2010 Toyota Prius 1.8L Petrol · LL10 RKA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 23 January 2025, was passed but recorded three advisories – front‑suspension arm bush wear, front brake disc wear and corrosion on the off‑side rear brake pipe. Over the last six years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with major tyre cuts and a headlamp fault causing failures in 2024 and early 2025. Although the latest result is a pass, the pattern shows a gradual accumulation of wear‑related items rather than a clear improvement, indicating that the car is being kept road‑worthy but is entering a phase where components are reaching the end of their service life. At 132,607 mi for a 2010 model the annual average mileage works out at roughly 8,300 mi per year, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope. There are no obvious long‑term storage periods that would suggest the car has been idle for years, so the wear observed is consistent with steady, moderate use. The mileage level does mean that consumables such as tyres, brake discs, pads and suspension bushings will be approaching the latter stages of their design life and should be inspected closely. When you view the car, pay particular attention to the front tyres – the records show repeated cuts on both sides, so check for any visible nicks, bulges or low tread, and verify that the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm on all four wheels. Listen for any clunk or knock when the steering wheel is turned or when going over bumps, which can indicate the worn front‑suspension arm bush or the off‑side rear brake pipe corrosion that may be allowing slight movement or fluid seepage. Test the brakes firmly; a spongy pedal, pulsation, or grinding noise can reveal the front disc wear and the rear disc condition noted as “worn but not excessive”. Also confirm that both headlamps illuminate correctly on dipped beam and that the rear‑exhaust mounting is solid – a rattling or loose back box can become a structural or emission issue. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual inspection of the battery terminals, 12 V battery case and hybrid battery health indicators is advisable, as electrolyte loss and cell degradation become more likely after a decade. Examine the tyre sidewalls for age‑related cracking, especially if the tyres are more than six years old, and check for any signs of corrosion on wheel arches, under‑body panels and brake caliper pins that can result from prolonged standing. Verify that the service book shows regular oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes, and consider a fresh coolant flush and brake‑fluid bleed if the last recorded service was several years ago. A short test drive should reveal any vibration, steering pull, or unusual noises that would confirm the need for immediate attention before committing to purchase.