About to take the plunge

[MHC]

Having had a 406Coupe SE for 20 years I am moving on and looking for a smaller car. The RCZ seems to fit the bill and I have my eye on a 2013, very low mileage car in good condition.

When I give the car a good going over before finally commiting, what should I be looking at?

What is the advice on timing belt - when should it be changed? Is it mileage or age related?

Any specific warning lights/diagnostics to look at?


Any pointers will be gratefully received.

 

[Pedro]

Petrol or diesel ?

 

[MHC]

Petrol

 

[RCZIain]

The petrol is a chain. Which hasn't the best reliability record. Also, coil packs can fail and carbon build up can be an issue.
A 200 is a fun car though. Not forgetting the R but they're leagues away in price.

 

[Dingers]

My advice would be not to buy an early car with big miles, but as you're looking at a Mk.2 with lower miles it's not such a problem. Make sure it's been properly serviced (not just an oil & filter change every year) and look for big ticket items like fuel pump changes, chain tensioner, major service, etc. Any lights on the dash that cause concern then walk away.

 

[neilgsxr69]

My advice would be not to buy an early car with big miles, but as you're looking at a Mk.2 with lower miles it's not such a problem. Make sure it's been properly serviced (not just an oil & filter change every year) and look for big ticket items like fuel pump changes, chain tensioner, major service, etc. Any lights on the dash that cause concern then walk away.

Having had a 406Coupe SE for 20 years I am moving on and looking for a smaller car. The RCZ seems to fit the bill and I have my eye on a 2013, very low mileage car in good condition.

When I give the car a good going over before finally commiting, what should I be looking at?

What is the advice on timing belt - when should it be changed? Is it mileage or age related?

Any specific warning lights/diagnostics to look at?


Any pointers will be gratefully received.

Are you looking at petrol or diesel? Petrols have timing chains which can fail prematurely with poor oil management later MK2 cars were slightly better with update parts, tensioner and guides but will still fail early if not looked after, if all seems well in test drive and don’t be afraid to give it some stick through the gears because that’s when other issues can occur like coil packs and HPFP.
Other than that check jacking points as lots have been damaged and can split the sills.