CarCostCheck

Toyota Prius (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 6,242 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1497cc Hybrid

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Hybrid1497cc20 years old6,242 tests162k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 1497cc)

~42 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)

£1,398
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£2,228
Per month£186/mo
Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

77% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

77% of MOT tests on Toyota Priuss from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 6,242 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 161,568 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models210th of 554(top half)
Rank among Toyota models672nd of 970(bottom half)
vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)
vs 2006 models average+4%(73% avg)
vs Toyota average-7%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

161,568

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Toyota Prius had 161,568 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2006 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Prius by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202498%1,79628,546 mi
202395%79045,159 mi
202296%1,21045,561 mi
202194%5,75447,658 mi
202093%17,50259,107 mi
201994%32,12785,977 mi
201894%30,56884,645 mi
201793%27,059100,387 mi
201691%25,588125,494 mi
201591%21,626150,511 mi
201491%21,629152,232 mi
201388%16,377142,823 mi
201285%13,137157,113 mi
201183%12,235177,140 mi
201082%16,294178,433 mi
200980%12,010166,625 mi
200879%11,632160,577 mi
200778%11,511154,920 mi
200677%6,242161,568 mi
200578%4,176158,308 mi
200479%1,530160,817 mi
200380%235145,590 mi
200286%74127,785 mi
200174%119134,289 mi

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About the 2006 Toyota Prius

The 2006 Toyota Prius is a small family car. Our records list a 1497cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 6,242 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 161,568 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Prius owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2006 Toyota Prius Fuel Costs

The 1497cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Our estimate uses around 42 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2006 Toyota Prius?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Prius Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Priuss pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 Toyota Prius

At 20 years old, the Toyota Prius is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 6,242 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Hybrid Battery Health

Watch out

After 20 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.

Inverter and Power Electronics

Medium risk

The inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.

Regenerative Braking

Medium risk

Brake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 162k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Questions about the 2006 Toyota Prius

Is the 2006 Toyota Prius reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2006 Toyota Priuss ended in a pass, from 6,242 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Toyota Prius cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Toyota Prius?

77% of 6,242 MOT tests on the 2006 Toyota Prius ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 210th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top half).

Which year Toyota Prius has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Toyota Prius has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2001 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 Toyota Prius?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Toyota Prius is 161,568 miles, which is above the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Related Toyota Models

Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Prius.

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