2013 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · LP13 ODU

High mileage and a recent pattern of significant mechanical failures define the current roadworthiness profile of this Toyota Prius. While the vehicle achieved a pass on 23 April 2026, this followed a failed inspection just one day prior that included a dangerous defect regarding nearside rear brake pad thickness below 1.5mm, alongside major failures for a worn nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and excessive play in the offside rear wheel bearing. This recent cluster of failures, combined with previous issues involving headlamp aim and windscreen wiper effectiveness, suggests a vehicle that has recently required concentrated attention to address critical safety and lighting components. The vehicle has covered 320,460 miles over its 13-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 24,651 miles. This high rate of usage indicates a vehicle that has been in consistent, heavy operation rather than sitting idle. Mechanically, such sustained high mileage typically accelerates the wear on consumable components and structural linkages. The recorded history shows that while there were periods of clean passes in 2024 and 2025, the mechanical components are now showing signs of significant fatigue, as evidenced by the recent failures in the braking and suspension systems. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the steering and suspension during a test drive, specifically looking for any knocking or clunking noises when traversing uneven surfaces or turning the wheel, which could relate to the steering rack inner joint play noted in 2023 or the recently replaced anti-roll bar linkage. The recent failure of the offside rear wheel bearing also necessitates a careful check for any humming, droning, or vibrating sensations coming from the rear of the car, particularly as speed increases. Any sensation of the car pulling to one side or instability in the steering could indicate that the recent repairs to the suspension and steering components have not fully resolved the underlying wear. Braking performance must be scrutinised following the dangerous defect recorded in April 2026. During the test drive, listen for any grinding noises from the rear wheels and feel for any pulsing or judder through the brake pedal, which may indicate unevenly worn discs or binding calipers. Furthermore, the recent history of lighting failures, including headlamp aim and various inoperative lamps, means the electrical integrity of the lighting system should be verified by checking all high beams, position lamps, and registration plate illumination. The high mileage also suggests that the drivetrain and hybrid-specific components will have undergone extensive cycles, though the MOT record focuses strictly on the external mechanical and safety failures.