2007 Toyota Prius 1.5L Other · WM07 YYD

The most recent MOT on 24 March 2026 was recorded as a pass, but it carried a suite of advisories and a minor defect for a slightly defective front headlamp lens. The same date also shows a failure entry for the identical items, indicating that the examiner flagged the same issues as non‑passable under the strict criteria for a pass, yet the overall result was logged as a pass. Over the past three years the pattern is clearly deteriorating: recurring front‑wheel bearing play, front‑suspension oil misting from the shock absorbers, progressive anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint wear, a severely deteriorated CV‑boot on the off‑side front drive shaft, and increasing tyre‑wear warnings. Earlier MOTs were clean, but the frequency and variety of front‑end advisories have risen, suggesting that the vehicle’s suspension and steering components are approaching the end of their service life. At 351,504 mi the Prius has logged roughly 18‑19 000 mi per annum, well above the typical 10‑12 000 mi average for a vehicle of its age. Such a high cumulative mileage accelerates wear on all consumables – tyre tread, brake discs, suspension bushings, wheel bearings and the hybrid drivetrain. The hybrid battery, although not inspected by the MOT, will have been subjected to many charge cycles and may be approaching the end of its useful capacity, especially if the car has spent long periods idle. The mileage also suggests the car has been used regularly rather than stored, so age‑related degradation of rubber components and corrosion of steel parts is likely to be present. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension and steering a thorough examination. With the wheel bearings reported as having slight play, listen for a low‑frequency growl that changes with vehicle speed and load, and feel for any looseness when the wheel is rocked at the 12 o’clock position. The steering rack inner joint advisory means there may be a vague clunk or vague steering feel under hard cornering; a test‑drive that includes slow‑speed weaving and a brief high‑speed run will reveal any binding or excess play. The oil‑misting shocks indicate seal wear – check the shock bodies for oil stains and verify that the vehicle does not exhibit excessive dive under braking or bounce on bumps. The anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust‑cover deterioration and slight play should be inspected for corrosion and excessive movement; a firm push on the front corners while the car is lifted will expose any looseness. The off‑side CV‑boot is severely deteriorated, so the joint should be examined for grease leakage, splatter on the wheel, and any clicking noises that would point to joint damage. Replacing the boot, the wheel bearings and the front shocks, and possibly the steering rack bushings, would be prudent before committing to purchase. Tyre condition warrants particular attention: the MOT notes rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, which often signals uneven wear from mis‑alignment or worn rear suspension components. Even if the tread depth is acceptable, tyres older than six years can suffer sidewall cracking and dry‑rot regardless of mileage, so inspect the sidewalls for any cracks, bulges or hardening. The brake discs have been flagged as pitted but not seriously weakened; a visual inspection for deep scoring and a test‑drive brake feel for shudder or pulsation will indicate whether resurfacing or replacement is needed. Given the car’s age, the 12 V lead‑acid battery should be load‑tested, and the hybrid high‑voltage battery health should be verified with a dealer scan – a significant drop in state‑of‑charge or capacity will be costly to replace. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes, coolant flushes and hybrid‑system checks, and look for any signs of corrosion on the under‑body, especially around the sub‑frame and wheel arches, as prolonged exposure to road salt can undermine structural integrity.