Looking for some thoughts about the MG ZS, i was planning on a civic but i also like the look of the MG ZS, accord, integra. They do some fairly fast times and the insurance groups are not to bad depending on engine, id obviously have to dump the stock spoiler for something smaller as i think its grotescque. Any owners ?
MG ZS?
- Thread starter Walkerie
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Soldato
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180 or 120 ?
A couple of people here have them, some have the 120 some have the 180.
A couple of people here have them, some have the 120 some have the 180.
either.
Soldato
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I've got a Mk2 Saloon 180 without the spoiler and I really like the car, I personally think it looks awesome from the outside, the interior isn't too bad (much better than the mk1) and the half leather seats are pretty comfy I find.
They are generally pretty much problem free although I've had to replace the thermostat on mine, which is stupidly in the V of the engine, so it wasn't a fun job getting to it.
Performance wise I'm very happy with it, people say 180bhp isn't that great for a 2.5 V6 but I find it more than quick enough and it does have a fair amount of torque, I can happily drive around in 5th at anything over 25mph and get up to motorway speeds quickly (or just knock it down to 2nd and get there in a few seconds), the handling is also very good.
Another big plus is that you can pick them up quite cheap, I paid £3500 for mine on an 04 plate.
They are generally pretty much problem free although I've had to replace the thermostat on mine, which is stupidly in the V of the engine, so it wasn't a fun job getting to it.
Performance wise I'm very happy with it, people say 180bhp isn't that great for a 2.5 V6 but I find it more than quick enough and it does have a fair amount of torque, I can happily drive around in 5th at anything over 25mph and get up to motorway speeds quickly (or just knock it down to 2nd and get there in a few seconds), the handling is also very good.
Another big plus is that you can pick them up quite cheap, I paid £3500 for mine on an 04 plate.
Soldato
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Yeah I just had a read of your thread, nice car, the head gasket failure (only applies to the 1.8) is quite common but as long as you keep an eye on the coolant and oil you should be fine.
Yes mate, i fully intend to! Whats the 2.5 like on petrol/insurance?
Soldato
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I get about 30 mpg and i can be quite heavy on the throttle lol. I pay £600 to insure it with 2 years ncb and my mum as a named driver. To the op if you go for a 180 the cambelt needs changing at 6 years or 90k miles, whichever comes first so if the one you look at is due for one the price should reflect it because the job will cost about £500 if you take it to a garage.
Same age as well?
Yes I know this but cars do deteriorate with age. A P Reg Civic and 54 Plate MG ZS are not comparable.
Did somebody say MG?
Right, first...the bad.
Common issues with these are (as already said) - VIS valves, £55 each to replace, the inlet plenum tends to go at around 60k - £450 to replace. That's about it...the KV6 engine in general is solid. Mine does see the redline a lot and I'm currently in Manchester and the car didnt miss a beat all the way up here.
The seats are very comfy, I think all the pre-facelift ones come with half leather seats to match the outside of the car.
Also the rear bumper on all of these does 'sag' - this is due to the fact they are not fitted properly. A simple fix brings it back into alignment
If you are looking for comfort features then look elsewhere. It has aircon and front electric windows.....the list pretty much ends there. The short shift gearbox is awesome, the car is relatively quick. Oh, at 60k it needs a cambelt change, budget £500 - £700 to do this. Me and a friend are currently looking into it ourselves to save an absolute packet.
The handling on these is fantastic, very similar setup (if not the same) as the Integra. Make sure you treat it with decent rubber and the car will look after you.
Most parts bar body panels are readily available. Most are written off if so much as a moth hits the wing mirror because you can't get hold of them.
Oh, you'll be pleased to know they have started making the KV6 engine again so soon parts won't be a rip off
Go and test drive one, they are a lot of fun and I think you willbe surprised
by how likeable they are. I wouldnt say it was a car for a 50yo though.
I paid £2.5k with 60k on the clock and FSH, and mines an 02 plate. There was a Trophy Blue (best colour ofcourse) 04 plate with 30k on the clock sold for 3k the other day...so there are bargains to be found!
