I think I'm going mad - I'm considering an MG ZS! Any opinions welcome

ajgoodfellow

ajgoodfellow

ajgoodfellow

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Hi

I'm buying a new car in early April and I was originally considering a Seat Toledo V5 (thanks for the replies to my previous thread on this)

After looking around, and deciding that the Seat is a little bland, I quite like the MG ZS Saloon. Yes I know it's based on a 10 year old Rover 400 but I still like it! :)

Something like:

media


It seems to get promising reviews as to being a drivers car - they say that Rover's engineers have really pulled out the stops to turn the 400/45 into a drivers car in the guise of the MG ZS. Would anyone agree with this?

I'd like the V6 but the insurance on it is just too much (looking at £2k+) so it'll probably be the 1.8

This is the 1.8 K-Series engine with the fragile head gasket. I check my cars every week though - if I keep a close eye on the coolant level and buy one with a full service history, well looked after, etc does it help or am I doomed to suffer a HGF?

Is it better to get a low mileage example? Does this help with reliability?

I've heard about getting the cambelt done at 40k/4 years - are there any other issues?

Basically any comments, good or bad about spending £5k on an MG ZS are welcome!

Thanks!
 
ive not driven the zs.. but have driven the zr's they are ok.. but if i was to get a zs it would have to be the v6.. it really is the only one worth looking at.. ive been in one and they do shift quite well and seem to handle well also... but the interiors etc aint all that good on them..

best thing to do is find one.. take it for a test drive and see.. but id exspect the 1.8 to be alittle boring or "bland" :(
 
Personally I wouldnt because I cant stand the interiors. It was rubbish build quality compared to the 75 (ZT). I've seen a 54 plate facelift which (from the outside) looks a hundred times better than the pre facelift (apart from the back end maybe).

You could actually find a decent ZT for £5k with 160bhp or even 190bhp at a push. Only a few of these were K series engines (some were turbo charged) which i'd probably stay away from, or at best fit a turbo timer to them so that turbo cool down was achieved.

The ZT is a far better car IMO, and the interior (compared to some of the other range) is stunning and roomy...
 
I've got a friend who has the ZS V6 and it's a nice runner with good power right through the rev range. One thing that lets it down is the interior in my view, bucket seats are good but the dash finish is poor.
 
Thanks for your replies

I think I'll have to test drive it. 9 sec to 60 isn't all that quick but it's still a fair bit quicker than my previous 1.4 Astra :)

I did think about a ZT - my Dad's got a 75 and it's a nice car. Admittedly the ZT would be more my kind of thing but again the insurance on the V6s is a little pricey, although both are cheaper to insure than the V6 ZS coincidently!

The interior does look like a week point and it was greatly improved for the facelift models but these are out of budget
 
ajgoodfellow said:
Hi

I'm buying a new car in early April and I was originally considering a Seat Toledo V5 (thanks for the replies to my previous thread on this)

After looking around, and deciding that the Seat is a little bland, I quite like the MG ZS Saloon. Yes I know it's based on a 10 year old Rover 400 but I still like it! :)

Something like:

media


It seems to get promising reviews as to being a drivers car - they say that Rover's engineers have really pulled out the stops to turn the 400/45 into a drivers car in the guise of the MG ZS. Would anyone agree with this?

I'd like the V6 but the insurance on it is just too much (looking at £2k+) so it'll probably be the 1.8

This is the 1.8 K-Series engine with the fragile head gasket. I check my cars every week though - if I keep a close eye on the coolant level and buy one with a full service history, well looked after, etc does it help or am I doomed to suffer a HGF?

Is it better to get a low mileage example? Does this help with reliability?

I've heard about getting the cambelt done at 40k/4 years - are there any other issues?

Basically any comments, good or bad about spending £5k on an MG ZS are welcome!

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I probs qualify to help here, but have to be quick bcos im shooting out. If you want any more detai just mail me : [email protected]


The model you shown a picture of there is the 2.5 V6, which is a much nicer engine and looks better with the wing/bigger alloys.


If you're going to go for the 1.8, then get the + model, and get the saloon. The Hatch looks horrific.


Interior: Dash is bland, but works and is fine generally. Things definately squeek. They can be cured, often things need tightening - always someone on hand to tell you how.

Engine: Not had any problems with it at all, and i dont read of many.

The ride?: This thing LOVES backstreets. handling on spot on. Whilst its not putting out much power, you can have ** foot flat down on the bends (on my private track) and it grips and grips. (whether this happens in the v6 i dont know) suspension is hard, but ok on motorway journeys. Can b uncomfortable on long urban journeys.


I picked up a 52 plate ZS 1.8, low mileage, just serviced for £4,000.

Unless u can find the same, i wouldn't bother. Dont pay over 4.5K for a pre-facelift 120. If you can get the 2.5 Kv6


email me if u need more

Adam
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your reply - that's just what I was looking for!

I agree with you about the hatch - can't stand it myself so I'll definitely hold out for a decent saloon. The bigger spoiler and alloys are nice on the V6 too

That's a great price you got there - the prices I'm seeing at the moment seem to be a little steep - looking at £4.5 - 5k for a similar model at most places. I'll definitely hold out for a better price

Who are you using to insure it if you don't mind me asking? Just noticed your age so hopefully they'll be sympathetic to young drivers :)
 
ajgoodfellow said:
Thanks for your replies

I think I'll have to test drive it. 9 sec to 60 isn't all that quick but it's still a fair bit quicker than my previous 1.4 Astra :)

I did think about a ZT - my Dad's got a 75 and it's a nice car. Admittedly the ZT would be more my kind of thing but again the insurance on the V6s is a little pricey, although both are cheaper to insure than the V6 ZS coincidently!

The interior does look like a week point and it was greatly improved for the facelift models but these are out of budget
Click to expand...

The post facelift model I saw ('54 plate) was £5999.....bargain and ony 13,000 miles on the clock
 
I've only driven the 1.8. To me it seemed as slow as hel, but definately not a heavy car, it felt quite agile. But as with all FWD cars in the rain, it was a bit boring.
 
Whilst the Toledo may look bland, it's actually a very competent, very decent car.

The MG ZS is pretty much the opposite, really, with the possible exception of the V6.
 
I would get 1, i think they are cracking cars with either the KV6 engine, or the VVC k series, they are both fairly quick engines with the exception you can supercharge the V6, also it may be worth getting the new style head gasket put on VVC if u get that version apparentley a lot better head gaskets totally redesigned.
 
Hi

Cheers for the replies :)

It's not the VVC engine though - can I still get an uprated head gasket for the standard k-series engine?

Seems to be an expensive job to do anyway:

Maidstone Sports Cars said:
‘K’ Series Head Gasket Replacement. MGT, TF, ZR, ZS, ZT 1800cc

To drain all fluids and remove cylinder head. Replace gasket along with metal dowels. To check head. To refit using new gaskets and head bolts. To fit new cam belt and tensioner bearing. To change oil and filter and replenish coolant. To carry out road test and check for correct function of all vehicle systems.

Labour £342.00
Parts
Head gasket set £ 80.50
10 Stretch head bolts £ 68.90
Cam belt 1.8i Dependant on model £ 25.74
Cam belt VVC Dependant on model £ 48.04
Oil filter £ 5.65
4 Lt. Synthetic engine oil £ 34.50
3 Lt. Anti-freeze £ 9.00
Tensioner bearing £ 28.50
Sundries £ 10.00

All prices are subject to VAT.
Click to expand...

Comes to just over £700 all in with VAT! :eek: (link)

Are there any specific problems to look out for?
 
ajgoodfellow said:
Hi

Cheers for the replies :)

It's not the VVC engine though - can I still get an uprated head gasket for the standard k-series engine?

Seems to be an expensive job to do anyway:



Comes to just over £700 all in with VAT! :eek: (link)

Are there any specific problems to look out for?
Click to expand...


Im with norwich union, very sympathetic :)

You can get a 1.8 to VVC upgrade from PowerTrainProjects for around £600/700.

The 1.8K Series is a very light engine, if you can get it VVC specc'd it'd be a very good car to throw about :) I'm personally not bothering, instead saving up for my next car :) I do like the look of the MGZT 190
 
Goatyman said:
Im with norwich union, very sympathetic :)

You can get a 1.8 to VVC upgrade from PowerTrainProjects for around £600/700
Click to expand...

part of my dads company that :) (and before you ask, nah probably cant get you discount :p )
 
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