2012 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric · RF12 GKX
2012 Toyota Prius (1.8L, hybrid electric). First registered 01 Aug 2012. Recorded mileage 257,615 miles. MOT expired on 19 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA PRIUS
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 257,615 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Exempt (Zero Emissions)
- Fuel & Engine
- HYBRID ELECTRIC · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
RF12 GKX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/09/2025
- 257,615 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RF12 GKX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Toyota Prius (RF12 GKX) between October 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 22 September 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”.
RF12 GKX Mileage History
- 05/10/2022204,131 mi
- 10/10/2023244,385 mi+40,254 mi
- 07/10/2024254,065 mi+9,680 mi
- 08/10/2024254,067 mi+2 mi
- 22/09/2025257,615 mi+3,548 mi
Average of roughly 18,039 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
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MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution before purchasi
Given the recorded mileage of over 257,000 miles, your primary focus should be on the hybrid battery health and the integrity of the cooling system. While the MOT history shows a passed test in 2025, the presence of corroded brake pipes is a safety concern that should have been addressed; verify if this work was actually carried out.
Negotiate based on the documented history of oil leaks and shock absorber misting. Ask for a detailed service history to see if the hybrid system components or the internal combustion engine have had any major repairs. A professional pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended to check the current state of the steering linkage and suspension, as these have been recurring advisory points.
As a 1.8L hybrid, the Prius is generally known for efficient fuel economy, which may help offset the costs associated with its high mileage. However, at this stage of its life, maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the age and wear of components like shock absorbers and steering joints.
Insurance groups for this model vary, but high-mileage vehicles can sometimes attract different premiums. You should budget for more frequent component replacements. The estimated annual running cost is higher than a standard commuter car due to the potential for significant mechanical repairs.
Specifically inspect the braking system; the 2025 MOT noted corroded brake pipes covered in grease, which can sometimes be used to mask the extent of corrosion. Check the underside of the engine for the 'not excessive' oil leak mentioned in the 2023 and 2024 records to ensure it hasn't worsened.
Examine the suspension thoroughly. The MOT history shows a consistent pattern of oil misting from the shock absorbers and play in the steering linkage ball joints. Additionally, ensure the Engine MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is fully functional, as it was flagged as inoperative during the October 2024 failure.
This 2012 Toyota Prius (RF12GKX) has covered 257,615 miles as of September 2025, which is significantly higher than the model average of 13,468 miles per year. While it has passed its recent MOTs, the history shows a pattern of oil leaks, suspension issues, and recent brake pipe corrosion. The vehicle's high usage makes it a high-risk proposition for a typical buyer.
The Toyota Prius has an average MOT pass rate of 83.9% across the 139,493 vehicles analysed in our database.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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