2010 Toyota Prius 1.8L Electric · LS60 GPU

The most recent MOT on 17 February 2026 was passed, albeit with three advisories concerning front suspension arm bush wear and rear tyre condition. Earlier that month the vehicle failed with several major defects, notably a non‑functional engine malfunction‑indicator lamp, a faulty front position lamp, an incorrectly aimed front headlamp and a compromised anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust cover. Since that failure the MOT record shows a return to passing status and the only recurring items are the suspension bush advisory and tyre wear notes, indicating that the overall maintenance trend has stabilised after a brief deterioration but still requires attention to wear‑related components. At 96 756 miles the car has averaged roughly 6 000 miles per year over its sixteen‑year life, a usage pattern that is typical for a vehicle of this age. The mileage does not suggest any period of intensive short‑term running that would accelerate wear on high‑stress items such as the hybrid drive system or the braking components. However, the relatively low annual distance also implies that the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which can promote tyre perishing, battery sulphation and the settling of suspension bushings, all of which should be examined closely. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front suspension arm bushes on both sides; the advisory notes that they are worn but not yet causing excessive movement, yet any clunk or looseness when negotiating bumps or during a hard corner could indicate imminent failure. The rear tyres should be measured for tread depth and inspected for sidewall cracking or perishing, especially since the MOT flagged both close‑to‑legal tread and edge damage; uneven wear may point to mis‑alignment or worn rear suspension bushings. The rear brake pads were noted as thin in 2022, so the discs and pads must be measured for remaining thickness and checked for scoring or vibration on firm braking. The light misting of oil on both front shock absorbers suggests seal wear; a test‑drive should reveal any excessive bounce, fluid leakage or a harsh ride that would warrant shock replacement. Finally, the lighting faults recorded in early 2026 – a non‑functional front position lamp, low‑aimed headlamp and a missing dust cover on the anti‑roll‑bar linkage – should be verified as corrected, with the headlamp aim checked for proper illumination and the dust cover inspected for corrosion that could allow dirt ingress into the linkage. Given the vehicle’s age and hybrid nature, a thorough inspection of time‑related items is essential. The 12‑volt starter battery should be load‑tested for cranking power, and the high‑voltage hybrid battery pack should be assessed for state‑of‑health, as capacity can decline after a decade of service. All engine coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid should be examined for colour, level and signs of contamination, with a view to replacing them if they exceed the recommended service intervals. Rubber hoses, seals and the exhaust system should be checked for cracking, brittleness or corrosion, and the under‑carriage inspected for rust that could affect structural integrity. A visual review of the service book for regular oil changes, filter replacements and any recorded hybrid‑system maintenance will give further confidence that the car has been kept in a road‑worthy condition.