2018 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · LS67 OGE

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 January 2026 resulted in a pass, with the only entry being an advisory noting a nail in the offside rear tire, which suggests the tire required plugging or replacement shortly after the test. Prior to this, the vehicle achieved clean passes at its 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2020 tests with no advisories, indicating a generally well-maintained mechanical condition over the recent testing period. However, a failed retest was recorded on 6 January 2023 due to an insecure nearside front headlamp and significant obstruction to the driver's view through the swept area of the windscreen, both classified as major defects. These items, alongside the broken offside headlamp bracket, insecure fog lamp, and a noted bulge on the nearside rear outer tire, appear to have been remedied prior to the subsequent pass on 13 January 2023, as no recurring advisories have appeared since. Overall, the trajectory suggests that while an isolated lapse occurred in early 2023, the vehicle has since demonstrated a stable and consistent maintenance trend. The recorded mileage of 135,741 miles on an 8-year-old vehicle equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 16,968 miles, which is substantially higher than the national average for a passenger car of this age. The MOT history shows annual tests with mileage gaps consistent with typical high-use patterns, and the near-continuous yearly testing from 2020 onwards confirms that the vehicle has been a working car rather than one left standing for extended periods. Higher mileage of this nature naturally accelerates wear on consumable components such as brake pads and discs, suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain elements, and the hybrid powertrain of the Toyota Prius will have seen extensive cycling of its battery pack and inverter system. Given this usage profile, particular attention should be given to items that degrade proportionally with miles covered. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories on lighting and tires should prompt specific pre-purchase inspection. The 2023 advisory concerning the offside front tire bulge warrants a thorough check of all four tires for sidewall perishing, cracking, or impact damage, particularly as the tread on a high-mileage vehicle may have been replaced multiple times. The previously insecure headlamp and fog lamp should be verified as firmly seated with intact brackets, and the windscreen swept area inspected for any lingering scuffs, stickers, or aftermarket accessories that could affect the driver's view. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, as worn bushes or top mounts are common at this mileage, and observe whether the steering remains centered and free from vibration, which could indicate tire imbalance or worn suspension geometry. Pay attention to brake feel for any shuddering under pedal pressure or pulling to one side, both indicative of warped discs or binding calipers from heavy use. Given the high annual mileage and the calendar age of 8 years, the prospective buyer should also consider items not strictly tied to MOT failure categories but essential to long-term roadworthiness. The 12-volt auxiliary battery on a Prius of this age is particularly susceptible to depletion, especially if the vehicle has been predominantly used on short journeys, and should be load-tested prior to purchase. Brake fluid should be checked for moisture content and replaced if the service history cannot confirm a change within the last two years, while the engine coolant and inverter cooling system should be inspected for evidence of discoloration or contamination. Exhaust system integrity, including the rear silencer and heat shields, should be examined for corrosion, which is accelerated by high mileage and frequent thermal cycling. Finally, the hybrid system warning lights and overall dashboard warning status should be verified as clear upon ignition, as any illuminated hybrid system, ABS, or airbag warnings would warrant diagnostic interrogation before committing to the purchase.