2006 Toyota Prius 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · LR06 EXZ

A clear pattern of recurring front-end wear emerges from the MOT history of this 2006 Toyota Prius, with shock absorbers, brake discs, and drive shaft boots appearing repeatedly across the last four years of testing. The most recent assessment on 2026-02-02 resulted in a pass, but only after an immediate retest on the same day addressed a near-side front headlamp aim defect, which is generally a straightforward adjustment rather than a structural concern. The advisories recorded at that test, covering light oil misting from the offside front shock absorber and worn front brake discs, echo concerns raised in earlier years, including a serious fluid leak from the offside rear shock absorber that caused a 2025 failure, and a serious fluid leak from the near-side front shock absorber flagged as a major defect in 2023. This pattern indicates the suspension damping components are approaching or have reached the end of their effective service life, with hydraulic fluid loss likely compromising ride control and road holding. The recorded mileage of 277,906 miles over approximately twenty years equates to an average of around 13,895 miles per year, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age. The MOT record itself shows no anomalous gaps or sudden mileage jumps between consecutive tests, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout, a usage profile that places sustained demand on suspension bushes, engine and transmission mounts, brake system components, and the hybrid drivetrain. The high accumulated mileage is consistent with the breadth of wear items documented, and any prospective buyer should expect that consumable components such as shock absorbers, brake pads, discs, and CV joint boots may require attention in the near term. Worth noting in the 2023 test was a major defect for excessive free play detected at the offside front steering rack, a significant concern that was not repeated in subsequent records but warrants particular attention given the vehicle's mileage and age. When inspecting this Prius, particular focus should be placed on the suspension and steering assemblies given the documented shock absorber fluid leaks and the earlier steering rack free play finding. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, as oil-misted dampers often lose their damping effectiveness and allow secondary clonks from worn top mounts or springs. Apply the brakes firmly from moderate speed and feel for any pedal judder or vibration through the steering wheel, as the repeatedly flagged front brake disc wear could progress towards warping, and check that the vehicle stops squarely without pulling to either side. Inspect the offside front CV joint boot area for any fresh grease contamination, cracking, or splits, as the same boot has been recorded as severely deteriorated in both 2023 and 2024, and a torn boot will allow water and grit ingress leading to joint failure. With the engine running, pay attention to any uneven idle, warning lights on the dashboard, or unusual noises from the hybrid system, and during a low-speed turn of full lock, listen for clicking or grinding from the front wheels that would indicate CV joint wear. The structural advisories recorded in 2023 and 2024 noting rear underbody corrosion and rear subframe corrosion, both assessed as not seriously weakened at the time, should also be physically inspected rather than relied upon as current, given the vehicle's age and exposure. Jack the vehicle if possible and examine the rear subframe mounting points, suspension arm attachment areas, and brake and fuel pipework along the underbody for any progression of surface rust. Verify that both headlamps are set within legal aim limits, as the 2024 near-side front lamp was recorded as too high and the 2026 near-side front lamp was too low, suggesting either adjustment drift or inconsistent maintenance. Finally, confirm the operation of all seat belts, particularly the offside front belt which was flagged for slight fraying in 2023, and check the full service history documentation for evidence of recent hybrid battery health checks and inverter coolant replacement, as these are age- and mileage-related service items on the third-generation Prius that fall outside MOT scope but are relevant to long-term reliability.