2012 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · FP62 YRG

The Prius holds a valid MOT following its most recent test on 26 May 2026 at 261,930 miles, but the record reveals a worsening trend in mechanical and structural condition. The 2026 test flagged a defective front wiper blade, a missing nearside front wheel arch liner, and advisory-level wear on the front outer brake disc. More critically, both rear brake pipes were noted as corroded and contaminated with grease or foreign material, while the front steering column shaft was found deformed but serviceable. These findings indicate a vehicle that is aging unevenly, with corrosion and component fatigue beginning to accumulate beyond routine consumables. The 2025 and 2024 tests already flagged a worn nearside front tyre, a minor rear exhaust leak, and play in the steering rack inner joint, suggesting that driveline and exhaust integrity have been declining over successive years. The mileage accumulation is notably high for a 2012 vehicle, averaging approximately 18,709 miles per year. Between the December 2022 test at 217,885 miles and the June 2024 test at 246,223 miles, the car covered 28,338 miles in roughly eighteen months, indicating sustained heavy use. The annual intervals from 2024 onward show continued high utilisation, with 7,638 miles added between June 2024 and May 2025, and a further 8,069 miles by May 2026. This pattern points to consistent long-distance or high-frequency driving rather than prolonged periods of inactivity, which accelerates wear on suspension bushes, brake components, and drivetrain joints. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the rear brake pipe runs for active corrosion, particularly where contamination with grease or underseal may be masking deterioration. The deformed steering column shaft warrants close examination of the intermediate joint and universal couplings, as deformation can introduce vibration and accelerate wear in the steering rack already flagged with inner joint play in 2024. The missing nearside front wheel arch liner is a minor item but may have allowed road debris and moisture to accumulate around inner wing and suspension mounting points, so those areas should be checked for corrosion. The corroded brake pipes and worn front disc suggest the braking system has not received proactive fluid changes or pipe inspections, so a full brake health assessment is advisable before purchase.