2016 Renault ZOE Electric · EJ16 AAE

The most recent MOT outcome on 14 October 2025 shows a pass, but it sits alongside an earlier failed test on the same date, with a Major defect recorded against the nearside front coil spring. A fractured coil spring is a serious structural and safety issue, as it can lead to poor handling, uneven ride height, and in extreme cases loss of control over rough surfaces. The fact that this was downgraded from a fail to a pass on the same day strongly suggests the spring was replaced prior to the retest, and this work should be verified with supporting invoices and a parts receipt. The 2024 test produced another fail, this time on the rear direction indicators showing an incorrect colour, which points to non-standard bulbs or aftermarket LED conversions being fitted, and again a same-day pass indicates prompt rectification. Overall, the trend across the three recorded tests shows a pattern of immediate rectification of defects to achieve a pass, rather than a smooth, defect-free service history. There is no clear evidence of either improvement or worsening, but the volume of advisories and major defects in recent years suggests this vehicle should be approached with a thorough physical inspection before purchase. The recorded mileage of 31,394 miles across roughly ten years equates to an average of only around 3,100 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for any road car and particularly low for an electric vehicle that benefits from regular use to maintain battery and drivetrain health. This pattern suggests the Renault Zoe has likely spent long periods standing rather than being driven regularly, which carries its own set of mechanical and electrical implications. Low annual mileage on an EV typically results in calendar degradation of the high-voltage traction battery rather than cycle-based wear, and a battery state-of-health report should be obtained before purchase, ideally through a specialist Renault dealer or EV diagnostic tool, as Zoe batteries are known to degrade significantly with age regardless of mileage. The modest accumulated mileage also means that traditional wear items such as brake discs, pads and calipers may have suffered from standing corrosion or seized mechanism due to lack of use, even though friction material wear itself will be minimal. Given the advisory items recorded on the 2024 and 2025 tests relating to perishing and cracking on the rear tyres, a prospective buyer should inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, ozone damage and tread depth, paying particular attention to the rear pair which have been flagged twice. Tyres older than five years are particularly prone to sidewall perishing even if tread remains adequate, and the age of the current tyres should be confirmed via the DOT date code on the sidewall. During a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocking noises that might indicate worn bushes, top mounts or anti-roll bar drop links, as a fractured front coil spring on an EV suggests the suspension is under particular stress from the heavy battery pack and further spring failure cannot be ruled out. The vehicle should also be driven over uneven surfaces and speed humps at low speed to check for any knocking, vibration or harshness from the front end that might indicate incomplete spring replacement or disturbed geometry. In addition, given the low mileage and long standing periods, a prospective buyer should carry out several practical checks beyond the MOT record. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which powers the Zoe's systems including the main contactor, is well known to fail on this model and typically requires replacement every four to five years regardless of mileage, so its age and state of charge should be verified. Brake calipers should be examined for seizing or binding, and the brake discs checked for severe surface corrosion, as prolonged standing causes rust pitting that can lead to brake shudder or juddering on the first few applications. Coolant for the traction battery thermal management system and the brake fluid should be inspected for age-related degradation, as both are time-serviced rather than mileage-serviced. Finally, verify that the charging cable and port function correctly, that the on-board charger accepts both slow and fast charging without fault codes, and that the service book contains stamps or invoices at appropriate intervals, as a ten-year-old EV with low mileage should still have had periodic inspections of the high-voltage system, cooling system, and underbody components which were also noted on the 2024 test as being covered by under-tray panels that obscure full visual inspection.