Looking to buy an RCZ - advice needed!

[Anonymous]

Hi all, I've been after an RCZ for ages and should finally be able to get one soon just looking for a little bit of advice.

I'm unsure which engine to go for - 1.6 petrols seem to be much more readily available in my price range, but am wondering if it is worth spending a little extra for the diesel - however, I don't do that many long journeys and my commute to work is only 10 miles (mainly motorway) each way. Am I likely to feel much benefit from the diesel, bearing in mind that it'll likely cost more to buy?

Also, do RCZs come with Bluetooth as standard? I would probably be looking at a GT model as I'm after one with full leather.

Thanks!

 

[pete.garratt]

The standard advice is you need to be doing 30000 miles per year to make it economically viable.

Additionally, there is growing acknowledgment that the NOx levels from diesels isn't as low as everybody thought, hence 60 speed limits past big conurbations you may have heard about in the press last year and proposals for extra higher charges for diesels in Congetion Zones like London.

From what you say about yourself and your driving, I would doubt there is a compelling argument for diesel in your case.

From memory, I think Bluetooth is standard on all but the NG4 sat nav - but I might be wrong there.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply - I thought that this might be the case. Must admit that scare stories online about DPFs in diesel engines have put me off too, plus the relatively small difference in mpg between the 2 engines.

Can't wait to get it now!

 

[Anonymous]

I would highly recommend a 156 thp gt rcz with black pack if you can get one, the engine is the 1.6 150bhp version of the bmw/ Peugeot that is very popular in minis, ds,208 cars, not a lot of problems, the rcz 6 speed box plus the aerodynamics and the sound make for a very nice drive, enough power to overtake, cruise nicely at 80mph, plus return upto 40mpg with average around 35mpg.
Bluetooth plus usb with iphone or ipod compatibility.i would also ask the dealership to fit a autodab in the deal so you can get digital radio too. All in all, i use mine dailey for a 15 mile commute with sensible gas pedal i am very happy.

 

[Anonymous]

Should have said I'm looking at used ones - and the oldest/cheapest ones in all honesty as I'm only 23 so I can't push my luck too far! But yeah I'm aiming for the THP 156 GT, think that's probably the best all rounder for my needs.

May be a silly question to ask on an RCZ forum but how reliable (honestly!) are these cars in people's experience on here, and how are the repair costs? I gather it shares a lot with the 308 so I guess this means parts aren't too bad?

Also, bit of an odd question but does anyone happen to know how deep the boot is? I need to fit my guitar amp in otherwise I may have to reconsider unfortunately.

Thanks for your help

 

[Anonymous]

I must say: it's fairly reliable. I just found out that the car I'm driving now was a pain in the a** for another user from this forum. Luckly, no big issues with me (year and a half, 20k miles). I drive a bit hard, and the only problem was a fuel pump, replaced under extended warrant. I may sugest the extended warrant for mechanical/electrical. Paintwork and Alloys are not worthy (the company that repaired my alloys have done a crap job, bet the my 3y old niece with some Halfords kit can do a better job). For bodywork and alloys, better get fixed when and where you prefer, as you can find really good professionals at fair prices. I'm driving am 156thp GT. Don't forget to check tyres. If you have to buy them straight way, it's quite a expense. I would avoid any cheap fitted tyre also. Good tyres will give you a full experience with this car. Don't have to be the most expensive ones. There's few topics about tyres, where other members suggested some interesting options.

 

[pete.garratt]

There are a few of well-known issues with the petrol engines:
1) engine timing chain
2) engine coolant temp sensor
3) high pressure fuel pump

If you're looking second hand and 2-3 years old, I would guess any car you see will have already suffered the issue (& had it fixed) or it's not going to suffer from it at all.

In any event I would ask the previous owner, you never know, if they're genuine RCZ enthusiasts, they might be completely open with you.

If you buy used from a dealer, I would expect some form of warranty, wouldn't you?

The other thing to check for is jacking point damage. They have a tendency to fold over if one is not very careful when jacking up one corner. It's not irreparable but it's worth choosing one without this issue if you can - forewarned is forearmed.

Be patient and good luck with the hunt!

 

[Anonymous]

Oh yeah, I definitely won't be buying anything without a decent warranty! Especially after the engine in my Astra cabrio decided to blow up 2 months after I bought it, luckily from a main dealer...

Thanks for all the tips. Lots to consider!

 

[RCZ1]

Peter has listed the common faults with the petrol engines. I'm now on my third RCZ. Previous two were both 156 models. Now in the R.

The 156s are very good and deceptively quick. One had the timing chain issue, the other the temperature sensor problem. This didn't leave me off the road as the dealer sorted both problems in a single day. Needless to say that the great dealer service only made me go back and buy another and another!

Take a look on eBay and Autotrader, there's lots to choose from on there.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Anonymous]

A valid question also is how much is your budget buddy?
At the moment you can get a mk2 or facelift version forcaround 14k if you look about, most of the issues would of probably been dealt with on the facelift.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd say 11-12k is probably my absolute maximum to be honest, unless a mk2 came up for a really good price...

I think I actually prefer the look of the pre-facelift car, though I may be in the minority there!

 

[Anonymous]

I'd say 11-12k is probably my absolute maximum to be honest, unless a mk2 came up for a really good price...

I think I actually prefer the look of the pre-facelift car, though I may be in the minority there!

Most owners preferences are of course dictated by their budget im afraid.

 

[DKZ5745]

My budget was 14k max, until I saw my Z ..........oops :eusa-think: That's why I can't have quads :eusa-whistle:

 

[neilgsxr69]

I'd say 11-12k is probably my absolute maximum to be honest, unless a mk2 came up for a really good price...

I think I actually prefer the look of the pre-facelift car, though I may be in the minority there!

I totally agree the Mk1 front end is the one to go for!
Go for the lowest mileage MK1 GT you can afford. Why buy a MK2 just for the sake of a newer plate and have to put up with that confused snout!

Good luck

 

[Anonymous]

I'd say 11-12k is probably my absolute maximum to be honest, unless a mk2 came up for a really good price...

I think I actually prefer the look of the pre-facelift car, though I may be in the minority there!

I totally agree the Mk1 front end is the one to go for!
Go for the lowest mileage MK1 GT you can afford. Why buy a MK2 just for the sake of a newer plate and have to put up with that confused snout!

Good luck

That's pretty much what I'm planning to do! Found one on 20k miles for just under £12k at a Pug dealer... gonna go and try it out this weekend I think

 

[DKZ5745]

Each to their own regarding Mk1 / Mk2 looks.

I was first attracted to the RCZ when the Mk1 came out. I loved it, but to be honest, I wasn't overseen on the front. Had I been able to afford one though, I would have bought one in a heartbeat.

When the Mk2 came out, it drove me insane, cos I loved it even more than the original, but I still couldn't really afford one.

When it came time to change my car, my wife really took some convincing about an RCZ, not cos she didn't like them, but it wasn't the kind of car she wanted us to get at the time.

I completely blew the budget to get a Mk2 GT200, and was so so lucky to get one with every pack and extra already fitted.

I would die for an R but I accept that is never going to happen. :eusa-think:

Whichever Z chooses you, you will be so amazed by it. You will constantly find yourself looking at it, and so will quite a lot of other people too.

Happy hunting

 

[Anonymous]

I'd say 11-12k is probably my absolute maximum to be honest, unless a mk2 came up for a really good price...

I think I actually prefer the look of the pre-facelift car, though I may be in the minority there!

I totally agree the Mk1 front end is the one to go for!
Go for the lowest mileage MK1 GT you can afford. Why buy a MK2 just for the sake of a newer plate and have to put up with that confused snout!

Good luck

That's pretty much what I'm planning to do! Found one on 20k miles for just under £12k at a Pug dealer... gonna go and try it out this weekend I think

Good call I've spent 3.5k on my Mk1 on mods in the last 3 months and will be all in for just over 20k by the time I'm done and personally wouldn't change it for a Mk2 as I prefer the Mk1 look.

 

[Anonymous]

I loved the mk1 look but always thought the front end was 308 esque, when the mk2 came out it just made it look completely different to those useless pugs of 2000 onwards, plus mpst of the issues would be ironed out.
Also to give you an idea of how good the156thp gt is on fuel my average consumption over 60 miles covered in 3 days, and this was sensible driving a roads, town and motorway driving I got 47.8 mpg showing!

 

[Anonymous]

Oh no..not the mk1 v mk2 controversy back again.Anyone that comes in at the bottom of the market will of course say they prefer the MK1,but of course they would do so wouldnt they?I think you all know the wrappers thoughts by now.No one buys a mk 1 by choice,they buy it on budget.This applies to the second hand market only. I saw the early cars and thought it was a
daring design for such a boring manu to do.Pug tried to impose the corporate nose on it to help boost image.I thought it ruined the car so i left off buying it and looked elsewhere.Then i heard that they ahd sorted the front,seen one and seen that they had now got it right(and introduced the black rails to round off the car).I then decided to go buy...a very nice car,and all for 28k.I will maybe keep the car for another year,when the MOT nonsense starts.I realise that to replace it i will have to move into the 2 or 3 times the price bracket to get anything styling wise of the rcz.And it certainly will not be a pug. :lol: :beer:

 

[Anonymous]

No one buys a mk 1 by choice,they buy it on budget.This applies to the second hand market only. I saw the early cars and thought it was a daring design for such a boring manu to do.Pug tried to impose the corporate nose on it to help boost image.I thought it ruined the car so i left off buying it and looked elsewhere.Then i heard that they ahd sorted the front,seen one and seen that they had now got it right

More crap from the wrap
#bolt#rocket :lol: