2016 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · OU16 TYS

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 30 July 2026, following a failure on the same day due to a front tyre with insufficient tread depth. Looking at the broader maintenance trend, there is a noticeable pattern of reactive maintenance rather than preventative care. The vehicle has experienced multiple dangerous failures within a short timeframe, specifically regarding tyre legality and a missing nearside front constant velocity boot in February 2026. While the vehicle is currently compliant, the history of failing on critical safety components suggests that maintenance is often only addressed when items reach a point of legal non-compliance. The recorded mileage of 385,691 miles is exceptionally high for a ten-year-old vehicle, representing an average annual usage of approximately 38,569 miles. This level of heavy usage is significantly higher than the UK average and indicates the vehicle has likely been used for intensive long-distance or commercial purposes. From a mechanical standpoint, this high mileage implies significant wear on all consumable and moving parts. Prospective buyers should be aware that components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, dampers, and drive shaft joints will have undergone extensive fatigue, and the hybrid powertrain components will have operated through a vast number of thermal and electrical cycles. During a test drive, it is essential to listen for any rhythmic clicking or popping noises when maneuvering at low speeds, which could indicate a failing constant velocity joint, particularly following the previous report of a missing CV boot. You should also check for any steering wheel shimmy or vibrations at higher speeds, which may point to worn suspension components or wheel imbalance. Inspect the tyres carefully for uneven wear, especially on the edges, as previous advisories have highlighted edge wear which often stems from incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension bushings. Check the brake discs for deep grooving and ensure the pedal feel is consistent, as high-mileage hybrid vehicles can sometimes experience issues with binding calipers or uneven friction brake wear. Given the extreme mileage, a thorough inspection of the vehicle's service history is mandatory to confirm that oil changes and hybrid-specific fluids have been replaced according to manufacturer intervals. You should also inspect the underside of the vehicle for any signs of fluid weeping from the engine, transmission, or the hybrid inverter system. Finally, pay close attention to the hybrid battery's performance; observe if there is any unusual hesitation during power transitions or a significant drop in fuel efficiency, as high-mileage hybrid batteries can suffer from capacity degradation over time.