RE: Shed of the Week: MG ZS 180
Discussion
marshall100 said:
'sought after' when did this happen? at £795 it would suggest probably not.
Don't these also enjoy frequent visit's to the pump? like to the point where you really struggle to justify it.
Don't these also enjoy frequent visit's to the pump? like to the point where you really struggle to justify it.
- visits
Kitchski said:
Drawbacks? The ride is SHOCKING. I mean really, really bad. MGR couldn't produce a good ride and great handling.
Perhaps yours was broken or a previous owner had fitted stiffer springs? Mine had firm suspension, but it rode perfectly well, and the suspension was one of the best bits of the car.jazzyjeff said:
- visits
Only the same commute, my MR2 Turbo returned about 26mpg, my Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo about 28-30mpg and my current Type R Civic between 32 and 35mpg, all significantly higher performance cars. If it had either used less fuel, or was significantly quicker it would have been a keeper.
Edited by Mr2Mike on Friday 15th January 10:21
I had one of these for around four years. Brilliant, underrated cars-the chassis is sublime. One of the best handling FWD cars IMO. The engine could sing a bit too, especially with the Janspeed manifolds, decats and full exhaust I fitted.
The one car I really, really regret selling as it was a mint example and I'll never find another like it.
The one car I really, really regret selling as it was a mint example and I'll never find another like it.
Have one of these in trophy blue in saloon flavour, one of the best cars I've owned.
Keeps a lot of newer cars honest, yeah the interior is dated and the ride is a bit harsh but get it on a good backroad and you forget all that. Oh and the noise it makes with a decat and stainless exhaust is just epic.
Keeps a lot of newer cars honest, yeah the interior is dated and the ride is a bit harsh but get it on a good backroad and you forget all that. Oh and the noise it makes with a decat and stainless exhaust is just epic.
marshall100 said:
'sought after' when did this happen? at £795 it would suggest probably not.
They are sought after but mostly because they are harder and harder to find and the best ones left are in the hands of people who really love them. There's a reasonable number around but spread all across the country. Fuel economy seems moot given the cost of these now.If this car didn't look like a medical appliance it would be hailed as a classic.
The engine is really peppy, makes a lovely noise and is quicker than you might think. The car handles very nicely and stops well. What more do you need? Sadly it looks as exciting as an Invacar and had a similar clientele when new.
The engine is really peppy, makes a lovely noise and is quicker than you might think. The car handles very nicely and stops well. What more do you need? Sadly it looks as exciting as an Invacar and had a similar clientele when new.
I'm sure I remember one of the motoring press at the time describing it as "as much fun as an M5" or something similar. Before I get flamed, I'm not suggesting it actually is and having never driven one I'd not be able to offer an opinion. Having owned Hondas of a similar vintage, though, I can believe what people are saying about the handling.
Shows what entertainment you can get for next to nothing. The image might not be to everyone's taste, but in its own way that's part of the appeal. Reminds me of a P11 Primera I once had - another understated saloon with BTCC related underpinnings that went round corners at (surprisingly) high speeds...
I took the plunge and bought one after seeing one on a track day and not knowing its was a V6...
VERY Underrated. the engine is very lively once you modify the airbox, sounds great, the chassis is phenomenal for a FWD car out the box, feels ultra balanced and confidence inspiring.
No headgasket issues also, I would whole heartedly recommend, only reason I got rid was I bought an E46 M3, then sold it 6 months later and bought my MG back because I found it put a bigger smile on my face for a lot cheaper thrills...
Owned allsorts of cars and been around some of the finest and I still keep browing the classifieds for one when I need a fun runabout
VERY Underrated. the engine is very lively once you modify the airbox, sounds great, the chassis is phenomenal for a FWD car out the box, feels ultra balanced and confidence inspiring.
No headgasket issues also, I would whole heartedly recommend, only reason I got rid was I bought an E46 M3, then sold it 6 months later and bought my MG back because I found it put a bigger smile on my face for a lot cheaper thrills...
Owned allsorts of cars and been around some of the finest and I still keep browing the classifieds for one when I need a fun runabout
Dafuq said:
Hmmm, bit dull for me tbh, I know it has the V6 and all that but it still just reminds me of all those middle lane hogging hateful Rovers that were driven by grave dodgers. Just can't shake that 'keeping up appearances' image. Give us something Onslow would drive!
Silver doesnt help this one. The Racing blue, yellow (ok maybe not) and the metallic BRG work well (particularly the latter on the facelifted one)Owned one of these myself - in red...my first 'hot' car in fact.
Was great at the time providing me with fond memories and I might still have it were it not for the woeful quality of the ancillaries. That thermostat, jammed in between the 'V' of the engine, seemed to be made of blu-tack and was constantly squirting small amounts of bright pink coolant over the block. The replacements that I could find were of similarly low quality and this was the case with many parts for the car. It was certainly built to a price as was required by a company already half-way into the ground.
Still, it sounded ace, got my best friend to Bruges and back, had a huge boot, pulled well right up to the line and was as cheap as chips even 6 years ago - £1090 on eBay if I remember. Whilst I don't miss it I am sure a lot of fun could be had on track with it until it fires some liquid or other all over Brands Hatch making you very unpopular after a Vantage slides off behind you as a result. That sounds far more James Bond than I actually mean.
'Best handling FWD ever' as said by Tiff Needell the MG forums keep saying to this day. Not sure about that but it was thought of favourably at the time. Regardless of the image most PH'ers should appreciate what the car can do when it is working.
Was great at the time providing me with fond memories and I might still have it were it not for the woeful quality of the ancillaries. That thermostat, jammed in between the 'V' of the engine, seemed to be made of blu-tack and was constantly squirting small amounts of bright pink coolant over the block. The replacements that I could find were of similarly low quality and this was the case with many parts for the car. It was certainly built to a price as was required by a company already half-way into the ground.
Still, it sounded ace, got my best friend to Bruges and back, had a huge boot, pulled well right up to the line and was as cheap as chips even 6 years ago - £1090 on eBay if I remember. Whilst I don't miss it I am sure a lot of fun could be had on track with it until it fires some liquid or other all over Brands Hatch making you very unpopular after a Vantage slides off behind you as a result. That sounds far more James Bond than I actually mean.
'Best handling FWD ever' as said by Tiff Needell the MG forums keep saying to this day. Not sure about that but it was thought of favourably at the time. Regardless of the image most PH'ers should appreciate what the car can do when it is working.
paulyv said:
*snip*
Still, it sounded ace
Still, it sounded ace
- snip*
I found the best sound was a completely standard exhaust and air filter setup, but with the hose from the bottom of the air filter box to a resonator box removed.
I then cut the bottom of the filter box to act as a "scoop" just below the front bumper. Sounded like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjm-F0y1oS4
daemon said:
jl34 said:
Always thought the Mk2 saloon was a cracking car
Thats beautiful looking. I'd be quite happy with one of those tucked up in my garage.Much more handsome machine, looks like it means business. Unlike the vicar's chariot shape of the one featured.
FairfieldSteve said:
paulyv said:
*snip*
Still, it sounded ace
Still, it sounded ace
- snip*
I found the best sound was a completely standard exhaust and air filter setup, but with the hose from the bottom of the air filter box to a resonator box removed.
I then cut the bottom of the filter box to act as a "scoop" just below the front bumper. Sounded like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjm-F0y1oS4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGrJxTxPo-U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rqKG1Jz6Ac
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtrclO3CxAk
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