2012 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · LF61 WTC

The Prius presents a stable mechanical picture overall, but the most recent test on 4 April 2026 at 74,500 miles introduced two new advisories that shift the maintenance trend from consistently clean to mildly worsening. Both the nearside and offside front lower rear suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as worn, though not yet causing excessive movement. These are early-stage items that can deteriorate quickly depending on road conditions, so a buyer should treat this as the first sign of front-end wear on an otherwise well-kept car. The mileage pattern tells an unusual story. Between 25 April 2023 at 55,981 miles and 12 April 2025 at 58,288 miles, the car covered just 2,307 miles over nearly two full years. That is barely 1,150 miles per year, suggesting long periods of standing or very short local trips. Then, in the twelve months from April 2025 to April 2026, the car added 16,212 miles, a sharp jump to roughly 1,350 miles per month. Such a swing from dormancy to regular use can stress components that had been sitting still, particularly rubber bushes, tyres, and brake surfaces, and it may partly explain the fresh suspension wear noted in the latest test. The front suspension bushes flagged in April 2026 are the key item to verify in person. A physical check should assess whether the play has progressed beyond the advisory threshold, as worn lower arm bushes affect steering precision and tyre wear. Given the low annual mileage for most of the car's life, the condition of the tyres also deserves close attention. Rubber ages regardless of tread depth, so any tyre older than six years should be considered for replacement even if the tread looks adequate. The brake system should be inspected for corrosion or uneven wear, particularly if the car sat unused for extended periods between 2023 and 2025. Beneath the car, look for corrosion on the subframe, suspension mounting points, and along the sills. A Prius that has spent time standing may have developed surface rust in areas that a higher-mileage car would have kept relatively clean through regular heat cycling and road spray. The exhaust system and its mountings should also be checked, as short trips and idle periods can accelerate internal condensation and corrosion. Overall, the record shows a car that has been looked after, but the recent mileage surge and fresh suspension advisories mean a thorough on-the-ground inspection is essential before purchase.