2012 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · PL12 CCV

Recent mechanical failures regarding the braking system represent the most significant concern for this vehicle, specifically the failure on 16 January 2026 due to significantly worn rear brake discs and an imbalance in braking force across the axle. While the vehicle achieved a pass on 17 January 2026, the proximity of these major defects suggests that critical wear in the rear braking components was only addressed immediately prior to the passing test. This follows a pattern of intermittent failures involving visibility components, such as windscreen wipers and headlamp aim in early 2024, and tyre condition issues in late 2021. The recorded mileage of 147,499 miles over approximately 14 years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 10,536 miles, which is consistent with typical UK driving patterns for a vehicle of this age. This steady accumulation of mileage suggests the vehicle has been in regular use rather than sitting stationary for extended periods, which generally implies that mechanical components have been subjected to consistent operational cycles. However, the cumulative mileage means that wear on consumable items such as suspension bushes, dampers, and various rubber seals should be closely monitored. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the braking performance during a test drive to ensure the recent repairs have fully rectified the recorded imbalance. Listen for any unusual grinding noises from the rear wheels or feel for any pulsation through the brake pedal when applying pressure at moderate speeds. Given the previous advisories regarding tyre wear and cracking on the nearside and offside rear tyres in 2021, it is essential to inspect the current tread depth and sidewall integrity of all four tyres to ensure they are not nearing the legal limit or showing signs of age-related degradation. Beyond the brakes and tyres, the history of windscreen wiper failures and headlamp aim issues indicates that peripheral visibility components have required attention. During the inspection, verify that all wiper blades clear the glass without streaking and that the headlamp beam pattern is correctly levelled and does not cause glare for oncoming traffic. While the recent MOT shows no current defects, the history of component-specific failures necessitates a thorough check of all external lighting and wiper assemblies to confirm they are functioning according to standard.