2014 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · LM64 LSU

The vehicle passed its most recent DVSA MOT test on 9 March 2026, though with an advisory noting that both rear brake discs are worn, pitted, or scored, though not considered seriously weakened. Looking at the recent history, the maintenance trend is one of clear deterioration rather than stability. Prior to the 2026 pass, an advisory for the same rear brake disc condition was issued at the 13 March 2025 test, and on 12 March 2025 a Dangerous failure was recorded for front brake pads worn below the 1.5 mm minimum thickness, alongside a Major defect for a deteriorated offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. The cumulative record shows recurring brake-related advisories spanning front and rear installations from 2024 onwards, an emerging anti-roll bar linkage wear issue in 2025, and intermittent advisories for wheel bearing noise and rear brake binding, suggesting that the braking and suspension systems have been progressively declining over the most recent test cycles and warrant close scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 260,227 miles on a 2014 vehicle equates to approximately 21,686 miles per annum, which is notably high for a Prius of this age and indicates sustained, heavy usage rather than periods of standing. There are no significant mileage gaps evident in the MOT record; instead, the mileage has accumulated steadily, which mechanically implies that consumable wear items such as brake pads, discs, suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain components have all been subjected to considerable working life. For a high-mileage hybrid of this vintage, attention should also be directed towards the hybrid system battery health, inverter coolant condition, and the 12V auxiliary battery, as these are not assessed under MOT but degrade with both age and cyclic load. Given the recurring brake disc and pad advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a measured test drive specifically listening for any brake shudder under light or moderate pedal pressure, which would indicate the rear discs have worn beyond a serviceable state and require replacement rather than just refurbishment. The brake pedal should be tested from cold and after several firm applications to confirm there is no excessive travel or sponginess suggesting caliper seal failure or hydraulic degradation, and each corner should be inspected for uneven pad wear, which on a high-mileage vehicle commonly points to binding calipers or worn slider pins. The front suspension should be examined for knocking or clonking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly on the offside front where the anti-roll bar linkage dust cover has already failed, indicating the ball joint itself may now have play and require renewal. The nearside rear wheel bearing advisory from 2024 should also be revisited, as a noisy bearing will typically worsen into a rumble or hum that increases with vehicle speed and may eventually compromise structural integrity. Beyond the recorded advisories, a physical inspection appropriate to the vehicle's age and high mileage should include a thorough check of tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking, which is calendar-related and affects even tyres with adequate tread depth. The underside of the vehicle, including the rear axle assembly and exhaust mounting points, should be examined for corrosion, particularly given the hybrid system complexity and the long service life. All fluid conditions, including engine oil, hybrid inverter coolant, brake fluid, and the transaxle fluid where serviceable, should be verified for recent renewal and correct specification, as time-based degradation remains a concern regardless of mileage. Finally, the service book should be cross-referenced to confirm regular oil and filter changes alongside any documented hybrid battery health checks, and a diagnostic scan for stored powertrain fault codes is highly recommended given the vehicle's working life.