2011 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · DA61 USN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While it passed its most recent test in June 2025 at 105,043 miles, this followed a failure just one mile prior. That failure revealed multiple critical safety issues, including a seriously weakened rear brake disc and a binding rear parking brake. The transition from a clean record in 2024 to a multi-fault failure in 2025 suggests that the previous owner only addressed mechanical defects once they reached the point of legal failure. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use urban vehicle, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per annum over its fifteen-year life. The progression from 94,404 miles in June 2022 to 105,043 miles in June 2025 shows steady, moderate usage without long periods of abandonment. While low mileage generally reduces wear on the hybrid drivetrain and engine, it often leads to accelerated corrosion on exposed braking components and suspension hardware, which is evidenced by the pitted and scored discs noted in the 2023 test. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the braking system and peripheral electrical components. The record shows recurring issues with rear brake discs and grabbing calipers, indicating the system may be prone to seizing or rust buildup. The 2025 failure regarding the front windscreen wiper and multiple light bulbs suggests a lack of basic pre-test inspections. Given the age of the Prius, a thorough check for structural corrosion on the underbody and the condition of rubber suspension bushes is essential to ensure the low mileage has not masked age-related degradation.