2006 Toyota Prius 1.5L Electric · GY06 ADU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 November 2025, was passed, with only an advisory concerning a deteriorated rear registration plate and a severely deteriorated near‑side front anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust cover. Looking back over the last three years the vehicle has shown a mixed record: a clean pass in October 2024, a failure in October 2023 for ineffective windscreen wipers and a non‑working off‑side front position lamp, and a more serious failure in October 2024 for a rear‑brake imbalance and a torn near‑side rear tyre. The fact that the last test was a pass and that the only remaining notes are minor advisories suggests that the maintenance trajectory has shifted from a period of neglect to a more stable, if still modest, level of upkeep. At 65,010 miles recorded for a 2006 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 3,250 mi, well below the typical UK average of 7‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of storage or very light use, which can be as consequential as high mileage. Age‑related degradation of rubber components, seals and battery plates can occur even when the car sits idle, while corrosion can develop on brake discs, suspension joints and the hybrid system’s cooling circuits if the vehicle has been stationary for extended stretches. Conversely, the low mileage means that major wear items such as the engine’s timing chain, transmission gears and chassis components are likely to have experienced less cumulative stress than on a high‑mileage counterpart. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear‑brake system, as the 2024 failure noted an imbalance across the axle. On a test drive feel for any pulsation or pulling under braking, listen for uneven squeal, and inspect the rear discs for uneven wear, scoring or corrosion. The torn near‑side rear tyre recorded in 2024 must have been replaced; verify that both rear tyres are of the same make, model and depth, and examine the sidewalls for age‑related cracking, especially given the vehicle’s long service life. The anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust cover that was described as severely deteriorated can allow moisture ingress and accelerate bush wear; check the front suspension for any clunking over bumps, uneven tyre wear, or a loose feel in cornering, and consider replacing the dust cover and any compromised bushings. The windscreen wipers that failed to clear the screen in 2023 should now be operating correctly; test them at low speed with a wet windshield and watch for streaking or missed zones, which could indicate worn blades or a weak motor. Lighting should be fully functional – confirm that both position lamps and headlamps illuminate to the correct intensity and that the lens coatings are clear of film, as the earlier advisories suggest some buildup that could worsen over time. Given the vehicle’s age and low‑mileage profile, the buyer should also conduct a broader age‑related inspection. Examine all tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot or cracking, even if tread depth is acceptable, and check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation or reduced cranking power, especially if the car has spent long periods idle. The hybrid battery and its coolant system should be inspected for any signs of leakage, corrosion on the high‑voltage cables and the condition of the inverter coolant; a service history confirming coolant replacement within the last 5‑7 years would be reassuring. Verify that the brake fluid has been changed within the past two years and that the brake discs are free from heavy rust or scoring. Finally, ensure the service book is up to date, with stamps for timing‑belt (or timing‑chain) checks, oil changes and any hybrid‑system servicing, as these records will give the best indication of whether the car has been cared for in line with Toyota’s recommendations.