2020 Renault ZOE I GT Line ZE 50 Electric · J6 JYO

The most recent MOT, dated 15 July 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory that the off‑side front suspension arm ball joint exhibits slight play. The preceding test on 14 July 2026 had failed on the same ball‑joint play and, additionally, recorded two major defects – an anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover that no longer prevents dirt ingress and an excessively worn anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint. The rapid progression from a failure to a pass within a day suggests that remedial work was carried out and accepted, indicating a maintenance response that has stabilised the condition, though the underlying wear on the front suspension remains a point of attention. With 57,094 miles recorded on a 2020‑model in September 2026, the vehicle averages roughly 9,500 miles per annum. This figure sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope and does not point to any periods of intense short‑term mileage accumulation that would accelerate wear on high‑stress components. There are no evident mileage gaps that would imply long periods of storage, so the wear pattern should be consistent with normal, moderate‑use driving. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front suspension assembly. Slight play in the ball joint can manifest as a subtle clunk when steering over bumps or during hard cornering, and may lead to progressive mis‑alignment of the wheel geometry if left unchecked. The anti‑roll bar linkage, having previously been recorded as excessively worn, should be inspected for any play in the linkage bushings, corrosion on the dust cover, or cracked rubber boots; any looseness could produce a noticeable body roll or a rattling noise under lateral loads. The brake discs, noted as pitted and scored on both front and rear axles, are not yet structurally compromised but the pattern of wear suggests the pads have been operating close to their service limit. A visual inspection for deep scoring, uneven thickness, or excessive rust, followed by a measurement of disc thickness, will indicate whether resurfacing or replacement is imminent; symptoms to watch for include brake shudder, pulsation, or a reduction in braking efficiency. Beyond the specific MOT items, the Zoe’s age warrants a broader set of checks. Examine the tyre sidewalls for any cracking, dry rot, or loss of tread uniformity, especially given the vehicle’s electric drivetrain which places a premium on low rolling resistance. Verify the health of the 12 V auxiliary battery and the high‑voltage traction battery – a diagnostic read‑out of state‑of‑charge capacity and any error codes is advisable. Since the vehicle has been in service for six years, confirm that the coolant for the battery thermal management system and the brake fluid have been replaced at the recommended two‑year intervals, as degraded fluids can lead to corrosion or reduced braking performance. Finally, a review of the service book for timely oil changes, filter replacements, and any recorded suspension or steering component work will give confidence that the car has been maintained in line with Renault’s schedule and is likely to remain mechanically sound for the next few years of ownership.