Choosing a cheap second-hand car: what about the Renault Zoe?

[@MrEV]

Thanks to everyone who corrected me: the Zoe *does* have regen, but it's tied to the brake pedal. Flaviana's complaint is more that it doesn't work in the 'one-pedal' way we've been used to with the e-Niro and (to a much lesser extent) the old LEAF.

[@RWBHere]

Try to drive a ZE50. They're in a different league. The cabin has been improved in various ways, and the handbrake is now a small switch. B Mode is much stronger, and you modulate it with the accelerator pedal. We bought the R110 I, and it's fine for our needs. We did a 98.4 mile journey around the Northern half of Lincolnshire last week, with two people aboard, and still had 56% SOC. The weather was rainy and only 13°C at maximum. The ride is a little 'sporty', but not as bouncy as the ZE40, and it's very comfortable. There's not much storage space in the cabin - even the glove box and door pockets are too small to hold the handbook folder. So it has to live under a front seat. The LHD versions have a better glove box, because the fuse box takes up a lot of space in the RHD versions. There is no other covered storage, except for inside that large boot. It is possible to buy an after-market Renault drivers armrest which has an enclosed cubby hole, but it's not cheap, and you sacrifice one of the cup holders. Check Jan Bart Spang's channel for a video featuring him fitting one. The rear seats fold flatter than you showed, because the base lifts straight off and slots behind the front seats. But beware of hidden sharp metal edges inside 'convenient' holes in the back of the rear seats, and sharp edges on spot welds in the seat base frame.They're knife-sharp in a couple of places, as I discovered the hard way. The seats also split and fold roughly 60/40, if needed. The dash has a bigger and selectable display (3 distinct layouts), and the ergonomics of the (proper) switches and dials are better than in the older model. The central display seems complicated, if you start reading the tedious handbook (looks like the product of Google Translate, with some unconventional grammar), but it is mostly very intuitive to use. Build quality of the dash seems fine too. The awful piano black plastic has also been deleted, and the switches are robust. The only criticism is that the handbrake and automatic brake release switches are a bit far back for anyone who has been driving a car with a conventional handbrake. CCS charging comes as standard now, in most models, but the wireless phone charging has been removed from the very latest iterations. Battery warranty is 8 years/100,000 miles, and paint warranty is 12 years. Most of the rest of the car has a 5 year warranty. We bit the bullet and bought an almost new car (less than 1,000 miles on the clock, and under 6 months old), and bought it for a lot less than the new price. Worth every penny, as far as I can see. We love it.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

Interesting.

[@jonjoyce3188]

Gotta keep featuring Flaviana, her directness adds great balance and cuts through any nonsense, it’s one of the most entertaining things in any ev channel I watch! 👍😁

[@narinderchander]

Laid back guy/ direct wife = good presentation mix! 😀

[@davidnicholson3488]

Flaviana and Andrew - Don't give up doing videos please - it is a refreshing change to have someone speak their mind and have clear ideas about what they do and don't like !! Bravo !!

[@themanofmead5273]

Once Flaviana became animated around the 24 minute mark then the magic started to happen. Very entertaining. Bravo.

[@ghost70]

:) I love your wife , she had me in stiches in the 1st 5 mins, say's it as it is or in her minds eye. I prefer a handbrake over an E brake as i know its on at least !! Ignore the haters and block them. Wifey def needs to be in more videos for a ladies point of view and i think your commentary style is great :)

[@LukeBiddell]

Watched this with my two daughters. All three of us laughing out loud. Brilliant family.

[@judebrown4103]

Oh no! Please don't insult Flaviana, she's lovely and a natural on screen. Andrew clearly needs a strong woman 😂 the cultural differences she explains are fascinating. You go girl! 😉👍

[@DouginaBoxster]

Very saddened to hear Mrs. EV won't be in any more videos. I'm seeing a lot of love in the comments, I hope she changes her mind!

[@avtomad722]

We have to make her change her mind, she's awesome!!

[@roderickmain9697]

Gotta love Flaviana. She tells it like she sees it. The cultural differences are discussions I've had with my french teacher (he's half french and half spanish) and it is a thing that British are seen as (too) polite. So its a "Nil points" from the Italian jury. :-))

[@avtomad722]

She's the absolute best, superb attitude, and highly entertaining, I am now subscribed and looking forward to more! Thanks guys!

[@MrEV]

Thank you!

[@EndsBowen]

Don’t quit ,you are Mr & Mrs EV. It’s entertaining , don’t take the negativity ignore it, they aren’t important you know who you are. Us Welsh love the Italians, keep it up.

[@darrenspeak1785]

Flavania is very very funny, very direct, very honest and highly entertaining. She certainly adds a bucket full of energy to your videos, something sadly lacking in a lot of car reviews on you tube. Her opinions and how she expresses them won’t appeal to everyone, but I think there will be far more who like her than those that don’t. Flavania if your reading this please consider doing more videos with Andrew, you make a great team and entertaining videos.

[@flav1ana]

Thank you very much Darren, you’re very kind

[@clattergate]

It’s impossible to watch a video with Flaviana in without finding a little smile, great video great duo 👍🏼😁

[@philreilly6959]

I can't believe Flaviana has received nasty comments. There is absolutely no doubt that she is BRILLIANT!!! You make a great video thanks to your banter. You must make more!!! Thanks for this one. (P.S. When she said 'I'm not spending more than £5000 on a second car' she sounds just like my wife!)

[@David-bl1bt]

STAR in a reasonably priced car.... Flaviana, obviously! Fantastically entertaining and hilarious banter.... even though it is one-way. Maybe Flaviana should do the next car review, then introduce Andrew for his humble opinion.

[@RakebHasan]

She’s really funny! I don’t understand why someone would insult her. Sometimes we, the EV enthusiasts, don’t see the flaws of an EV as just a car because we love the EV aspect of it so much. So It’s really good to hear honest opinions. Just ignore the haters.

[@mvmallinson]

Your wife is an absolute gem. And it says a lot about you in that you are the one she has chosen. Congratulations to both of you.

[@bdeithrick]

😂 two great women in your life. Keep them coming. Mrs EV is definitely different but it’s the Italian flare as she explains.

[@patrickh7368]

Flaviana, take no notice of silly comments, we all enjoy and appreciate your honesty . Andrew nice learning about the Zoe, great range value, No Plate must have a value, please persuade Flaviana to continue with input 😊

[@kiteless1]

Oh, and R = Renault (in house) motor, 22kw charging. Q are made by Continental and can do 43kw.

[@ElmosWelt101]

I absolutely love Flaviana's sharp edged comments. I'm not speachless that often but she would really leave me wondering what just happened. 😂 You're a lucky man. And we're a lucky family that we bought an e-Soul instead of a Zoe. ;) Brilliant video and a brilliant family. :)

[@BRI535D]

Loving the marital advice😀.Spot on Mrs T an EV without strong regen is useless.

[@richardhaywoodh]

Keep up the joint videos, your opinions are important, ignore any insults which are completely unnecessary 😊

[@blue31767]

I really enjoyed the video. Your wife and daughter made the review more interesting, than normal videos. It was fun and informative, cheers.

[@jadejensen4990]

Flaviana knows what she likes in her ev and the videos are always great when she is in them.

[@samuelbarford2249]

The family videos are amazing! They give the real view. It’s not just about the drive or the driver. You buy a car for multi purposes which is left out in most reviews. Your channel is brilliant Andrew - keep up the good work 👍

[@MrEV]

Much appreciated! Thanks so much, Samuel.

[@srowlands248]

You’ve got to have a little more Italian spice in your videos she so funny and passionate.

[@TiberiusDarkforge]

Flaviana's contribution to these videos is always brilliant. Her directness and honesty is appreciated & always brings an extra level to the reviews. Please ignore the haters & trolls - they're not worth it.

[@davidt1016]

Great video Andrew and as always Fantastic to hear you wife's views !!

[@DafyddBr]

Good luck finding a decent leaf for five grand :) I've got a Zoe ZE40 I think they're great but then it's my first EV and I've only ever had cheap cars so actually it's by far the nicest car I've ever owned. Flaviana is great by the way - very blunt, it's entertaining. Just block and move on when people talk rubbish!

[@joefielder1556]

Absolutely brilliant. You two bounce off each other so well. We definitely need more Flaviana in on the reviews to give her no nonsense verdict.

[@Bill_McCann]

Probably one of the most entertaining videos I've watched regardless of whether it was about EV's or not! You both compliment each other brilliantly, laughed most of the way through it..Flaviana rules 😂😂

[@airspike1]

Keep up with the video's Flaviana, it is refreshing to see a lovely lady with a brain in between her ears! Lucky man Andrew!!

[@jonricketts2408]

Great video, I love it when your wife gives her opinion good on her, please do more

[@nabber68]

Just stumbled across this as I’m looking for my first EV, doing a lot of research, I’m really enjoying your videos fantastic, fun, lighthearted, warm, and genuine. X

[@DannyThompson54]

I would highly recommend the Zoe 40kWh with the Q Motor, capable of up to 43kW AC it’ll charge a darn sight faster than the R Motor series. Apart from that there isn’t anything else to differentiate. And for Flaviana; Don’t pay any attention to the haters. You’ve brought a whole new dimension to EV videos. A friend’s wife is also Italian. Watching you is like seeing her talk very directly 😂

[@neddyl1225]

Love the joint reviews. Don't let Flaviana slip away. It's good to hear her opinion, especially with that lovely Italian accent.

[@Fickle-Gamer]

I deliberately forwarded to the bit with your wife 🤣. She always entertains, me and the wife are laughing so much. More videos with Mrs EV MORE!!!!!

[@MrEV]

I don't blame you! Another couple of Mrs EV videos coming soon...

[@NRajah]

Don't stop doing videos, you are the best feature of the channel.

[@rhinovulcan]

14:14 There's a toggle button on windscreen wiper stalk. Press and hold to reset. Trip info/efficiency also available on main screen once selected 20:50 There are 3 indicator sounds to choose from via a button in the binnacle display. All are terrible though

[@camrodger5381]

Your wife adds so much personality to the channel. She is both beautiful, entertaining and honest. Thanks for another great video.

[@giiillesM]

Thx Flavania for speaking up your mind, stay true to yourself! 👍👍👍

[@BaarTube5]

I was shocked and appalled to hear that people had been insulting your wife in the KZbin comments! What is wrong with some people?! I enjoy your videos as you give ”the ordinary car users” opinion on EV:s. With ”ordinary” I mean someone for whom a car is mainly something that gets you from A to B, someone who doesn’t have cars as a hobby. And having your wife give her opinion on cars gives the videos more value as she has a perspective on the cars from a somewhat different angle than yours. The Zoe video was very interesting for me as I have been considering the Zoe as my next car. I now have an Nissan Note (ICE car), and I don’t really need anything bigger. What I need is an EV with a range of at least 150km in any kind of weather (here in Finland you can get -20°C in the winter even on the southern coast). If you want to get a brand new car the Zoe 50 seems to be the most affordable EV you can get that manages that kind of range (a 300+ km range in the summer means you should be able to get 150 in almost any weather). So thank you for yet another informative video! (And also thank your wife for her opinions, and tell her that Finnish is like Italian in that ”Can you pass me the salt?” is polite enough without any ”please”, so I understand her in that respect. 😄)

[@itsonlysound]

I love how blunt Flaviana is. If you don't like something in a car, you don't like it. It doesn't have to be some massive technical issue - some cars work for some people, but not for others. No point pussyfooting around it.

[@rigel1632]

Love the video. Ignore the haters, there’s always plenty of trolls in the inter webs but just ignore them.

[@smijas]

Flaviana is right on the money, when she talks about spicing things up in life (and in YT videos). She is a keeper!

[@PA-zh9vl]

I think Mrs EV is great.Plse dont stop giving your opinions (on anything and every thing). And thank you Mr EV for your vids.I've learnt so much, although not yet persuaded to get an EV

[@sputnick4482]

Pure joy ;-) the most enjoyable car based video I have seen.. I have been giggling and chuckling throughout. You definitely need to find a famous Italian film producer, a much bigger budget and drive us all towards the future horizon with a complete series of all-electric car video reviews, starting of course with an immediate request for Fiat to build their first £5000 electric car, but given the budget I suspect it may have to be made of pasta and carbon-ara fibre. Thank you for introducing the fun entertaining element to electric car reviews. This has to be made into a series... more please?

[@MrEV]

Thanks very much! Definitely some more family vids coming soon...

[@potter2702]

Flavianna you are the reason I subscribed to the channel, your honesty is great!

[@nicknorton3867]

Noooo, don't retire from your special guest appearances in the videos Flaviana! You are a superstar - ignore the idiots and trolls!

[@mikeuk4130]

Andrew, these videos are like Peter Kay's Car Share, except that they are really funny and I watch them. The girls are clever and hilarious. What's more, I can't imagine Flaviana worrying about insults from anyone. Talk of the Fiat 500e brings to mind that great scene in the Italian Job, where Milan is jammed with migliaia di Cinquecenti and all the drivers are shouting, chattering, laughing and hooting. You must keep the girls!

[@NigelTrevor]

Never comment on these but loved your wife’s overview of Italian people, glad you didn’t cut it

[@flav1ana]

He wanted to, I forced him to keep it! 😉

[@alaneasthope2357]

Please may I say how Mrs E.V shines a light on the cultural differences between our countries? Thank you. Loving the videos, you are all so natural in front of the camera.

[@geraldfast3d]

Excellent video. Good to hear everyone’s opinion. Love my ze50. But too expensive for your used car budget. Leaf maybe better for the family.

[@guyyowell8547]

Flaviana, you are the only reason I watch these videos!

[@emhowl]

Superb video! Thank you to all :)

[@lauriemiles1842]

Who needs to hear about cars when we can hear your wife chat in her inimitable way about cultural differences! Please continue to appear in the videos Flaviana!

[@oldgrowler]

Love the humour that comes from your videos now featuring flaviana. I know it wouldn't be in your second car price range but I would love to see you and Mrs ev test the mini electric, I'm testing one at present and it's a fun car and although range isn't great the efficiency is very good keeping it in sport and normal mode with spirited driving and still 4.5mile pkwh. Would love to hear both your views. Ciao

[@DarrenSpill]

Excellent video, Flaviana is fantastic and Andrew is a lucky guy. Real world family car review, well done.

[@MrEV]

She is and I am. Thank you!

[@barrierodliffe4155]

@@MrEV You are very lucky and your lovely wife is a joy to watch, My wife is part Portugese American on her fathers side and English Welsh on her mothers side, she can be a bit temperamental but we have been married for 43 years so far. I understand how your wife doesn't like odd people coming up and talking to her, I used to be very shy and would never speak to strangers but when I retired I started working at a museum and ended up being the person to meet school groups and often tourists, I love doing that and now I am one of these annoying people who talks to strangers.

[@Paul-if1jq]

Never a dull moment in Mr.EV's home.... keep up the videos..

[@luckymeat3050]

I want an "Italian Lessons with Mrs EV" video.

[@davidsommen1324]

I would pay for that!

[@gtd65]

I have to admit I liked the candid discussion of the differences between Italian and British cultural norms 🤣

[@jeffreycooper8408]

You must have done something really really good in a previous life to get this much joy thrown your way. Zoe makes a great second car, and you can, with a bit of fettling, enable android auto !!

[@JonathanPorterfield]

Keep at it Flaviana 💪 and im not going to say please .....👏👏

[@MrEV]

😂

[@JonathanPorterfield]

@@MrEV look forward to her wisdom on other future family evs !

[@chrisbudge1159]

Brilliant video - great to see your lovely family again - can’t believe anyone would troll Flaviana Pretty hard to beat the Zoe for price and range although as a second car perhaps range may be less important - surprising to see the regenerative braking is so poor - would have thought that was an essential part of any EV ?

[@nickieredshaw7835]

Zoe has regen on the break pedal the more you press the more regen you get until last bit is real breaks

[@CaroAbebe]

The Zoe does have regen, even quite a bit, but unfortunately you need to press the break pedal to feel much of it.

[@billyray323]

Flaviana your honesty & humour is appreciated by me, I'm sure by others 😉

[@GB-lu4qn]

Excellent video. Flaviana Fantastic.

[@dcvariousvids8082]

The Zoe’s regen works via the brake pedal. The initial press activates the regen, not the physical brake. It’s only toward the lower end of depression, that the physical brakes activate. I think you’re a great family. Never seen one of your presentations which I’ve not liked. Always entertaining and frequently lighthearted. Please keep the same format... being your normal selves.

[@RizwanKiyan1]

Make more videos with your wife… very good honest reviews… really enjoying these videos

[@Banyan314]

Flavania, you are a star !

[@colinhea]

You need to keep Flaviana on your videos she makes them .I am in stitches and she has a point

[@aussieideasman8498]

People complain when women are left out, and other people complain when they are included. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. It's crazy, so do what you like. I just wish people would stop complaining.

[@adriangreaves4610]

Love the Italian perspective. Keep her on!!

[@thebigchip]

I don’t think we have seen the last of Flaviana (I hope not in any case) there was a glint in her eye at 25:23, I think she will be here when she wants to. Hopefully when the e500 arrives and the new unnamed car.

[@happysporran]

One I missed. ❤...no point being with a photocopy. Keep up the the great videos both.

[@SteveJones-om6ks]

Keep an eye on public charging compatibility with the Zoe. Lots of new chargers are just CCS or CCS and Chad. No type 2. If that continues Zoe’s might be bit tricky to live with longer term.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

I like that you put this out there. I wish they sold this in the United States. Unfortunately Renault is not Stateside right now. What a shame it is, too.

[@nigelweir3852]

Love the Italian accent , hard headed woman , thank you

[@tomquimby8669]

This video is so much fun, your wife should do the car reviews, brilliant.

[@aussieideasman8498]

Them both doing the reviews is optimal, since both men and women drive cars, and often for many different reasons. It would be less complete to leave one or the other out.

[@joegonzalez5128]

Mrs EV, the force, the force (sounded a bit like divorce) couldn't agree more and mini Mrs EV is definitely a force in front of the camera. :-) Thanks for the rounded review on the Zoe, was contemplating one of these but will probably wait until the Ora Cat meows its way onto our sceptre isle.

[@Solderwire]

No insults here....your wife is gorgeous...!!

[@fr0d0scious]

The back seats do completely come off. Love Flaviana so funny 😂.

[@adrianhilton5874]

A pity Mrs EV doesn't like the ZOE. It's a great car and your and her appraise of the Kia Soul means that ours will be for sale mid June.

[@philipsarell2467]

It's sad that there are those who have nothing better to do than criticise. There is worse. Some channels get worn away by technical strategies eroding their subscriber numbers.

[@Richard-io9xe]

Flaviana, you are fantastic (and beautiful). Keep doing the videos, you are so entertaining. :)

[@ronb4633]

Your wife is great 😊. I can’t understand people who insult her. You can tell she holds back on her opinion 🤣 I assume the Zoe does have blended braking (not like a Tesla) so pressing the brake does regen energy? So a 5K budget, that will be a challenge Andrew.

[@christinecrawford4286]

Hi Your wife is lovely 😊 She has an lovely character very honest & your great together ignore people

[@MrBobitsabc]

I have a ZE40 Zoë, my first EV in March 2019 and a MG ZS EV My second EV in March 2020. Having watched this after the Fiat 500e and Tesla reviews I would say the Zoe is more practical than the Fiat 500 and probably just as much fun as a small town type car. I hanker for a Tesla M3 but can’t justify the cost but I agree with Flaviana about the Kona and in my case MG ZS EV SUV being a chunky more solid appearing car with good visibility all round, higher up and a safer feeling while driving. Great reviews, thanks.

[@bernardcharlesworth9860]

Based on a existing model hence the lump in the boot but top parts ground up. Some composites which is good.

[@terryhunter8324]

Happy wife. Happy life !

[@AlanTov]

I’m not sure handbrakes have anything to do with how a car is powered 👀

[@mike77cos]

Flaviana makes the video, don't divorce her, get her whatever she wants.

[@markmilligan6616]

Entertaining as always, good luck finding a cheap second car.

[@hamshackleton]

Love Flavi's accent!

[@Petelmrg]

There are three certainties in this life: Death, Taxes and Andrew not getting a Zoë.

[@LERobbo]

Or a Model 3 😂

[@Tom55data]

@@LERobbo saw that one too....

[@nelsonoliveira1007]

Your wife is hilarious. Need more to her on your videos.

[@stephenclay6852]

Good video. I’ve never driven a Zoe but I think the range on the newer one’s is pretty good and it’s a lot bigger than you think. But my overriding memory of it was it felt very cheap feeling inside and the charging is not being supported on some of the newer chargers that are been installed. The Nissan is a better built car and feels better as well as larger but the range on the early cars wasn’t great but as a second car ether would probably work for you. I do prefer the look of the Zoe it’s aged very well .

[@drtom8011]

Please please read all the positive comments and ignore the very few negative idiots. Great video

[@darthonian8857]

Most car reviews can be very boring, This was a lot of fun thanks :)

[@rebeccathorn6406]

We love Mrs EV!!!

[@jcflippen1552]

Love the video. Flaviana should lead focus groups on proposed new cars and put illogical designer ideas in their place - the bin.