2017 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · ML66 RGU

The Toyota Prius in question demonstrates a stable roadworthiness trend over the past year, with two consecutive MOT passes in April 2026 and September 2025, both at high mileages of 266,169 and 262,282 respectively. The absence of defects in the most recent tests suggests the vehicle has been maintained adequately in critical areas since the last major intervention. However, the history reveals a pattern of steering and suspension wear that, while not currently failing, warrants closer scrutiny. The October 2024 test recorded play in the steering rack inner joints and a damaged nearside rear tyre, indicating these components have been under stress for over a year. The mileage progression of 29,574 miles annually over nine years is unusually high for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the frequent suspension and steering issues. The gap between the April 2025 failure and the October 2024 pass—just six months—suggests either aggressive driving conditions or delayed maintenance, as the same steering rack and anti-roll bar faults recurred. The rapid accumulation of miles between tests (e.g., 235,439 to 248,308 in six months) further implies the vehicle has been in regular use without extended periods of rest, accelerating wear on high-stress components. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the steering rack inner joints and anti-roll bar linkages, as these were flagged repeatedly between April 2024 and April 2025. The nearside rear tyre damage from October 2024 also signals potential neglect in tyre rotation or alignment, so all tyres should be examined for uneven wear or structural compromise. Given the high mileage, the suspension bushes, coil springs, and binding calipers should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, as these are common failure points in vehicles of this age and usage pattern. The absence of brake-related advisories in recent tests is a positive, but the rear brake pads and discs should still be measured for thickness and surface condition, given the vehicle’s extensive service life.