2021 Renault ZOE Iconic Rapid Charge EV 50 Electricity · RO71 SZZ

The vehicle's most recent MOT test outcome, recorded on 24 October 2025, was a pass with no advisories issued. This clean result is somewhat reassuring, but prospective buyers should be aware that this pass was achieved immediately after a same-day failure on 24 October 2025, indicating that remedial work was carried out prior to the subsequent retest. While the current pass suggests a stable maintenance trajectory, the underlying defect history requires careful consideration. The previous year's test, conducted on 18 November 2024, was also a pass, though it carried advisories relating to minor tyre damage on the nearside and offside rear outer walls and the presence of an undertray. The recurrence of tyre-related advisories across consecutive MOTs suggests an ongoing pattern that warrants close inspection. Recorded mileage stands at 28,541 miles over approximately five years, equating to an average annual accumulation of around 5,708 miles. This is notably below the typical usage profile for a privately owned vehicle of this age, suggesting either predominantly light use, frequent short journeys, or extended periods of standing. For an electric vehicle such as the Renault Zoe, low annual mileage can have specific mechanical implications. The high-voltage traction battery benefits from regular use and moderate state-of-charge cycling rather than prolonged inactivity, so extended standing periods can accelerate calendar-based degradation of the battery cells regardless of overall mileage. Furthermore, low usage typically translates to minimal brake application, increasing the likelihood of corrosion on the brake discs and potential caliper binding, as well as accelerated perishing of tyres due to age rather than wear. The most pressing concerns from the MOT history relate to tyres. The October 2025 failure listed an offside front tyre with tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, classified as dangerous, alongside three advisories for perishing or cracking on the nearside front and nearside and offside rear tyres, and a major defect for a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system. These advisories persisted alongside similar cuts noted on the rear tyres in November 2024, indicating a recurring condition. Perishing and cracking of the sidewall are age- and exposure-related phenomena, particularly common on low-mileage vehicles where tyres deteriorate from environmental exposure rather than accumulated mileage. On a physical inspection, buyers should examine all four tyres closely for hairline cracks, ozone cracking on the sidewalls, and any bulging or distortion, regardless of remaining tread depth. It is advisable to budget for a full set of replacement tyres given the age and condition noted. Additionally, the tyre pressure monitoring system malfunction should be verified as rectified, and buyers should confirm that all four sensors are functioning correctly and are compatible with the Zoe's EV-specific system. Any warning lights on the dashboard relating to tyre pressure should be investigated prior to purchase. Beyond the recorded defects, the vehicle's age and low usage profile necessitate several age-related inspections that may not be captured in standard MOT testing. The 12V auxiliary battery, which powers ancillary electronics, should be tested for cranking performance and state of charge, as low-mileage EVs can suffer from premature auxiliary battery failure due to infrequent use combined with parasitic drain from the vehicle's systems. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for surface corrosion and ensure the calipers are releasing correctly, particularly after standing. Given the vehicle is now five years old, the high-voltage battery health should ideally be verified through a diagnostic report indicating state of health, as Renault Zoe batteries are known to degrade over time regardless of mileage. Coolant systems for the battery and inverter should be checked for fluid condition, as degradation occurs on a calendar basis. Finally, the suspension should be inspected for any wear to bushes, coil springs, or dampers, as the Zoe's relatively heavy battery pack can accelerate degradation of these components, and any clunks or knocking noises over uneven roads during a test drive should be taken seriously.