2007 Toyota Prius 1.5L Electric · LM07 AAY

A pattern of chronic fluid and exhaust leakage has defined this third-generation Toyota Prius across the last three MOT tests, with the most recent assessment on 27 July 2026 recording a pass but carrying forward advisories for an engine oil leak, a minor exhaust gas leak, slight perishing on the nearside rear tyre, and perishing on both front tyres. The exhaust gas leak and oil leak advisories have appeared on every test since 2025, indicating ongoing wear in sealing components that have not been rectified between examinations. Earlier in 2025 the vehicle failed on multiple major defects, including an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp and both headlamps aimed too high, although it subsequently passed a retest later that month. A more serious failure occurred in July 2024 when a nearside front tyre was classified as dangerous due to structural separation, alongside an advisory for the offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit. This combination of a dangerous tyre defect and subsequent chronic leakage advisories points to a vehicle that has been returned to roadworthy condition but continues to develop minor defects between tests. With 199,238 miles recorded over approximately nineteen years, this Prius has accumulated an average of around 10,486 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest long periods off the road, and the consistent annual mileage implies steady rather than intermittent use. Mechanically, this level of sustained running means that consumable items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs, calipers, and hybrid system components have all been subjected to significant cumulative wear, even if the annual figure appears moderate. The pattern of advisories and failures aligns with what is typically observed on a high-mileage hybrid of this vintage, where oil leaks from ageing engine gaskets and minor exhaust joint failures become increasingly common as the powertrain ages. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the flagged oil leak during a pre-purchase inspection. With the engine warm, inspect the area beneath the bonnet for fresh oil residue around the engine block, valve cover, and the hybrid inverter cooling system, and check the undertray and sump for any signs of active dripping or oil-soaked components. A non-excessive leak can progress, so establishing its current source and rate is worthwhile. The exhaust leak advisory, present for two consecutive years, warrants a cold-start listen for any ticking, hissing, or blowing sounds from the exhaust manifold gasket, downpipe joint, or rear silencer box, and a visual check for soot traces around joints while the engine is running. Any worsening of these noises or visible increase in soot staining would indicate the need for imminent repair. The tyre defects recorded, including a dangerous structural failure in 2024 and perishing on multiple tyres in 2026, suggest that rubber condition should be a priority. Inspect all four tyres for cracking in the sidewalls, uneven wear patterns indicating suspension or alignment issues, and check the manufacturing date codes if the tyres appear aged. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts given the vehicle's mileage. The headlamp aim issues from the 2025 failure should be verified by checking that both lamps are set to the correct height, particularly if any bulb or headlamp unit work has been carried out since. Finally, the persistent registration plate lamp issue is a minor electrical fault but worth confirming has been resolved, as it has reappeared across multiple tests, suggesting either a recurring bulb failure or a wiring or earth connection concern that has not been fully addressed.