2009 Toyota Prius 1.5L Electric · FD58 KCE

The most recent DVSA MOT recorded for this 2009 Toyota Prius took place on 1 February 2024, where the vehicle passed with no defects or advisories recorded. However, it is important to note that an MOT failure was also logged on the same date prior to the pass, comprising a Nearside Front drive shaft constant velocity boot defect classified as Major, alongside a Minor defect for an inoperative rear registration plate lamp. The CV joint boot issue is a typical wear item on high-mileage hybrids and warrants confirmation that remedial work has been completed satisfactorily, as a split boot will rapidly lead to joint failure if ingress of dirt and moisture has already occurred. Looking at the broader history, the trend over the past four years shows a progressive accumulation of advisories relating to corrosion across the sub-frame, rear axle, sills, and suspension components, paired with one earlier Major exhaust leak failure. While the vehicle has passed its most recent test cleanly, the recurring structural and suspension corrosion advisories indicate an ongoing deterioration that a prospective buyer should monitor carefully, as these items tend to worsen year on year rather than spontaneously improve. Recorded mileage stands at 181,200 miles over approximately 17 years, equating to an annual average of around 10,659 miles per year. This figure is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and suggests consistent rather than exceptional use. There are no obvious extended gaps in the MOT history that would point to long periods of standing, which is generally favourable for preventing issues such as brake caliper seizure, flat-spotted tyres, or severe underfloor corrosion from moisture entrapment. Equally, the mileage is not so high as to suggest imminent major drivetrain concerns, although the hybrid system battery, inverter coolant pump, and transaxle components are all approaching a point where age-related degradation rather than mileage alone becomes the dominant factor. Given the recurring advisories for corrosion to the front sub-frame, rear axle, sills, and front and rear suspension components, a thorough physical inspection beneath the vehicle is essential. Particular attention should be paid to the integrity of the front sub-frame mounting points, as this is a load-bearing structure, and any progression beyond the not seriously weakened threshold would represent a serious structural concern. Suspension arms, bushes, and coil springs should be examined for advanced surface corrosion, and on a test drive any clonking noises over speed humps or uneven roads, vague steering, or uneven tyre wear patterns across an axle would suggest bushes or anti-roll bar links are deteriorating. The earlier exhaust leak failure should also prompt inspection of the rear exhaust box and pipe joints for soot traces, blowing sounds on overrun, or hanging sections. As the nearside front tyre was previously flagged as worn close to the legal limit on its edge, an inspection of current tread depth and even wear across both front tyres is recommended, along with checks for kerbing damage and sidewall perishing given the age of the rubber. Beyond the documented advisories, age-related items demand attention regardless of the MOT record. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which is critical to hybrid system wake-up and ECU function, is well beyond its typical four to five year lifespan and should be load-tested or replaced as a matter of course. Brake discs and calipers, particularly at the rear where electronic parking brake mechanisms are common on the Prius, can suffer from corrosion and binding after years of service, so a rolling test drive should confirm smooth release without dragging, and the handbrake should hold and release cleanly. Hybrid system health can be partially assessed by observing the dashboard display for any warning lights, erratic state-of-charge behaviour, or fan runtime at shutdown indicative of battery cooling activity. Finally, brake fluid, engine coolant, and inverter coolant should be considered for renewal based on calendar age rather than mileage, as degradation occurs regardless of use, and confirming recent service book stamps for these items will provide reassurance that the vehicle has been maintained to a standard commensurate with its years on the road.