2015 Peugeot RCZ 1.6L Petrol · LO64 WDK

A 2015 Peugeot RCZ with this MOT history carries a mixed mechanical profile, defined most clearly by a single but significant emissions failure in early 2024. On 9 January 2024 the vehicle failed its test due to five major exhaust emissions defects, including excessive carbon monoxide at idle and after the second fast idle, hydrocarbon content exceeding default limits after the second fast idle, and dense blue smoke emitted both at idle and during acceleration. A retest on the same day resulted in a pass, suggesting remedial work was carried out immediately, though the nature of that work is not recorded. The most recent test on 12 May 2026 was a clean pass with no advisories, as was the 2025 test, which indicates that whatever emissions issue arose in early 2024 has not recurred in subsequent annual examinations. However, the multi-defect nature of that failure, particularly the dense blue smoke, points to an underlying engine condition at that time, most commonly piston ring wear, valve guide oil consumption, or turbo seal degradation on the RCZ's 1.6 or 2.0 petrol units, and a prospective buyer should treat this as a key area for verification. The recorded mileage of 56,977 miles across approximately eleven years equates to around 5,180 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. The MOT record shows annual testing from 2020 through 2026 with no apparent gaps, suggesting the car has remained in regular use and on the road throughout this period rather than being laid up for extended stretches. Low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components and brake friction materials but can accelerate deterioration of rubber seals, flexible hoses, and tyres through prolonged stationary periods. This context aligns with the 2024 advisories for sidewall perishing on all three tyres flagged at once, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and it explains why tyre condition rather than brake or suspension wear has been the recurring advisory theme in the record. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas should focus on the components actually flagged in the MOT history, with particular attention to the emissions system given the 2024 failure. On a test drive, listen for any blue smoke from the exhaust on cold start, particularly visible on a cold morning, and monitor for oil consumption by checking the dipstick level before and after a sustained drive. The 2023 advisories noted slight corrosion to the ferrules on both front brake hoses, which is an early indicator of the kind of corrosion that can spread to the rigid brake pipes along the underbody and subframe on a vehicle of this age, so a thorough underbody inspection for rust on brake lines, the rear axle assembly, and suspension mounting points is warranted. The 2024 tyre advisories indicate that the sidewalls were already beginning to perish at that point, meaning replacement tyres should be expected imminently, and any candidate vehicle should be checked for age-related cracking on the current set. Beyond the flagged items, the test drive should focus on symptoms consistent with the RCZ's known mechanical weak points. Listen for knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn lower wishbone bushes or drop link deterioration, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or pedal under braking, which could indicate warped front discs given the car's tendency towards low-mileage corrosion pitting on brake components. Check for any pulling to one side under acceleration or braking, and inspect the engine bay for signs of oil leaks around the cam cover, oil filter housing, and turbo pipework if fitted. Given the 2024 blue smoke failure, a compression test or at minimum an oil consumption check is advisable before purchase, as the cluster of emissions defects recorded that day is not typical of a simple sensor or catalytic converter issue.