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

The most recent MOT on 1 November 2025 was passed, but it recorded two recurring minor defects: severe deterioration of the off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball‑joint dust cover and severe deterioration of the near‑side front outer drive‑shaft CV boot. Identical items were flagged in the 2024 and 2023 tests, indicating a consistent pattern of wear rather than a sudden failure. Apart from an advisory on brake disc and pad condition from 2022, no new failures have appeared, so the overall maintenance trend can be described as stable but with persistent front‑end wear that has not yet escalated to a safety‑critical fault. At 152,062 miles recorded for a 2019 model, the car averages roughly 21,700 miles per year, which is well above the typical UK average of around 10‑12 000 miles. This level of utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushings and CV joints, and places additional stress on engine and hybrid components. There are no large gaps in the MOT record, suggesting the odometer reading is credible and the vehicle has been driven consistently rather than sitting idle for long periods. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front anti‑roll bar linkage and the CV boots. Inspect the dust cover for cracks, missing pieces or excessive grease loss, and feel for any play in the anti‑roll bar when the steering wheel is rocked at low speed. Examine the CV boots for tears, dried grease or oil spots on the inner wheel arch; a deteriorated boot will allow moisture in, leading to joint noise, vibration and eventual joint failure. On a test drive listen for a clicking or clunking sound when accelerating or decelerating, especially on uneven surfaces, and check for any shudder under braking that could indicate the advised brake disc and pad wear has progressed. Measuring disc thickness at a garage and confirming pad replacement within the next few thousand miles would be prudent. Beyond the recurring front‑end items, the high mileage and age warrant a thorough check of tyre condition – look for sidewall cracking, dry rot and uneven tread wear that may point to mis‑aligned suspension or worn bushings. Verify the 12 V battery health with a load test, as prolonged high‑temperature operation can reduce capacity. Inspect the under‑body for corrosion, particularly around the rear sub‑frame and exhaust system, and ensure that coolant, brake fluid and hybrid coolant have been replaced on a calendar basis rather than solely by mileage. A complete service history with recent oil and filter changes, as well as any hybrid‑system service stamps, will give confidence that the vehicle’s time‑based components have been maintained despite the elevated annual mileage.