2005 Toyota Prius 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · LS05 AOC

The most recent MOT, carried out on 13 December 2025, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering thin front and rear brake pads, front brake discs showing wear and scoring, a deteriorated rear registration plate, a slightly loose rear bumper component and a faulty nearside rear registration‑plate lamp. Over the last three years the pattern has been one of gradual wear accumulation rather than abrupt failure – the 2024 and 2023 tests each added further brake‑related advisories and the 2023 failure appears to have been triggered by a minor mirror defect rather than a safety‑critical fault. Overall the maintenance trend is stable but clearly moving towards the need for component replacement, particularly on the braking system and tyres. With 61,858 miles recorded on a 2005 model the vehicle averages just under 3,000 miles per annum, which is well below the typical usage for a car of this age. Such low annual mileage often points to long periods of inactivity or very light use, both of which can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber, battery plates and corrosion‑prone components despite the modest wear figures. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, but the low utilisation suggests that any parts that rely on regular motion – for example brake discs, suspension bushings and tyre sidewalls – may have suffered from surface oxidation or drying out rather than mechanical fatigue. A prospective buyer should give the braking system the highest priority. Inspect the thickness of all pads; the current advisories indicate they are approaching the minimum safe limit and will likely need replacement within a few thousand miles. Examine the front discs for scoring or glazing – a surface that feels rough to the touch or shows visible grooves can cause brake judder and reduced stopping efficiency. During a test drive feel for any pulsation in the pedal, a high‑pitched squeal or a grinding noise, all of which would confirm imminent disc or pad replacement. The front tyres were noted as close to the legal limit in 2021 and the nearside front tyre again in 2020, so verify tread depth with a gauge and look for sidewall cracking; uneven wear may reveal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. The rear registration plate is already deteriorated, so ensure it is legible and securely mounted, and check that the rear bumper’s loose body component is tightened or repaired to avoid rattles and potential secondary damage. Given the car’s age and low mileage, time‑based items merit careful scrutiny. The hybrid battery should be tested for capacity loss, as a 2005 Prius may have experienced significant degradation even with limited use. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and confirm it holds charge under load; a weak battery can cause starting issues and affect electronic systems. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider a complete fluid change if the last service date is unknown, since fluids can absorb moisture and become corrosive over years of standing. Look for corrosion on the rear exhaust, under‑body panels and suspension mounting points, and verify that the windscreen washer system now delivers adequate liquid, as it failed this test in 2022. Finally, confirm that the service book is up to date and that any recommended interval services, particularly the hybrid system coolant change (normally every 8‑10 years), have been observed.