2018 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · LS68 AAO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 April 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, and the preceding four tests over the last two years also returned clean passes. The only advisory recorded was at the October 2024 test, noting that the nearside front outer tyre is approaching the legal tread limit. The absence of any recurring or progressive failures suggests a stable maintenance pattern, with no evidence of deteriorating safety‑critical components in the recorded history. At 99 602 miles the 2018 Prius has accumulated roughly 12 500 miles per annum, which is above the typical UK average for a vehicle of its age. This level of usage points to a higher rate of wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, and suspension bushings, and it also implies that the hybrid system’s high‑voltage battery and inverter have been subjected to a substantial number of charge‑discharge cycles. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT dates that would indicate long periods of storage, so the mileage appears to reflect regular, relatively intensive driving rather than prolonged standing. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front tyre that triggered the advisory; inspect the tread depth across the whole tyre, look for uneven wear patterns that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components, and verify that the sidewalls are free of cracks, bulges or dry‑rot that can develop with age even if tread remains acceptable. While on the road, listen for any clunk or knock when negotiating bumps, which may reveal deteriorated front lower‑arm bushes or worn coil‑spring mounts. The braking system should be examined for pad thickness, disc surface condition and any pulsation or shudder under heavy braking, as higher mileage can accelerate pad wear and promote disc corrosion, especially if the vehicle has been driven in wet or salty conditions. Given the vehicle’s eight‑year age, a thorough check of time‑related items is prudent. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, ensuring it holds charge and shows no signs of swelling; the hybrid battery should be inspected for any stored‑energy error codes and, if possible, have its state‑of‑health logged. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and hybrid coolant – for correct levels, colour and any signs of contamination, remembering that many fluids degrade on a calendar basis even when mileage is modest. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular interval stamps, particularly for hybrid‑system coolant changes and periodic inverter coolant flushes, and that any recommended brake‑disc resurfacing or suspension‑bush replacement that may be due at this mileage has been addressed.