2010 Toyota Prius 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · RO10 OAL

A pattern of lighting-related defects and tyre deterioration defines the MOT record of this third-generation Prius. The most recent test on 3 August 2026 was passed with no advisories, following an earlier clean pass on 7 January 2026, which suggests the issues identified at the December 2025 test were rectified. That test produced a particularly serious set of defects, including a Dangerous failure for an exposed ply on the nearside front tyre, two major position lamp failures, a non-functioning central stop lamp, and a severely reduced offside headlamp beam. Lighting defects have surfaced more than once in the file, with an advisory in October 2024 noting a non-obligatory stop lamp not working and a product on both headlamp lenses, plus a PRS failure in October 2022 for an inoperative nearside front position lamp. This recurrence indicates a habitually marginal lighting system that a buyer should not regard as fully resolved simply because the latest test was clean. With 145,761 miles recorded over sixteen years, the vehicle has covered roughly 9,110 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests steady use rather than long periods of inactivity. The testing pattern shows annual entries from 2021 onwards with no multi-year gaps, indicating the car has been in continuous service. The mileage progression between consecutive tests is consistent with normal driving rather than abrupt jumps, which means wear on consumables such as tyres, brake friction material, suspension bushes and CV joint boots is likely proportionate to the distance covered. There is no evidence of extended standing that would typically raise concerns about seized brakes, perished rubber, or 12V battery deterioration beyond what the advisory notes already document. The October 2023 advisories on perished and cracked tyres all round and lipped, worn front brake discs with corroded rear disc edges are relevant to a current inspection even though they are two and a half years old. Given that tyres fitted at the time of the 2023 advisory would have been replaced at some point, the Dangerous cord-exposed tyre failure in December 2025 demonstrates that tread and sidewall condition must be physically inspected on the day of viewing rather than assumed acceptable. On a test drive, listen for any brake judder or vibration through the pedal at low speed which would indicate the front discs are again unevenly worn, and feel for any pulsing through the steering wheel. The rear axle beam corrosion advisory from October 2024 is a structural point to examine carefully, looking for any visible rust scale or perforation near the axle mounting points, as Prius rear axle corrosion is a known area to monitor closely. The headlamp lens product advisory from 2024, combined with the severely reduced light intensity failure in December 2025, suggests the lens restoration carried out prior to the 2025 test may not have lasted, or that the bulbs themselves had deteriorated. Check both headlamps on dipped and main beam against a flat surface to confirm even illumination and absence of a dull yellow haze across the lens. Inspect the front and rear position lamps, the central high-mounted stop lamp, and the registration plate illumination for function and clarity. On the suspension side, with this mileage the front lower arms, anti-roll bar bushes and front shock absorber top mounts are likely approaching the limits of their service life, so push down firmly on each corner and release, listening for any clonks, knocks, or excessive bounce which could indicate worn bushes or weak dampers. Finally, confirm that the tyre sidewalls on all four wheels are free from cracking, bulges, or exposed cord, and check the manufacture date to ensure they are not aged out regardless of remaining tread depth.