MG ZS 180

I've been looking at these, and the ZT's.

Every time i look at a ZS i quite like the look of them, then i see the interior and realise they didn't change much from the old 400 interior apart from the seats, even the facelift interior mings.
 
Nice cars but slighly lacking in the "kit" department.

Still a lot of car for a 2004 low milage V6.

Id be more tempted to save abit more and look at the ST220? (heated leather seats, cruies control, nicer sound, interior etc.)
 
It was a rhetorical question really, reasons as i see it are:

- Design is why behind the times of other cars from that generation
- Engine is a pain to service, belts as pointed out.
- Body pannels are very hard to come across.
- Interior design is woefull.
- General quality is pathetic.
- Crash safety is very poor.

Its like anything in this world, its sells for what its worth, no-one wants one so they don't sell for much, if it really was an amazing car they would command a higher price since they didn't exactly produce these in Mk3 mondeo quantitys.

Save some more money and buy an older ST220 then laugh at the MG driver who trys to tell you he's got a better car.
 
Cant comment on the ZS but Ive owned 2 ZT 190's and loved them both.

Not the most reliable cars by any stretch (cam sensors and clutches went on them both among other things). But I loved owning them overall & the V6 in them is one of the best sounding and smoothest engines Ive driven.

I would have thought that the ZS 180 would be the same engine so shouldnt be too disimilar.

Ive an ST220 now and although it is a superior car, dont write the MG off altogether because someone says so. As everything in life, its down to personal preference and if you fancy one and its in your budget then get out for a test in one and make your own mind up buddy.
 
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Parts are still being made, although admittedly some are harder to get hold of.

Last year XPart (the people who make Rover and MG parts) started making the coolant reservoirs for the Rover 800 again, and they ceased production in 1998.

I don't mind, keeps the cars cheap for me :D
 
I've had a ZS 180 for 3 years now. Love it. I don't agree with Firestar's assessment.

My only criticism of the car is the VIS motor/plenun arrangement which can lead to a bit of paranoia as to whether it's working at max power. A VIS indicator kit solves this paranoia though. It is also worth fitting a catch tank as oil vapour does get into the plenum chamber and can lead to the VIS motors failing early (£90 to replace VIS motor).

ZS 180s tend to be cheap because they are Rovers, and Rovers have a terrible image. Mondeos are likely better put together, but you'll pay a lot more for them. Depends what you want really.

That black ZS looks like a real nice car, but sticker price is a little expensive imo. Is the lifetime warranty from the garage? If so that's quite reassuring. The cambelt service in 1 year's time will probably cost £600. Parts aren't a problem. A couple of the body panels are more difficult to get, but most are available. If you were to do any significant damage in a crash it'll be written off anyway, so wouldn't let trouble getting a rear sprat put you off buying one.

When you test drive it make sure you notice a surge in power at 3k and 4.5k revs. If you do, the VIS motors are working fine.

http://www.themgzs.co.uk/ is a great site for MG ZS info. Someone on there may have owned that car before. There was only around 2000 made.
 
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Thanks Nor, I've been reading about this VIS motor issue with the 180. Where can I get an indicator kit from?

I'm not planning on paying more than £4k for that black one if I can help it.

When you say a surge of power at 3k and 4.5k will this be felt by going flat out in any gear?
 
Thanks Nor, I've been reading about this VIS motor issue with the 180. Where can I get an indicator kit from?

I'm not planning on paying more than £4k for that black one if I can help it.

When you say a surge of power at 3k and 4.5k will this be felt by going flat out in any gear?

The VIS indicator kits tend to be sold by enthusiasts. There's a couple of folk who do them on the various MG/Rover sites. It'd be worth you visiting a few of the MG sites before you take the plunge, just to see what owners say about their cars btw. 2 good sites:

http://mg-rover.org/
http://www.themgzs.co.uk/

I find the 3k/4.5k surge is most noticable in 2nd and 3rd, but it does happen in all gears. You'll also hear the engine note change too. The 2 VIS motors basically operate butterflies which maximise torque low down and bhp high up. The car can feel quite flat if they're not working. To be honest, I've had a hell of a time with them in my car. I'm only now (3 years down the line) getting some VIS Indicator lights :)

Regarding the surges/vis motors. Bottom line really is that if the car feels quite quick and responsive then they'll be working fine. If the car feels a bit flat and acceleration takes a while to get going, one or both of them may be faulty.
 
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I'm already a member on mg-rover.org as I previously had a ZR which was wrote off last week, hence looking for a replacement. These VIS motors do sound bothersome, but I'm sure they can be kept on top of.
 
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