Why are these so cheap?

Tommy B · 9 May 2008 at 17:02

MG ZS 2.5 v6 180 bhp (2002) for £3K
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/326633.htm

I understand the whole issue with MG but this seems too good to be true. As a 19 year old, I could insure, tax and drive this for under £5k.

I'm looking at possible first car choices at present as my parents have agreed to put something towards a car for my 20th in September. The thing is I'm having trouble finding a happy medium between performance, fuel consumption and reliability. I'll also spend about £500 to £1000 kitting it out with new filters, exhaust etc.

Right now I'm looking at 325is and Hyundai coupes.

Cheers

rG-tom · 9 May 2008 at 17:07

MK2 mondeo v6 ghia x / ST24 is a better handling car for less money that are generally more reliable and have more readily available spares.............but are a couple of years older, but are 1/2 to 2/3rds of the price.......

The MG's arent renowned for their reliability or handling, but do seem a good buy

act smiley · 9 May 2008 at 17:21

I thought the ZS was supposed to handle well, seem to remember some Evo review of it someone linked to last time they came up being quite praising. As for reliability, its the V6 so its not too bad, and the rest of its largely based on '90s Civics - its not got a perfect record but its not dreadful.

As for the logic of the "get new exhaust, filter etc.", don't think there's much point in that. Waste of good money, especially on the insurance front, just keep it well serviced and put good tyres on it.

Tommy B · 9 May 2008 at 17:24

rG-tom said:
MK2 mondeo v6 ghia x / ST24 is a better handling car for less money that are generally more reliable and have more readily available spares.............but are a couple of years older, but are 1/2 to 2/3rds of the price.......

The MG's arent renowned for their reliability or handling, but do seem a good buy

Looks like an even better buy. Insurance for that comes in at £1,200pa.

The thing is, should I buy such a powerful car as my first car or start off on something more economical?

Kappa · 9 May 2008 at 17:45

Tommy B said:
The thing is, should I buy such a powerful car as my first car or start off on something more economical?

Depends how much $$$ you gotz homey

ajgoodfellow · 9 May 2008 at 17:53

rG-tom said:
MK2 mondeo v6 ghia x / ST24 is a better handling car for less money that are generally more reliable and have more readily available spares.............but are a couple of years older, but are 1/2 to 2/3rds of the price.......

The MG's arent renowned for their reliability or handling, but do seem a good buy

OK, hang on. That just isn't true

The MG ZS 180 is one of THE best handling FWD cars made. Just read a review in Evo!

The Mondeo, although a decent handler, just isn't on par

It's cheap due to attracting £400+ road tax next year coupled with the fact that MG Rover went bust. Go to http://forums.mg-rover.org/ for some decent advice on buying one

Check that the cambelt has been done - this is a huge, very expensive job!

Howard · 9 May 2008 at 19:06

rG-tom said:
The MG's arent renowned for their reliability or handling

They are actually

Well the handling, anyway

rG-tom · 9 May 2008 at 19:18

whoa lets not get carried away here.....best handling front wheel drive car ever made? Are we forgetting the Honda Integra DC2/5, the Clio williams, the Lotus Elan etc? Maybe I went a bit far saying the deo is a better handler assuming it wasnt too far different from the Rover 400 et al though

The road tax is a big issue that i'd forgotten about too, it's only £205 a year on the deo.

ajgoodfellow · 9 May 2008 at 19:19

I said one of the best, not the best

silversurfer · 9 May 2008 at 19:21

Civic vti?

Phate · 9 May 2008 at 19:29

Lots of info in my very recent thread. http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17870466&highlight=startername_Phate

Rwac · 9 May 2008 at 19:31

You can get MG ZT's for 3k - theres one round the corner from me up for 2k!

[TW]Fox · 9 May 2008 at 20:47

ajgoodfellow said:
The MG ZS 180 is one of THE best handling FWD cars made.

No it isn't. Posting stuff like that just undermines the other, accurate, opinions about the ZS. Evo liked it but it isnt one of the best handling FWD cars ever made!

Ed · 9 May 2008 at 22:06

ajgoodfellow said:
The MG ZS 180 is one of THE best handling FWD cars made.

When I had a go in one, I liked it, but it wasn't on par with my old Pug 309 so it can't be that good.

dalin80 · 9 May 2008 at 22:14

[TW]Fox;11657344 said:
No it isn't. Posting stuff like that just undermines the other, accurate, opinions about the ZS. Evo liked it but it isnt one of the best handling FWD cars ever made!

Its certainly better then the st24, the handling is the thing they got spot on wit hthe ZS 180, even if the steering lock can leave you stranded on occasion.

[TW]Fox · 9 May 2008 at 22:31

dalin80 said:
Its certainly better then the st24

Which despite being the best handling car in its class is also nowhere near being one of the best handling FWD cars ever, either.

mattpc · 9 May 2008 at 22:32

Don't think it's too good to be true at all tbh. But then again each to their own.

Dolph · 9 May 2008 at 23:30

I found the MG nose-heavy and not as good a handler as my 5 door Civic VTi, which would also cost a lot less each year to tax....

aproctor · 10 May 2008 at 00:23

Third Opinion said:
Q. I am looking for a small car?
A. Don't bother, get a Mondeo.

Q. I am looking for a big car?
A. Mondeo.

Q. I am looking for a fast car?
A. Mondeo ST something.

Q. I have 5-6k to spend?
A. Get a Mondeo.

Q. I have 11-12k to spend what car?
A. A Mondeo.

Q. My dad needs a car
A. A Mondeo, possibly estate.

Q. I am looking for a cool car.
A. Mondeo with a spoiler.

[TW]Fox · 10 May 2008 at 00:25

Spot on.