2005 Toyota Prius 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · KV55 HHB

The vehicle's most recent MOT outcome is somewhat mixed, having passed on 27 August 2026 but only after a prior failure on the same date for issues including inoperative windscreen washers, missing and inoperative rear registration plate lamps, and a headlamp aim issue that prevented proper testing. Importantly, the subsequent pass carried five advisories, four of which relate to brake hose condition at all four corners: slight ferrule corrosion on both front hoses and slight deterioration on both rear hoses. The fifth advisory concerns a worn, pitted, or scored nearside rear brake disc. Taken together with the broader MOT history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but indicative of an ageing vehicle requiring increasing attention to consumables and chassis components. Earlier failures in 2025 for an ABS warning lamp, electronic stability control fault, an ineffective wiper, a non-compliant horn, and a severely obscured headlamp lens point to intermittent electrical and visibility-related issues, while the 2025 March failure also surfaced the ABS and stability control warnings alongside underbody corrosion advisories. The recorded mileage of 132,208 miles over approximately 21 years equates to around 6,300 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a Prius of this age and slightly below average for the UK parc, suggesting a mix of regular use and likely some standing periods. The MOT history shows tests conducted in late 2021, early 2023, early 2024, mid 2025 (two attempts plus a March 2025 failure), and mid to late 2026, which over a five-year window corroborates modest annual mileage rather than rapid accumulation. Mechanical implications of this usage profile include normal wear on hybrid system components, suspension bushes, engine mounts, and brake items, alongside the potential for standing-related issues such as brake disc corrosion, fluid degradation, and tyre age-related perishing. The relatively even mileage spread reduces but does not eliminate concerns about long-standing corrosion in hidden areas. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories and defects warrant focused inspection. The four brake hose advisories suggest that a complete set of flexible brake hoses is approaching end of life; on test drive, listen for any spongy pedal feel, and inspect the hoses directly for cracking, swelling under braking, or visible weeping at the ferrules. The pitted nearside rear brake disc should be measured for remaining thickness against the manufacturer's minimum and checked for excessive run-out causing pedal pulsation or shudder under braking. The underbody and sill corrosion advisories from 2025 should be examined on a ramp or with the undertrays removed, paying particular attention to the rear inner suspension mounting areas and the rear sub-frame, verifying that structural rigidity remains intact and that there is no perforation developing. The intermittent ABS and electronic stability control warning lamp faults are particularly worth investigating with a diagnostic scan to retrieve stored fault codes, as Prius ABS and VSC issues can stem from wheel speed sensors, hydraulic accumulators, or hybrid system regenerative braking interactions, and a recurring warning indicates the underlying fault has not been conclusively resolved. Additionally, a physical check of the headlamp lenses for hazing and a verification that the washers, horn, and registration plate lamps all function correctly should form part of any pre-purchase inspection. Given the vehicle's age, the buyer should also conduct several calendar-based checks irrespective of the MOT record. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, perishing, and DOT date codes, as 21-year-old rubber can degrade even with adequate tread. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, critical for hybrid system boot-up, should be load-tested, and its age noted, as Prius 12V batteries typically require replacement every four to five years. Brake fluid should be sampled or its service date verified, as it degrades hygroscopically and is commonly overlooked on older hybrids. Cooling system condition, including the inverter coolant and engine coolant, should be checked for correct specification and age, and the hybrid traction battery health should ideally be assessed via a diagnostic tool capable of reading individual cell voltages. Finally, verify the service book for stamps at appropriate intervals, confirm the auxiliary belt and spark plugs have been renewed in line with Toyota's schedule, and ensure the boot latch mechanism is functional given the prior advisory noting the boot could not be opened, which may suggest an issue with the release cable or latch assembly.