MG ZS buying advice?

MG ZS buying advice?

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petrolsniffer

Original Poster:

2,461 posts

173 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2015
quotequote all
Hello all MG fans.

Insted of starting a what car/ownership experience thread In general gassing and get the usual headgasket,MG are FAIL crap etc.

I'm going to go look at an MG ZS 1.8 120 this weekend it has part service history and importantly it had a headgasket around 10k ago along with the cambelt and waterpump.

Anything else I need to look for?

I'm totally new to Rover/MG I have experience looking around cars but I know some have quirks or specifics when you're looking around to buy.

Also my commute is around 7 miles My puma just gets upto temp around half way but I never give it the beans all under 4krpm will a ZS hold upto this I understand if the HG is done 'Right' the first time it shouldn't be a problem later?

Edited by petrolsniffer on Tuesday 3rd February 10:49

onyx39

11,109 posts

149 months

Wednesday 4th February 2015
quotequote all
petrolsniffer said:
Hello all MG fans.

Insted of starting a what car/ownership experience thread In general gassing and get the usual headgasket,MG are FAIL crap etc.

I'm going to go look at an MG ZS 1.8 120 this weekend it has part service history and importantly it had a headgasket around 10k ago along with the cambelt and waterpump.

Anything else I need to look for?

I'm totally new to Rover/MG I have experience looking around cars but I know some have quirks or specifics when you're looking around to buy.

Also my commute is around 7 miles My puma just gets upto temp around half way but I never give it the beans all under 4krpm will a ZS hold upto this I understand if the HG is done 'Right' the first time it shouldn't be a problem later?

Edited by petrolsniffer on Tuesday 3rd February 10:49
Not sure about head gasket not failing more than once, I believe it can.
I own a Tf, so no general experience with the Zs, I would be inclined to have a look on Mg-rover.org, where they deal specifically with Rovers. Good luck.

Ricwin

24 posts

146 months

Thursday 5th February 2015
quotequote all
Get yourself onto TheMGZS.co.uk and ask the same question. You will get alot of information and sound advise when looking for and after you buy a ZS.

Headgaskets can still go, however the MLS gasket designed by Landrover (multi-layer steel) will last much longer and is a more robust gasket.

Main thingts to check are pretty general; service history, general condition, headgasket/waterpump/timing belt/tensioner all changed during that big service you mention 10k ago, also check for receipts for the parts. Make sure that none of the pipes are leaking out and that the alternator is able to put out 13.5v (or there abouts) without making any noise.
Fortunately the ZS isn't a particularly advanced or highly engineered vehicle so theres not much to go wrong. Biggest problem for MGR cars is rust (shock horror) around certain points. Wheel arches are a favourite, as can be around the side repeater/indicator housing.

The MG ZS is probably the best handling car that MG Rover ever put out, on par with the mighty V8 rear wheel drive ZT and 75 depending on what you prefer and how you drive. One of the biggest plus points which is often noticed but not commonly mentioned is the driving position. Everything just feels perfect, in the right place, visibility is excellent, front seats are very supportive and comfy on long trips. I got in my ZS 180 and instantly felt comfortable and confident driving it without ever being in a ZS before.

Best advise I can suggest is dont bother with the 120 and get the 2.5 V6 powered 180 biggrin
If you are sticking to the 120, then let the engine warm up before you start giving it the beans. Headgaskets can last as long as the car if you keep below the 2k mark until the engine is warm. The K series is a cracking little engine and will look after you if you look after it.

petrolsniffer

Original Poster:

2,461 posts

173 months

Thursday 5th February 2015
quotequote all
Well I bought it smile

Pretty much perfect the history checks out the cambelt,waterpump,headgasket etc were all done at the same time at the cost of £570.

Well happy with it don't know what the fuss about MG is although I'm used to french cars so maybe i'm easily pleased.

ash7990

7 posts

167 months

Tuesday 3rd March 2015
quotequote all
Wouldn't worry about the head gasket. My Rover 45 with the same 1.8 litre engine has done 160k miles and still going strong. The original lasted until 130,000 miles when I replaced it after driving around with a coolant leak.

If you look on the positive side HGF could almost be considered a good thing http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/imgs/9.gif, ~ as these days there are MG Rover specialists that will change your head gasket for about £300, or a bit more if you want a new timing belt/tensioner or new water pump etc. (which is advisable as water pumps tend to leak very slowly on these anything from 60k miles onwards). People pay this sort of figure everyday in the garage I work at just for a routine service or brake pads/disc replacement on there boring Ford Fiestas. For the same money you are getting a top end re-build with all new top end gaskets AND also timing belt change - which remember is serviceable item that would normally cost about £300 alone! Bargain really.

Only other serious things to look for is rust around the front floor pan near the jacking points, I have seen on one car rust building up under the roof gutter trims.

Everything else is minor such as:

Heater blower not working on all 4 speeds - heater resistor pack roughly £15 for a new one on ebay.
Weak door handles - can be repaired, but probably better off buying new ones and getting them painted
Clock missing some digits - replaced the clock again about £20 on ebay

Edited by ash7990 on Tuesday 3rd March 10:24