Used Renault Zoe with a questionable history… worth it?

Discussion
1

I’m looking at a 2018 Renault Zoe 41 Intens, first registered in August 2019, with 92,000 km on the clock. The car has a history that’s making me hesitate.

Here’s what I know:

  1. New Motor
    The seller bought the car three months ago because the original motor was faulty. They replaced it with one that’s only done 4,000 km. There’s paperwork for the motor itself, but not for the installation.

  2. Inspection Issues
    Back in August 2023, at 69,000 km (when it was with the previous owner), it failed inspection due to axle and suspension problems. These were fixed, and it passed a reinspection two weeks later. The repairs are noted in the maintenance log.

The seller says they’re selling it because their spouse finds charging too inconvenient for long commutes.

It’s a well-equipped car and has new parts, which could be good for longevity. But the motor replacement and past axle issues make me cautious. Would you take the risk? What should I ask or check before deciding?

2

Pay for an independent inspection, like the one AA offers. They’ll go through everything and give you a detailed report. Honest sellers shouldn’t have an issue with this. If they refuse, that’s a red flag.

If the inspection looks good, you’ll know it’s worth buying. If there are big problems, you’ll know what you’re dealing with.

3

I’d consider it if the price reflects the car’s history. I wouldn’t pay full price for a car with so many repairs.

4

  1. Make sure the price is reasonable for the car’s condition.

  2. Check if it passes another inspection without any issues.

5

A new motor is actually a positive since the original ones had known problems. The suspension repairs are another good sign that past issues were addressed.

We’ve got a 2017 model with over twice the mileage. The only big issue we’ve had was a coolant leak where the seals at the battery connection became brittle. Thankfully, it didn’t cause major damage since the summer wasn’t too warm.