Tips for buying

[scottmack]

Hi all,

I've decided on getting an RCZ for my next car due to it looking great and wanting coupe that gets decent mpg. Ideally wanting a 2013+ THP200 however I dont think my budget will allow for that. I've done a fair bit of research on the cars issues but found some conflicting views so I thought I'd drop in here and get your opinions since I imagine you guys know more. Did the timing chain issues effect both the 156 and 200 between 2010-2012? Im aware the 2013+ cars had the upgraded parts from factory and should be checking with dealerships to see if the work was carried out on the 2010-2012 models im looking at. Are there any other tips for buying one you guys have for a prospective owner?

Thanks!

 

[Verminator]

Yes it does effect the 156 and 200 also I have heard its effected on the R...... Its all down to the THP engine in all the petrol models....
The Hdi has been reported to be the most reliable engine..
As for the car it self check the jacking points, service history,... And if you can when looking at buying a petrol rcz try getting there and start the car from cold and listening to the engine for the noisy rattle of the timing chain...
Hope this helps you out...
Drive safe and stay lucky
Les n Co

 

[Pedro]

I have the 2013 200 GT & these are the main generic issues which can affect all variants & years
Timing Chain ( earlier models ) can be attributed to poor servicing schedules
Timing Chain tensioner (very common) again poor servicing
HPFP the pump failure can be internal seals & is very common & appears to affect all years of production regardless of mileage
Top strut mounts prone to excessive wear again on the earlier models
Exhaust heat shield working loose causing vibration on earlier models
Water pumps can be a known problematic failure
Coolant level sensor fails in expansion tank
Thermostat housing leaking/failure all variants
The rear 3rd brake light led bulb failure is common on all variants
Door mirror functions (earlier models)
Sat Nav issues (electrical)
Coil packs (usually have a long life) if they have been individually changed at some time by previous owner can be a issue Peugeot recommend all 4 should be replaced together (Bosch parts)
Spark plugs again change all 4 at the same time (NGK are sufficient for the Prince Engine
So just a few pointers to consider but basically if looked after they don't cause any major issues the only other thing I would suggest is don't use cheapish petrol & watch the Oil levels don't rely on messages that the oil is OK (check a least every 2/3 weeks) & top up if needed regarding servicing I change my Oil & filter between 3.500 to 4000 Klms but its up to the individual owner this will prolong the Lifespan of the Engine components especially the chain & valvetrain etc

 

[Goatz]

Great list Pedro.
Dont forget the turbo oil feed lines and oil filter/cooler gaskets.
These are a common fault too.

 

[scottmack]

I have the 2013 200 GT & these are the main generic issues which can affect all variants & years
Timing Chain ( earlier models ) can be attributed to poor servicing schedules
Timing Chain tensioner (very common) again poor servicing
HPFP the pump failure can be internal seals & is very common & appears to affect all years of production regardless of mileage
Top strut mounts prone to excessive wear again on the earlier models
Exhaust heat shield working loose causing vibration on earlier models
Water pumps can be a known problematic failure
Coolant level sensor fails in expansion tank
Thermostat housing leaking/failure all variants
The rear 3rd brake light led bulb failure is common on all variants
Door mirror functions (earlier models)
Sat Nav issues (electrical)
Coil packs (usually have a long life) if they have been individually changed at some time by previous owner can be a issue Peugeot recommend all 4 should be replaced together (Bosch parts)
Spark plugs again change all 4 at the same time (NGK are sufficient for the Prince Engine
So just a few pointers to consider but basically if looked after they don't cause any major issues the only other thing I would suggest is don't use cheapish petrol & watch the Oil levels don't rely on messages that the oil is OK (check a least every 2/3 weeks) & top up if needed regarding servicing I change my Oil & filter between 3.500 to 4000 Klms but its up to the individual owner this will prolong the Lifespan of the Engine components especially the chain & valvetrain etc

This is super helpful thanks! Out of curiosity how much would you say you spend on your car per year for servicing/repairs?

 

[Jumper]

Regardless of age check its had the Timing Chain done if your buying a petrol. They even fail on the last ones built. One on line group owner reported hers to fail after just 17k and it was 2015. More early ones have the Timing Chains fail because they have done the most miles. Due to the direct injection nature of the engine the valves
can become clogged up with carbon deposits but this can be sorted out with a Walnut blasting. The only other issue I dont see covered is the headlight brackets can snap. Other than that they are tip top.

 

[Pedro]

This is super helpful thanks! Out of curiosity how much would you say you spend on your car per year for servicing/repairs?

When I bought the car it ran very sluggish so I gave it had a complete overhaul; of brakes & a full service including upgrading the Air filter K&N so I personally regard Servicing as Oil/filter & possibly plugs if they have reached the 25-30.000 Klm mark last year I spent around £850 in total which included the HPFP & a Quad exhaust fitted but a general service of Oil/filter change will be approx. £35 a set of plugs £22.00 depending on part prices so relatively cheap to keep the Engine in good shape & if you can perform these jobs yourself its all about saving a lot of money

 

[Ian J.]

There is no logic to the reliability of the THP petrol engine, my first RCZ a 2011 model still had the original chain and tensioners at 85k miles and 6 years when the family friend who bought it off me sold it. My current 2015 car needed the chain replacing at 32k miles , some will say servicing or lack of it is to blame but my car has been serviced 6 times.
If you are looking for trouble free motoring go for the 2.0 HDI it is generally considered pretty bullet proof.

 

[scottmack]

There is no logic to the reliability of the THP petrol engine, my first RCZ a 2011 model still had the original chain and tensioners at 85k miles and 6 years when the family friend who bought it off me sold it. My current 2015 car needed the chain replacing at 32k miles , some will say servicing or lack of it is to blame but my car has been serviced 6 times.
If you are looking for trouble free motoring go for the 2.0 HDI it is generally considered pretty bullet proof.

I was originally looking at the Diesel, trouble is I only drive socially. If im popping over to a mates or to go shopping etc. Its mostly low mileage city driving so I'll probably end up tanning a load of dpf filters this way.

 

[Goatz]

I’m at 102k and I don’t see any record in the car history of a replaced chain.
I even had the chain inspected a few months ago by a Peugeot specialist and all was fine.

 

[chrismac]

...... If i'm popping over to a mates or to go shopping etc. Its mostly low mileage city driving so I'll probably end up tanning a load of dpf filters this way.

You say that now, I did, but then one day I drove all the way to Fishguard just because I got an RCZ. Couldn't help it.

 

[Pedro]

You say that now, I did, but then one day I drove all the way to Fishguard just because I got an RCZ. Couldn't help it.

Be honest you went specifically to guard the fish!