2009 Toyota Prius 1.5L Electric · OY09 VFF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 3 February 2026, resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that time. Over the seven‑year MOT window the record is essentially clean apart from a single advisory in February 2024 concerning thin off‑side front brake pads and a lamp failure that was rectified in July 2020. The trend therefore appears stable, with no recurring failures and only one advisory that has since been addressed, suggesting that the car has been maintained to a satisfactory level. With 66,825 miles logged on a 2009 model, the average annual mileage works out to roughly 3,900 miles per year, well below the typical UK average of 7,500–10,000 miles. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be benign but may also conceal age‑related deterioration in components that do not depend on mileage. There are no obvious spikes in mileage that would indicate a period of heavy use, so wear on wear‑items such as tyres, brake pads and clutch (if a manual) is likely to be more a function of time than of distance travelled. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front brake assembly. Although the pads were noted as thin in 2024, the MOT passed, implying they were either replaced or deemed within the minimum thickness at the time of testing. A visual inspection of the pads for remaining thickness, disc surface condition for scoring or glazing, and a road test for any brake pedal pulsation, shudder or uneven braking will reveal whether the pads have been renewed or are approaching the end of their service life. Verify that the off‑side front position lamp operates correctly, as a failure was recorded in 2020; a simple function test of all exterior lamps will confirm the issue has been resolved. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, time‑related checks are essential. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening of the rubber, and ensure the tread depth is even, as tyres can deteriorate even when rarely used. Examine the 12‑volt auxiliary battery and the high‑voltage hybrid battery for charge holding ability; a voltage test on the auxiliary battery and a diagnostic read‑out of the hybrid system will highlight any loss of capacity. Look for signs of fluid degradation: coolant should be clear and at the correct level, brake fluid may have absorbed moisture and could require replacement if it appears dark or if the vehicle has been standing for long periods. Finally, check the suspension bushings, coil springs and steering rack for any corrosion, looseness or excessive play, and listen for clunks or rattles during a low‑speed drive, as age‑related wear can manifest even with modest mileage.