2015 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · MM64 KXC

The most recent MOT test conducted on 1 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance trend shows signs of recent deterioration rather than stability. While the 2024 and 2025 periods show passing results, the history is punctuated by failures related to tyre condition and lighting, and the most recent advisory list indicates that several issues identified during the previous failure have persisted or are nearing critical thresholds. Specifically, the recurring nature of tyre wear advisories and the presence of a noisy wheel bearing suggest that while the vehicle is being kept roadworthy through reactive repairs, the preventative maintenance regime appears inconsistent. With 189,344 miles recorded over approximately 11 years, this Prius has averaged roughly 17,213 miles per year, which is significantly higher than the UK national average. This high-mileage profile indicates heavy usage, likely involving consistent motorway or long-distance driving, which places substantial cumulative stress on the hybrid drivetrain, suspension components, and braking systems. While high mileage on a Toyota hybrid often suggests the vehicle has been used reliably, the mechanical wear on consumables such as bushes, bearings, and tyres will be much more advanced than a lower-mileage equivalent. You must account for the fact that major component fatigue, such as suspension strut wear or hybrid battery degradation, is a realistic possibility at this stage of the vehicle's lifecycle. The MOT history highlights specific mechanical concerns that require immediate attention during your inspection. The advisories for the offside front and nearside rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edges suggest potential issues with wheel alignment or suspension geometry. On your test drive, listen for uneven tyre tread patterns and check for any pulling to one side. Furthermore, the advisory regarding a slightly noisy nearside rear wheel bearing is a significant indicator of impending failure. You should listen for a consistent humming or droning noise that increases in pitch with vehicle speed, particularly when cornering, as this indicates the bearing requires replacement to avoid seizure or excessive play. Finally, you should pay close attention to the underside and suspension integrity. The previous failure regarding anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers suggests that the rubber components in the suspension are prone to perishing, which can lead to clunking noises over bumps. Given the high mileage and age, inspect the brake discs for deep scoring or heavy corrosion and check the brake pads for remaining thickness, as the regenerative braking system in a Prius can sometimes lead to uneven pad wear or binding calipers if the vehicle is not used frequently in stop-start traffic. Ensure you verify the service history to confirm that essential fluids, such as the hybrid inverter coolant and engine oil, have been changed at the correct intervals to support this high-mileage engine.