For the price of a small new city car you can have fun with a used sports car, still valiant. Focus on the sixth model in our selection with the Peugeot RCZ THP 200 (2010 – 2015) available on the second-hand market from €11,000.
If it is not signed Pininfarina like those of most of its ancestors, this RCZ coupé nevertheless benefits from a sculptural line – the ultimate work of Gérard Welter – in particular characterized by its double-embossed roof.
Derived from that of the first generation of 308, largely optimized, its chassis gives it a behavior of exemplary rigor combining running gear and ultra-incisive steering with in-house damping with small onions. Enough to reconcile efficiency and driving pleasure, even if those nostalgic for the old tricolor GTi will regret, here again, a rear axle that is too “locked”.
Front roominess and generous trunk (from 321 to 639 litres) for this 2+2 coupé with tiny rear seats. Barely more expensive than the 156 hp, but significantly less than the 270 hp of the R version, this 200 hp PSA-BMW 1.6 THP represents a good performance/price compromise. To collect urgently!
Reliability rating: 3 stars
Reliability sometimes tainted by engine problems, sometimes serious, typical of the 1.6 liter PSA-BMW.
The most recurring problems
- Engine
- power losses (fouling of the cylinder head, turbo solenoid valve, HP pump)
- overconsumption or oil leak (timing chain tensioner or seal)
- cylinder heads replaced
- problems with the cooling sensor, coils, valve lift, turbo, water pump, etc.
- Gearbox
- hard gears (clutch) or jumping (linkage to be adjusted).
- Direction
- loss of assistance (pump or rack).
