2011 Peugeot RCZ 2.0L Diesel · AV61 EXS

High mileage accumulation combined with recurring issues in the braking and suspension systems defines the mechanical profile of this Peugeot RCZ. The most recent test on 21 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but it carried multiple advisories regarding worn suspension bushes on both front lower arms, headlamp lens degradation, and an offside front tyre nearing the legal limit. This follows a period of instability in late 2024, where the vehicle failed a test due to a dangerous tyre tread depth, a lagging offside rear brake showing signs of heat damage, and insufficient parking brake efficiency. The trend suggests a vehicle that requires frequent attention to consumables and wear-and-tear components to maintain compliance. With 211,819 miles recorded over approximately 15 years, this vehicle has averaged roughly 14,121 miles per year. This represents a high-use profile for a sports coupe of this age, which typically correlates with increased mechanical fatigue across the drivetrain and chassis. The consistent annual mileage suggests the vehicle has been in regular use rather than sitting idle, which can lead to more predictable wear on components like suspension bushings, brake calipers, and tyres, but also means the vehicle has been subjected to significant cumulative stress on its structural and moving parts. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the front end during a test drive, specifically looking for signs of the worn lower suspension arm bushes flagged in the 2025 advisory. Listen for knocking, clunking, or a vague sensation through the steering wheel when navigating uneven surfaces or turning at low speeds, as worn bushes often manifest as imprecise handling or audible impacts over bumps. The history of brake issues, including a 2021 failure for a leaking caliper and low fluid levels, alongside the 2024 major defect for a lagging rear brake with heat damage, necessitates a thorough inspection of the braking system. Check for any pedal judder, pulling to one side under braking, or an unusual smell of burning from the wheels, which could indicate binding calipers or warped discs. The record also highlights recurring tyre wear issues, including edge wear and tread depth failures, which may suggest alignment problems or incorrect camber settings. When inspecting the vehicle, verify that the current tyre condition is well within legal limits and check for uneven wear patterns across the tread surface. Additionally, the advisory regarding headlamp lens cloudiness should be noted, as this can affect night-time visibility. Given the high mileage and the specific failures recorded, a comprehensive check of the entire braking circuit and the integrity of all suspension linkages is essential to ensure no further degradation has occurred since the last inspection.