Stylish French sports coupe with distinctive double-bubble roof and head-turning looks. Shares the BMW/PSA "Prince" engine with Mini Cooper S - known for timing chain stretch, turbo actuator sticking, and carbon buildup on intake valves. The THP 200 version (2013+) is generally more reliable than the THP 156, especially first-generation 156 models. Main concerns: timing chain tensioner failure (listen for cold start rattle), high pressure fuel pump failure, and premature turbocharger wear. Not as reliable as competitors like Audi TT or VW Scirocco, but rewards meticulous maintenance with engaging driving dynamics. Verify timing chain tensioner TSB (Nov 2011 update) and thermostat housing recall (2010 models) completed.
The BMW/PSA Prince engine's timing chain tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a characteristic rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start, typically occurring between 60,000-100,000 km. Pre-Nov 2011 engines are most affected. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, chain, guides, tensioners, and sprockets all need replacement. BMW reduced chain width by 30% to save cost, making early failures common. Ignoring this leads to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. Updated tensioner parts available from 2013. Parts: €400-600, labor: 3 hours (€600-1,600 total at dealer).
High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure€400 - €1,000
Camshaft-driven pump fails causing hesitation, misfire, power loss · more· less
Very common Prince engine failure. Part of the HPFP is oil-filled, which degrades over time causing wear particles, leaks, and eventual failure. Symptoms include half engine light, occasional failure to start (fuel rail doesn't reach required 5 bar), hesitation at low RPM, and check engine light. Usually occurs around 100,000 km but can fail earlier in hot climates or with contaminated fuel. BMW covers for 8 years under warranty, but Peugeot doesn't. New pump: €315-500, labor: 1 hour (€60-100). Refurbishment available: €235 total. Some owners report pump failures as early as 25,000 km.
Intake valve carbon buildup€400 - €800
Direct injection means fuel can't clean valves - carbon deposits cause misfires · more· less
The 1.6 THP uses gasoline direct injection (GDI), meaning injectors spray after intake valves. Combined with oil vapors from crankcase ventilation, this causes carbon to bake onto hot intake valves. Becomes problematic around 50,000-100,000 km, causing rough idle, hesitation, misfires, reduced power. Only fix is walnut blasting - manual removal of intake manifold and media blasting valves. Some engines need cleaning at just 30,000 km. Specialist cost: €400-650. Dealer: €600-800. Preventive measure: spirited driving with quality fuel helps but doesn't prevent it. Recommended interval: every 60,000-80,000 km.
Turbocharger failure€800 - €2,500
Actuator sticks from gentle driving; turbine housing cracks after 60,000-80,000 km · more· less
Two separate issues: (1) Turbo actuator sticks if car driven gently or only short trips, as carbon builds up. Causes EPC light and limp mode. Actuator-only repair: €500-600 at specialist. Peugeot won't sell actuator separately. Full turbo if internals damaged: €1,200-2,500. (2) Twin-scroll turbine housing material is brittle - cracks start from split between scrolls, propagating outward after 60,000-80,000 km. Eventually whole turbine housing or complete turbo needs replacement. THP 200 turbo failures typically after 150,000-200,000 km, often from oil carbon deposits or failed guide vanes. Premium fuel and regular spirited driving helps prevent actuator issues.
Known weak point on RCZ with Prince engine. The plastic thermostat housing and coolant outlet at rear of head becomes brittle over time, developing hairline cracks. Coolant leaks and pools on top of transmission. Typically manifests between 60,000-100,000 km, particularly on 2012+ models. Symptoms: coolant warning light, poor cabin heating, engine overheating. Water pump integrated with thermostat housing, both typically fail together. Parts: €300-350 (integrated unit), labor: 2-3 hours (€400-700 total). Some 2010 cars affected by recall - pump replaced free if caught during service. Prince engines known for water pumps being "low mileage consumable" - failures reported as early as 32,500 km.
Ignition coil failure€100 - €400
High failure rate causing misfires, juddering, engine fault warning · more· less
Prince engine ignition coils have high failure rate, often around 55,000 km. Symptoms: poor performance, rough idle, high fuel consumption, misfires, juddering, engine management light, "engine repair needed" message, limp mode (can't exceed 3,000 RPM). Individual coil: €20-45. Bosch set of 4: €108. Labor minimal if DIY, otherwise add €80-150. Best practice: replace all 4 together on high-mileage cars. Prince engine notorious for not liking worn spark plugs - replace plugs every 20,000 km if remapped. First set of coils typically lasts to 55,000 km which is considered normal. Easy DIY job - carry spare in boot.
Clutch and dual mass flywheel wear€800 - €1,100
Premature wear between 80,000-120,000 km, especially with sporty driving · more· less
Clutch problems typically appear between 80,000-120,000 km. Sporty driving accelerates wear on friction disk. Dual mass flywheel (DMF) often needs replacement at same time. Complete job including clutch kit, DMF, slave cylinder, release bearing: €895 parts and labor at independent. Halfords quote: €900. Dealer: €820-1,100. Clutch kit alone: €275-511. DMF covered under Peugeot extended warranty if it fails (friction material excluded). Job takes 4-6 hours. Symptoms: slipping, juddering, difficulty shifting, burning smell. Check for excessive freeplay, grinding noises during engagement.
Engine mounts degradation€150 - €750
Early degradation causing knocking when driving over bumps or braking · more· less
Common RCZ fault - engine mounts degrade prematurely. Symptoms: excessive vibrations, knocking from engine bay when driving over bumps, braking, or accelerating suddenly. Excessive engine movement visible when revving. Top mount on chain side suffers most on earlier models - heat problems caused them to melt. Peugeot issued notice for front strut top mounts, known to be prone to knocking. Some replaced free during service within 6 years of manufacture. Parts: €6-64 per mount. Full replacement (multiple mounts): €445-827 average. Dealer quote: €744. DIY possible but time-consuming. Check all mounts during inspection - typically 3-4 need replacing together.
Air conditioning compressor failure€240 - €1,000
AC loses cooling capacity after 80,000-150,000 km from seal wear · more· less
AC system typically loses cooling capacity after 80,000-150,000 km. Compressor shows weakness through decreasing performance and unusual noises. Common cause: seals wear out, leaking refrigerant and AC oil. Seals can't be replaced - needs complete compressor. Symptoms: weak cooling, strange noises, clutch not engaging. Sometimes caused by undervoltage - wiring and relay issues (repair: €240). Full compressor and control unit replacement: €980. General compressor cost: €800-1,500 for professional replacement. Parts alone: €100-2,000 depending on source. Shares components with Peugeot 308 - not rare. Regular refrigerant level and seal checks help prevent premature failure.
Roof seal leaks and rail corrosion€300 - €1,200
Roof seals deteriorate causing water ingress; aluminum rails corrode · more· less
The distinctive double-bubble roof has two common issues: (1) Roof seal deterioration causes water ingress, leading to interior dampness, mold, potential damage to electronics. Panoramic roof models especially affected. (2) Aluminum roof rails (silver bars over doors) corrode and accumulate rust. Starts as aesthetic issue but corroded rails cause weaker end seals, leading to them coming loose and creating rattling noise. Rails expensive to replace but should be covered under 3-year/60,000-mile warranty if caught early. Seal replacement: €300-500. Rail replacement: €400-800 per pair. Check door seals, test for leaks by spraying water, inspect electronics for water damage. Rails should be shiny, not pitted or rusty.
Brake hose deterioration (2009-2010)€200 - €400
Front brake hoses deteriorate through contact with other components · more· less
Recall issue affecting RCZs built between 2009-2010. Front brake hoses can deteriorate over time through contact with other components, causing loss of braking power and brake fluid leaks. Significant enough to warrant recall. Also reported: brake squeal (especially R model with 380mm discs), grinding, hill-start brake sticking on even when not on hill, brake caliper surface corrosion (cosmetic - paint with Hammerite), ABS warning from broken wheel speed sensor wiring. Parts reasonably priced: pads €27-55, discs €33-90. Electronic handbrake problems flagged as common electrical issue on early cars. Should be fixed on most cars for sale now.
High-maintenance sports coupe requiring meticulous care
The RCZ with 1.6 THP engine is beautiful and engaging to drive but demands strict maintenance. The BMW/PSA Prince engine has well-documented issues, particularly timing chain tensioner, HPFP, and carbon buildup. THP 200 (2013+) more reliable than THP 156. Many used examples lack proper service history - verify 10,000 km oil changes (not 20,000 km factory interval). Budget €400-1,050/year for repairs beyond routine maintenance. Not for bargain hunters or casual owners. The 2.0 HDI diesel is more reliable if you don't need the petrol performance.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000 km maximum (NOT 20,000 km factory interval). Prince engine requires frequent servicing. Check for timing chain replacement receipts.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm for sports tires), age (date codes - not older than 6 years), uneven wear patterns indicating suspension or alignment issues.
Cold start
MUST start engine completely cold (ideally overnight cold). Listen carefully for rattling in first 30 seconds - this is most critical check. Any rattle indicates timing chain issues.
Body condition
Check aluminum roof rails for corrosion. Inspect door seals and test for water leaks. Check for accident damage, paint mismatch.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied conditions: cold start behavior, motorway speeds, hard acceleration (check turbo response), engine under load uphill. Feel for clutch slip, gearbox smoothness.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
Start completely cold. Listen for ANY rattle in first 1-30 seconds. Even brief rattle indicates chain/tensioner wear. Rattle lasting 5+ seconds = urgent replacement needed (€1,000-2,200). Walk away if persistent rattle.
Check engine oil level and condition
Never trust dash "Oil level OK" - physically check dipstick. Should be at 3.5-4L mark minimum. Prince engines consume oil (1L per 1,000km = compression issues). Check for milky/brown appearance (head gasket). Oil should be clean if recently serviced.
Drive for hesitation and misfires
Pay attention to low-RPM hesitation (HPFP failing), rough idle, juddering (carbon buildup or ignition coils), power loss. Check for half engine light, EPC warning, check engine light during test drive.
Verify timing chain tensioner update
Ask if updated tensioner fitted (post-Nov 2011 design). Pre-2013 cars especially at risk. Check service records for chain replacement. Some specialists can identify updated parts by inspection.
Check for coolant leaks and level
Inspect thermostat housing at rear of engine for cracks, wetness. Check coolant level when cold - low level indicates leaks. Look for coolant pooling on top of transmission. Test cabin heater effectiveness.
Test all interior buttons and electrics
Press every button - windows, mirrors, climate controls, infotainment. Early cars have electrical gremlins. Check for sticky/worn button coatings. Test electronic handbrake operation.
Inspect roof seals and rails
Check aluminum roof rails for corrosion/rust. Press all door seals - should be supple, not hard/cracked. Look for water stains on headliner, carpet dampness. Smell for mold/mildew. Check electronics for water damage.
Check for engine mount wear
Listen for knocking over bumps, when braking hard, or accelerating suddenly. Have someone rev engine while you watch - excessive movement indicates worn mounts. Common RCZ issue.
Verify recall completion
Contact Peugeot with VIN to verify: (1) Thermostat/water pump recall (some 2010 cars), (2) Brake hose recall (2009-2010), (3) Camshaft adjuster TSB (check if applicable). Get written confirmation.
Check turbo actuator operation
Accelerate hard from low RPM. Turbo should respond smoothly without hesitation. If EPC light appears or car enters limp mode, actuator likely stuck (€500-2,500 repair). Test after engine fully warm.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Front brake hoses deterioration (2009-2010)Verify completed
Timing chain tensioner TSB (pre-Nov 2011)Check for update
Front strut top mount knocking (various years)Check if addressed
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The timing chain tensioner TSB is particularly important for pre-2013 models - updated parts significantly improve reliability. Some repairs were done free of charge within 6 years of manufacture date.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / 60,000 miles)Expired on all 2010-2015 models
All 2010-2015 RCZs are outside factory warranty. Peugeot Renewal Warranty available if car under 10 years old and under 100,000 miles - covers mechanical/electrical but excludes wear items (clutch friction material, belts, brake pads). DMF covered if it fails. Does NOT cover: ancillary belts, mountings, pipes/hoses, brake/clutch friction, bulbs, exhaust/DPF, batteries, wiring, wheels/tires, wiper blades, AC recharge. Third-party options (MotorEasy, Warrantywise) offer higher mileage limits (up to 120,000 miles) and flexible 12/24/36-month terms. Given Prince engine issues, extended warranty recommended if buying high-mileage example without perfect service history.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.