Shed of the Week: MG ZS 180

One lady owner, full service history and that V6 too - could this ZS be as good as it sounds?

One lady owner. What was the first thing that came into your head when you read that?

For Shed, 'one lady owner' very much depends on the lady. He would never buy a car off Mrs Shed, for example. He knows what she gets up to. He also knows she's no lady. In fact the jury's out on whether she's even a human being.

Bit of elbow grease should see this paint gleam again

Leaving all sex aside - which as it happens is Shed's life plan - 'one owner' is one of the bits you definitely want to pay attention to in the ad for this MG ZS 180. It makes you think they liked it enough to keep it for a long time. Then again, it might also be a sign that nobody would buy it off them at the price they wanted.

Either of those extremes could apply to a car like the ZS, but when it's a 180 you'd like to believe it would be the first option. If you 'get it' and can see past the subterranean brand and image, one of these could be all the car you ever needed.

Some unbelievers will tell you this as a bodykitted 400. Don't be fooled. It is a very sweet little thing. With a taut Civic chassis and fully independent suspension it's one of the nicest front-drivers you'll find, and a practical wee beastie to boot.

Under the bonnet, a 2.5 V6 with VIS, MG's version of VTEC. In standard trim this will deliver a noticeable midrange kick. The vendor of this car doesn't mention an induction kit, but he does tell us about a stainless exhaust, a worthwhile investment for both noise and longevity.

So much more than a Rover 400. Really

In amongst all the needlessly shouty stuff about radical 'add-ons' such as POWER STEERING, ABS, AIR CON and ELECTRIC WINDOWS (buy one capital letter, get one free) there's a far more valuable entry that's for some reason only partially capitalised: 'Full Service History'.

Another point that surely merited some mild shouting is 'cambelt changed'. Assuming that's happened in recent memory, you're making a decent saving there as this work isn't super cheap. They're supposed to be changed every 90,000 miles or six years. Worth looking that up in what you hope will be a nice thick wodge of service paperwork.

Mechanically there is little to fear from these 180s. They do not suffer from K-Series head gasket failure but VIS motors wear like any other moving part. So will the butterfly valve bearings in the manifold. Any sign of a top end 'death rattle' means it's time to change the manifold. Original clutch slave cylinders are made from a strange kind of biscuit once popular in the Midlands and should not be expected to last all that long. An upgrade greatly improves clutch feel.

The faults listed are insignificant. Kerbed alloys - who cares? Most Shedders could live with a busted CD player when there's a tuneful 2.5 V6 singing through an aftermarket exhaust. And as for faulty REAR PARKING SENSORS, well really, if you don't know where your car ends and the next one begins you should perhaps rethink your career behind a steering wheel.

More than enough good bits to overlook this

Boots are known to be a bit leaky. One thing MG was good at, though, was paint. These late cars were nicely finished and a machine polish will bring the black of this one up a treat.

Don't go buying a 180 if you're ecologically minded. MPG figures in the low 30s are doable, but if you take an open-hearted view about seeing numbers beginning with a 2 you won't be disappointed.

Anyway, forget all that economy nonsense. Despite the old man in a trilby appearance, these 180s are waiting to have fun. They're sought after by track day hounds for a reason and are getting increasingly hard to find in reasonably unthrashed condition. Spares are still available, though some are getting scarce and/or expensive. However, with the most recent service having been carried out not too long ago, this car should be ready for some instant plug and play action.

Don't knock it till you've tried it. Good value at £800.

Here's that ad.

MG ZS 180 2496 engine MK 2 with Body Kit and Rear Spoiler. Sounds AMAZING WITH STAINLESS EXHAUST - original replaced with new one as it rusted through
Full Service History, 1 lady owner. Cambelt changed. Reciepts kept for work done on car. Last service December 2015 with MOT, ends 22nd December 2016.
POWER STEERING, ABS AIR CON fitted as standard, AIR BAGS fitted as standard Heated Seats - fitted at factory, 17" ALLOYS FITTED - shows wear and tear from kerbs
ELECTRIC WINDOWS ALL ROUND,REMOTE CENTRAL LOCKING WITH 2X KEYS - 1st set replaced due to wear and tear £50 & 2nd second set showing heavy wear and tear RADIO WITH 6 CD CHANGER/PLAYER - changer needs to be fixed.
Part Alcantara and part black leather sports seats REAR PARKING SENSORS - currently has fault. I still have the original doc when car bought with all accessories listed. All add-ons pretty much added.
Please be aware, all goods will be sold as seen no warranty given or implied. I cannot be held responsible for any fault that may occur with the car after you have bought it.
To test drive, please bring valid UK driving license and proof of insurance.