Looking for my first RCZ

[Randles 2402]

Hi all,

I'm Andy and I live in Chichester, West Sussex.

I'm looking for my first RCZ and am torn between a THP200 GT or an R. Any advise would be welcome on pro and cons for each.

For context, I am 60 and retired and this will be a second car doing around 2500 miles a year based on what I have driven in my 207cc over the last 9 months.
I like a spirited drive but would classify myself as a 'quick' rather than a 'fast' driver! I don't hang about but I don't overly push it either. (some how I have avoided any speeding tickets in 1.6 million miles of driving despite regularly doing the 1.5 hour run to Bournemouth Airport in sub 1 hour!)

I'm aware of the cost of a brake overhaul on an R and the issues with auxiliary belt tensioners and timing chains stretching but what else should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance

 

[Griffy]

have u considered an HDi re-mapped? - Oodles of effortless torque that holds u back in your seat all the way to 6th gear...

Oh, and 52 mpg

 

[Randles 2402]

have u considered an HDi re-mapped? - Oodles of effortless torque that holds u back in your seat all the way to 6th gear...

Oh, and 52 mpg

I hadn't really spoken to anyone with the HDi before to get an opinion on that. With a remap, what sort of power are you looking at? Would it be the same 2.0l unit as my 2015 C4 Picasso because that hauls arse even in a big heavy MPV!

 

[Griffy]

I believe c 200bhp and 300 lb ft, I have yet to do mine. She is brisk as standard

There is a guy on the Tube with a black HDi with gold trim, who recently bought an R....and was eager to sell it to get back to his HDi

The lazy torque, particularly as we grow older is very appealing. Pull away in second if slightly downhill, then slot in to any gear u like when you are up to 3k rpm. 3rd pushes u back in the seat, 4th and 5th still push u back gently - can b quite surprising when re-engaging cruise above c 1700 rpm in any of upper gears...even 6th!

Be aware that all 19" variants have a diabolical ride over sharp potholes...I am very empathic toward my cars...and it makes me angry / sad when caught off guard by yet another mine shaft opening...

The plus side is, if u ever find a trusted bit of smooth tarmac, they corner on rails and swerve flatly like a racer.

Insist on a GT for the leather, which is night n day for the RC

Moroccan red when polished and in the sun is mesmerizing...u wont b able to drag yourself away from admiring the curves...

I hear the 200 is also v economical, can be 40+, however, I worry a lot....

U need to test one. Dont drive it like a petrol, when u change up, drop it into the next gear at c 1700rpm and enjoy the turbo ramp up the torque

250 lb ft std and 300lb ft mapped is good - gearshifts can be darn near perfect...and even with bone on bone severe arthritis and significant muscle pain and weakness in thigh, I still really enjoy changing gear, deliberately slowly, allowing the spring to do the snick, snick action

Was going to get a mk3 TT 2.0tfsi mapped / TTS with DSG, however, as long as I can cope, I think I am content. Particularly at £4.7k rather than another 10k on top!

 

[Randles 2402]

That is really useful information, thank you. I do like the effortless feel of diesels low down; I've had several over the years including a Volvo S40, Jag X-Type and my first 207cc. I suspect that I am being lured somewhat by how rare an R is and the slight snob value

Was going to get a mk3 TT 2.0tfsi mapped / TTS with DSG, however, as long as I can cope, I think I am content. Particularly at £4.7k rather than another 10k on top!

I considered doing the same thing but I'm just not a fan of mk3 cockpit layout. I would consider a late mk2 TTS / TTRS but the money is silly compared to even an R.

Be aware that all 19" variants have a diabolical ride over sharp potholes...I am very empathic toward my cars...and it makes me angry / sad when caught off guard by yet another mine shaft opening...

I know what you mean: I had considered getting a set of 18" wheels for winter use and keeping the 19s for the summer and shows. I generally fit Nexen tyres as they have 'life remaining' exchange warranty if you damage them. If you damage a tyre that needs changing you get the percentage of life remaining on the tyre as a discount on the new one. My son hit a pothole with his TTS the day after new tyres and wrote one off and the tyre shop swapped it for a new one at no cost. I've had similar incidents and had discounts ranging from 30 to 90% on the replacements.

 

[apple3337]

Test drive an R. I have here in Oz. It's awesome as you near the red line. Something the diesel can't get close to. There are cheaper after market options for the discs. The engine is bullet proof. The main issue with these cars is fault codes that can send you on a wild goose chase if you don't know what you are doing. Most issues are easlily fixed despite the fault codes saying otherwise.

 

[Randles 2402]

Test drive an R. I have here in Oz. It's awesome as you near the red line. Something the diesel can't get close to. There are cheaper after market options for the discs. The engine is bullet proof. The main issue with these cars is fault codes that can send you on a wild goose chase if you don't know what you are doing. Most issues are easlily fixed despite the fault codes saying otherwise.

Thanks for that. I have found what hopefully is a good R about 5 hours away that sounds like it’s been well cared for. I’ve put a holding deposit on it and am going to see it on Saturday.
I know what you mean about fault codes, I’ve had issues with various Peugeots and Citroens where the solution to seems unrelated to the fault code!
My first 207cc had an intermittent issue with stability / traction control that was caused by a faulty brake switch but it didn’t affect the brake lights and the fault code pointed somewhere else entirely: and for about a week my second 207cc’s fan kept running for about 15 minutes after the engine was turned off but didn’t generate any codes: turned out to be the oil filter cap wasn’t sealing properly.

 

[apple3337]

Ahhh nice. Post up here with your thoughts once you drive it. Make sure you hit the rev limiter haha

 

[Griffy]

Test drive an R. I have here in Oz. It's awesome as you near the red line. Something the diesel can't get close to. There are cheaper after market options for the discs. The engine is bullet proof. The main issue with these cars is fault codes that can send you on a wild goose chase if you don't know what you are doing. Most issues are easlily fixed despite the fault codes saying otherwise.

never heard the Prince derived engine as 'bullet proof'.....