2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Brake lights2.9× usual
  Peugeot RCZ

  10.4% All 2012 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Diesel smoke emissions6.2× usual
  Peugeot RCZ

  3.1% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Wheels2× usual
  Peugeot RCZ

  3.2% All 2012 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  33% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  27% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 6.2× as often on the 2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2012 Peugeot RCZ diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?