2018 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · LS68 EGC

The most recent MOT test on 1 April 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, which is the most reassuring immediate indicator for a prospective buyer. However, examining the broader test history reveals a pattern of intermittent advisories and several minor failures that warrant closer attention. The advisory items for front brake pad wear, front brake disc pitting, and edge tyre wear were first noted in April 2024 and persisted through the October 2024 and April 2025 tests, suggesting ongoing neglect of consumables that should have been addressed at the earliest opportunity. Two PRS defects were also recorded, one for an inoperative malfunction indicator lamp in April 2026 and another for insufficient windscreen washer fluid in April 2025, the latter being a trivial issue but the MIL fault pointing to a potentially unresolved engine management concern that should be investigated through diagnostic scanning. With 176,432 miles recorded on an eight-year-old vehicle, this Prius has covered approximately 22,054 miles per year on average, which is substantially above the typical annual mileage for a passenger car and indicates very intensive use. The mileage accumulation appears reasonably consistent across the MOT records, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for prolonged periods, which is generally favourable for avoiding standing-related corrosion and perished components. Nonetheless, this high annual mileage places considerably greater wear on the hybrid powertrain, suspension, braking system, and tyres than would be expected for the vehicle age. Items such as the rear tyres are showing recurring edge wear, which is often symptomatic of misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak coil springs, particularly relevant given the high mileage and the recorded anti-roll bar linkage defects from October 2025. The October 2025 failure for a worn anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and a perished dust cover on the offside front ball joint is a notable concern, as anti-roll bar linkages are critical for stable cornering and body control. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road joins, or when turning into driveways, and pay attention to any vague or wandering steering response. These components typically wear in pairs, so it would be prudent to inspect the offside front anti-roll bar drop link and the condition of the remaining bushes, as well as check the rear suspension for similar wear. The persistent advisories on the front brake pads and discs also suggest that the braking system has been allowed to deteriorate without intervention, so the discs should be inspected for lipping, hot spots, and corrosion around the hat area, and the caliper guide pins should be checked for free movement to prevent uneven pad wear and binding. Beyond the documented history, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants a thorough physical inspection covering several age- and usage-related factors. Check all tyres, including the spare, for sidewall cracking and perishing which can occur regardless of tread depth on a vehicle of this age, and verify that the front discs and pads have been replaced since the April 2025 advisories rather than merely monitored. The 12V auxiliary battery in the Prius cabin or under the bonnet should be load tested, as these typically require replacement every four to five years and a failing battery can cause erratic hybrid system behaviour. Given the very high mileage, request evidence of hybrid system servicing, including inverter coolant changes and any battery cooling fan maintenance, and verify that the engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid have been refreshed in line with manufacturer schedules rather than just annual mileage intervals. Finally, confirm the timing chain or belt service history, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion around joints and the rear silencer, and ensure all warning lamps clear promptly upon starting the vehicle to confirm that the recent MIL fault has been properly rectified.