2016 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · LS16 YLC

The most recent MOT test on 28 July 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator for any prospective purchaser. However, evaluating the broader trend across the preceding twelve months reveals a pattern of recurring and occasionally serious mechanical concerns that warrant careful attention. The 2026 advisory regarding slight play in the offside front outer track rod end ball joint follows earlier advisories in 2025 and 2024 relating to play in the steering rack inner joints on both sides, suggesting ongoing wear within the front steering assembly. More notably, the vehicle failed its 2025 mid-year test on both front brake discs and pads, which had worn down to the wear indicator, and earlier still in January 2025 it failed on both front shock absorbers due to serious fluid leaks. Despite these significant component failures, the vehicle subsequently passed its later tests following remedial work, indicating that repairs have been carried out but also highlighting that the braking and suspension systems have required substantial recent intervention. With 247,443 miles recorded over approximately ten years, this Prius has covered around 24,744 miles annually, which is considerably above average for a vehicle of its age and substantially higher than typical private ownership usage. Such sustained high mileage implies that in addition to the documented brake and suspension wear, other drivetrain components including the hybrid transaxle, inverter cooling system, high-voltage battery, and engine ancillary items will have endured considerable thermal and mechanical cycling. There are no apparent gaps in the recorded mileage progression across the MOT history, meaning the odometer reading is likely consistent and reflective of continuous use rather than periods of standing. This high annual rate of accumulation accelerates wear on consumables and means that any buyer should anticipate more frequent servicing requirements going forward, particularly regarding the hybrid-specific systems. Given the recurring steering, brake, and suspension issues, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should prioritise these areas. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes, top mounts, or renewed track rod ends that have since deteriorated. Pay close attention to steering response, noting any vagueness, knocking, or wandering that would suggest the inner rack joint play has progressed; uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, would corroborate such geometry issues. The braking system should be evaluated for shudder or pulsation under firm pedal pressure, which may indicate disc runout following the recent disc replacement, and the caliper slide pins and guide bushes should be inspected for seizure, as sticking calipers are common on vehicles that accumulate high mileage and can cause uneven pad wear. Verify that the shock absorbers fitted after the 2025 failure are of equivalent specification and check for any fresh signs of fluid weeping around the front strut bodies. Beyond the documented defect history, age and mileage-appropriate checks remain essential. Although the tyres passed without advisory, request confirmation of their manufacturing date codes, as ten-year-old rubber can perish regardless of tread remaining, particularly on a vehicle likely used for high-mileage motorway work. Inspect the underside carefully for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframe, and rear trailing arm bushes, as Prius models of this generation can be susceptible to structural rust in these areas given their age. Confirm that the 12-volt auxiliary battery has been replaced recently, as weak auxiliary batteries frequently cause warning lights and drivability issues in this model. Finally, ensure that the hybrid system has been serviced according to manufacturer intervals, with particular attention to inverter coolant, engine coolant, and brake fluid condition, as calendar-based fluid degradation is inevitable on a vehicle of this vintage regardless of mileage, and any lapses in hybrid servicing could foreshadow considerably more expensive remedial work in the near term.