2016 Renault ZOE Electric · RY65 GXG

The Renault Zoe’s most recent MOT test on 2023-12-20 passed without defects, though it was preceded by a failure just five days earlier at 17,519 miles—an unusual anomaly given no recorded issues. The lack of advisories or recurring faults in the 2022 and 2021 tests suggests the vehicle has not experienced persistent mechanical or structural problems. However, the consecutive pass/fail at the same mileage range warrants scrutiny of whether the failure was procedural (e.g., administrative error) or indicative of a minor, intermittent issue that resolved itself. The absence of advisories in prior years implies no deferred repairs were carried forward, though this does not preclude hidden wear in components like suspension bushes or coil springs, which often fail without prior warning. The recorded mileage of 17,525 miles at the latest test represents an exceptionally low annual average of around 1,750 miles over nearly a decade, far below typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. The gap between tests—consistently around 12 months—indicates the MOT cycle was adhered to strictly, but the minimal mileage suggests prolonged periods of inactivity. Such low usage could mitigate some wear, yet it also raises concerns about fluid degradation (brakes, power steering, differential) or corrosion from standing in damp conditions. The 2023 pass/fail sequence at nearly identical mileages further hints at either a one-off oversight or a component nearing failure, such as a binding brake caliper or worn suspension mount. Given the sparse MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, which are common failure points in EVs due to weight distribution. The brakes—despite no recorded faults—should be checked for uneven wear or binding, especially if the 2023 failure was procedural. Tyre tread depth remains a critical concern, as the vehicle failed twice on this metric in 2023, suggesting either basic upkeep was neglected or the tyres were replaced just before the latest test. Structural integrity, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, should also be examined for corrosion, as low mileage does not preclude rust progression in stored vehicles. Finally, the battery health—critical for EVs—cannot be verified from MOT data alone and requires independent assessment.