2014 Peugeot RCZ diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Peugeot RCZ diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Peugeot RCZ diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Diesel smoke emissions5.8× usual
  Peugeot RCZ

  2.9% All 2014 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.4% of all 2014 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.

• Anti-lock braking system7× usual
  Peugeot RCZ

  2.1% All 2014 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2014 Peugeot RCZ diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Peugeot RCZ diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Brakes
  25% 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.

• Suspension
  22% 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
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  4% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 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 diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 5.8× as often on the 2014 Peugeot RCZ diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the 2014 Peugeot RCZ diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?