking shock absorber, and dangerously thin offside brake pads. This suggests that while the owner may have performed routine checks, repairs were deferred until inspection failure. Structural corrosion is a recurring theme in the record, with corroded Macpherson struts and rear brake pipes noted consistently between 2022 and 2025. The tester specifically noted the rear brake pipes were covered in grease or material, which often indicates an attempt to hide surface rust degradation. A buyer should prioritize checking for deep structural rust on the chassis and the integrity of the brake lines, as the documented history of corroded sensors and worn seals suggests the vehicle is entering a phase of increasingly expensive maintenance requirements.