2009 Toyota Prius 1.8L Petrol · OV09 KCU

The 2009 Toyota Prius most recently passed its MOT test on 26 June 2026 with a single advisory concerning slight damage, cracking or perishing to the nearside rear tyre. Looking at the broader DVSA history, the vehicle has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance trend, achieving pass results on four of the last five tests, with one isolated failure on 26 July 2023 that was subsequently cleared the same day upon repair. However, the record is not without concern, as several advisories have accumulated across recent years, notably recurring front tyre wear issues, a rear brake pipe corrosion advisory, and a 2022 major failure for a leaking offside front shock absorber. While the latest pass is reassuring, the pattern of advisories suggests that wear-related items are being monitored but not always pre-emptively replaced, which is consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage. The recorded mileage of 97,228 miles against a seventeen-year registration equates to an average annual usage of approximately 5,719 miles, which is substantially below the national average and indicative of either light regular use or extended periods of standing. There are no significant mileage discrepancies or unexplained gaps in the recorded readings, which suggests consistent annual accumulation of around five to six thousand miles per year. From a mechanical perspective, low annual mileage can be a mixed blessing; it reduces wear on major drivetrain components and the hybrid system, but it increases the likelihood of calendar-driven deterioration such as brake caliper seizure, corrosion on brake discs due to infrequent use, degradation of brake fluid through moisture absorption, and premature ageing of rubber components including tyres, bushes and drive belts. Given the documented advisories, a prospective buyer should pay close attention to the nearside rear tyre condition and conduct a thorough inspection of all four tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, as rubber deteriorates with age regardless of tread depth. The recurring front-end tyre wear noted in 2023 could indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues, so a test drive should focus on detecting any pulling to one side, uneven steering response, or vibration through the steering wheel. The 2022 advisory regarding a binding nearside rear service brake warrants a road test to confirm that the rear brake releases cleanly when the pedal is released, and a check for signs of the caliper sticking, including excessive heat at the wheel after driving or uneven rear brake disc wear. Furthermore, the 2023 advisory concerning corrosion on the nearside rear axle brake pipe at the flexi section should be physically inspected for advanced surface corrosion, pitting, or any weeping of brake fluid, with the entire brake pipe run examined as the vehicle ages. Beyond the recorded defects, this Prius requires the usual age-related inspection regime applicable to any low-mileage seventeen-year-old vehicle. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which is critical for the hybrid system boot-up sequence, should be load-tested as these typically require replacement every five to seven years. Brake fluid should be verified as recently changed, ideally within the last two years, and the coolant and hybrid inverter coolant systems inspected for condition and service history, as Toyota specifies periodic replacement intervals. The exhaust system, which attracted an advisory in 2021 for a defective centre mounting, should be checked for rattles or sagging, and the underbody examined for any developing corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting areas and the rear axle. Finally, given the vehicle's hybrid powertrain, it is advisable to confirm a healthy dashboard display upon start-up, smooth transition between electric and petrol modes, and that the hybrid battery health has been independently assessed, as this remains the most significant age-related concern on any third-generation Prius of this vintage.