2009 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · LM59 VPD

The most recent MOT test on 6 December 2025 resulted in a pass, with only a minor advisory recorded for a slightly defective headlamp lens. Looking back through the DVSA history, the vehicle has demonstrated a generally stable and compliant maintenance trend, passing every annual test since 2019 aside from one advisory-laden entry. The recurring minor defect on the headlamp lens appears over the last two tests, which suggests cosmetic lens oxidation rather than a functional lighting failure. There are no structural advisories, corrosion concerns, or major mechanical defects recorded in the recent history, which is reassuring given the vehicle's considerable age and accumulated mileage. The recorded mileage of 303,614 against a 2009 registration equates to an annual average of roughly 17,860 miles per year, which is notably high for a passenger vehicle and indicates sustained, hard-driven use rather than occasional light running. The gap between the 2020 test and the 2021 tests suggests modest accumulation, but the intervening years have seen significant mileage added, meaning wear-sensitive components such as the hybrid synergy drive system, inverter coolant, high-voltage battery, suspension bushes, and brake system have likely endured substantial fatigue. High annual mileage on a Prius of this generation typically accelerates wear on items such as engine mounts, the 12V auxiliary battery, CV joint gaiters, and the catalytic converter substrate, all of which merit close inspection. Given the advisory recorded in November 2024 regarding slight play in both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, this is a component worth examining carefully. Anti-roll bar drop links and their ball joints commonly deteriorate on high-mileage vehicles, producing audible clonks or rattles over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, together with a degree of vagueness in cornering response. Left unaddressed, the wear progresses and will ultimately lead to an MOT failure, but replacement is a relatively straightforward and inexpensive job. On a test drive, listen for suspension noise particularly over broken surfaces, and check for uneven front tyre wear which would confirm compromised geometry. The earlier advisories from 2019 relating to worn front tyres and thin front brake pads indicate that the braking system has been actively maintained, but at this mileage the rear discs, caliper slide pins, and the electric parking brake mechanism should be inspected for seizure or corrosion. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age- and mileage-related checks are strongly advised. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing and cracking, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and any tyre over six years old should be regarded with caution even if the tread appears adequate. The 12V auxiliary battery is a known weak point on third-generation Prius models and can cause warning lights and drivability issues if marginal. Brake discs may exhibit significant corrosion or lipping from sustained use, and calipers should be checked for binding. Fluid services should be verified, particularly engine oil, brake fluid (which is hygroscopic and should be renewed biennially), inverter coolant, and transmission fluid, all of which degrade with time. Finally, the high-voltage traction battery state of health and any diagnostic trouble codes stored within the hybrid system should be confirmed via a Toyota-compatible scan tool before purchase, as this remains the single most costly potential failure point on this platform.