2014 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · EX63 XWA

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 10 March 2026 at 117,495 miles, but the immediate prior test just one day earlier failed on critical suspension and brake issues, indicating the repairs were completed in a narrow window. The maintenance trend is neither stable nor improving—recurring faults in shock absorbers and front brake discs suggest deferred maintenance, with the failure on serious fluid leaks in both offside shocks being addressed only after the car was deemed unsafe. The parking brake’s persistent marginal performance across three consecutive tests further points to neglected adjustment or worn components. The recorded mileage of 117,495 miles over 12 years equates to roughly 9,800 miles annually, which is typical for a used family car. However, the gap between the August 2024 and September 2023 tests—nearly 12 months with only 7,400 miles covered—is unusual, suggesting possible long-term storage or reduced use during that period. The jump from 99,998 miles in September 2023 to 107,392 in August 2024 (7,394 miles in 11 months) is consistent with normal usage, but the sudden 5,000-mile increase between March 2025 and March 2026 raises no red flags on its own, though it coincides with the emergence of serious suspension failure. A buyer must inspect the front brake discs and calipers for deep scoring or binding, as the repeated advisory on disc condition implies ongoing wear beyond normal consumable replacement. The rear shock absorbers showed progression from light misting in 2023 to a serious leak on the offside in early 2026, and while repaired, the nearside rear still exhibits oil seepage—this is a sign of systemic seal degradation, and the remaining shocks should be pressure-tested for residual leakage. The parking brake’s failure to meet requirements twice in a row indicates worn cables, seized mechanisms, or stretched drums, and manual operation under load should be verified. There is no record of structural corrosion or exhaust failure, but the headlamp lens contamination noted in three tests suggests poor cleaning habits, which may reflect broader neglect of routine upkeep.