2018 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · PO67 MTK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 13 January 2026, resulted in a full pass with a single advisory for a near‑side front windscreen wiper blade that was deemed defective. This isolated, low‑severity finding suggests that the vehicle has been maintained in a generally sound condition, with no recurring failures or major safety items flagged in the limited MOT history available. The absence of any substantive defects or repeated advisories points to a stable maintenance trend rather than a deteriorating one. At eight years old the Prius has logged 49 717 miles, which works out to just over 6 200 miles per annum. This figure sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a vehicle of its age and indicates that the car has not been subjected to extreme mileage‑related wear. The modest annual average also implies that the car may have experienced periods of low utilisation or standing, which can be benign but does warrant attention to components that degrade with time rather than distance, such as rubber seals, battery cells, and tyre sidewalls. Prospective buyers should verify that the wiper blade has been replaced, as a faulty blade can compromise visibility in wet conditions and may be symptomatic of worn wiper arm pivots or corroded linkages. While on the road, listen for any irregular windscreen cleaning operation, uneven blade pressure, or squeaking that could indicate mounting wear. In addition, inspect the hybrid battery health by checking the state‑of‑charge indicator, confirming that the vehicle has undergone the manufacturer‑recommended battery coolant service, and watching for any warning lights related to the high‑voltage system. The regenerative braking system should be assessed for smooth operation, with particular attention to any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, which could hint at worn pads or a need for brake fluid replacement. Given the car’s age and relatively low mileage, a thorough visual and tactile examination of age‑related items is advisable. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot, or hardening of the rubber, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary, and verify that tread depth remains within legal limits. Check the 12‑volt auxiliary battery for signs of sulfation or reduced cranking power, as these batteries often lose capacity after several years even with limited use. Inspect the suspension bushings, coil springs and shock absorbers for any signs of corrosion, oil leakage or excessive play, and ensure that brake discs are free of deep rust or scoring that could affect pad contact. Finally, confirm that the service book contains stamps for regular oil, coolant and filter changes at intervals appropriate for a hybrid power‑train, and that any time‑based fluid replacements—such as brake fluid, coolant and hybrid coolant—have been observed in line with the manufacturer’s schedule.