So after a lot of consideration and what seemed a lot of research/thought/discussion I went for a high mileage 2014 Toyota Prius UK model (£0 road tax along with cheaper insurance than an import). This was purchased from a dealer for an added "security" peace of mind via credit card (consumer rights protection?) and their 3 month warranty on engine/mechanical and 6 months on the battery. Came with a reconditioned battery the day before (invoice to prove it).

I went about looking for a car trying to avoid a lot of pitfalls that you hear and learn in life. I'm very mechanically inclined however the hybrid territory was new and a bit frightening to begin with. Mechanically the car seems to be sound have no quibbles (for now).

Now, this dealer has very high and clean reviews 80+ on Autotrader as well as Google etc. I checked tens of tens of dealer reviews when looking at any car just to get an idea of their customer base and avoided those with more than a few 1 stars. I checked the cars MOT history, even done a vehicle check report as a few £ is cheaper than a mistake. Another bonus was that they were local in case of any issues arising I wouldn't have to travel miles.

I was able to knock them down a bit on price, as the cars external cosmetic condition wasn't as desirable, scratches, boot wouldn't close properly unless you give it a stronger slam, the wing needed to be repaired and a foggy headlight. The knock down would of accounted for these defects. Along with them advertising it with part service history but when I asked to see the service history there was none.

I am awaiting the V5C in the post but was given the green slip. I thought I'd have a look at the cars VIN numbers as wanted the owners manual from the Toyota website as didn't come with one included. So I go and check the VIN on the doors, the drivers door VIN was different than the other doors so it would have to have been replaced, assuming due to an accident.

The car wasn't registered as having any damage on the vehicle check report nor mentioned by the dealer, now I don't mind a scratch/bump here and there but replacing a whole drivers door just makes me wonder what other damage there could have been?

It goes to show that whatever precautions you take, there is always more to learn and to be vigilant about.