2004 Toyota Prius 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · SL04 LHC

The most recent MOT passed on 19 May 2026, but the vehicle required significant remedial work to address several major defects, including split constant velocity boots, headlamp degradation, and critical corrosion on the rear subframe mounting. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the maintenance trend appears to be reactive, with faults often only being addressed at the point of an MOT failure. The presence of advisories for pitted and scored brake discs on both the front and rear axles indicates that the braking components are showing significant surface wear and are approaching the end of their effective service life. The vehicle has covered 189,394 miles over its 22-year lifespan, representing an average annual usage of approximately 8,600 miles. This is a typical usage profile for a vehicle of this age, suggesting it has not been subjected to extreme high-mileage motorway use nor has it suffered from the degradation associated with long periods of inactivity. However, the high total mileage means that while the usage rate is moderate, the mechanical components have undergone significant cumulative wear, particularly regarding the hybrid drivetrain, suspension, and various rubber-to-metal bonded components. During a test drive, you should pay close attention to the braking performance. The advisory regarding pitted and scored discs may result in a brake shudder or a pulsating sensation through the pedal during deceleration. Additionally, listen for any rhythmic clicking or popping noises when maneuvering at low speeds, which could indicate that the recently replaced CV boots have not fully prevented debris ingress into the drive shaft joints. Given the previous major failure regarding excessive corrosion on the rear subframe mounting, a very thorough visual inspection of the vehicle's underside is mandatory to ensure that the structural integrity of the subframe has been adequately restored and is not continuing to degrade. You must also verify that no warning lights, such as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp or Electronic Stability Control light, remain illuminated on the dashboard, as these have been recurring failure points in recent years. Inspect the clarity of the headlamp lenses to ensure the light output is sufficient for night driving, as lens oxidation is a documented issue for this vehicle. Finally, listen for any knocking or clunking sounds from the suspension when driving over uneven surfaces, as the MOT history shows a recurring pattern of wear in the suspension bushes and anti-roll bar linkages.