mg zs 180's. whats your thoughts?
Discussion
hi guys
as per the title really.
i have always been a rover fan and i am in need of a family car thats got some guts and is fun to drive but the g/f can drive too.
these fit the bill quite well, they are cheap enough i can just buy it out right with no worries, it can fit the buggy and car seat in for when our little one arrives in november and her indoors really like them.
i know they are thirsty and i am worried about head gaskets although im sure the 2.5 engines are nearly as affected.
to be fair 180 bhp for such a large car also makes think think how fast or how much fun they can be?
as per the title really.
i have always been a rover fan and i am in need of a family car thats got some guts and is fun to drive but the g/f can drive too.
these fit the bill quite well, they are cheap enough i can just buy it out right with no worries, it can fit the buggy and car seat in for when our little one arrives in november and her indoors really like them.
i know they are thirsty and i am worried about head gaskets although im sure the 2.5 engines are nearly as affected.
to be fair 180 bhp for such a large car also makes think think how fast or how much fun they can be?
I agree with Jon.
The KV6 is not the same as the K series, and the version in the ZS has no head gasket worries to speak of.
My best pal owns a ZS diesel, and I will always speak very highly of the way it handles. It has a firmer ride than a focus, but IMO this gives it a sporty edge unmatched by any in its class.
The ZS180 is a slightly different kettle of fish, in that it HAS rivals like the Civic Type R, but I still think it's a performance bargain. It drives very well, and comes with V6 growl. Great car!
The KV6 is not the same as the K series, and the version in the ZS has no head gasket worries to speak of.
My best pal owns a ZS diesel, and I will always speak very highly of the way it handles. It has a firmer ride than a focus, but IMO this gives it a sporty edge unmatched by any in its class.
The ZS180 is a slightly different kettle of fish, in that it HAS rivals like the Civic Type R, but I still think it's a performance bargain. It drives very well, and comes with V6 growl. Great car!
Papa Hotel said:
The general accepted wisdom is that the ZR and ZS are pure pump, the ZT somehow managed to become a properly engineered car. I had a 45 as a courtesy car for a couple of days once, it made me almost hate driving, can't see the ZS being better.
From the reviews I read, the suspension changes made it a very different car to the Rover 45.Judging based on the one owned by my friend, I'd have to agree.
Edited by Dimski on Sunday 9th May 23:20
Dimski said:
Papa Hotel said:
The general accepted wisdom is that the ZR and ZS are pure pump, the ZT somehow managed to become a properly engineered car. I had a 45 as a courtesy car for a couple of days once, it made me almost hate driving, can't see the ZS being better.
From the reviews I read, the suspension changes made it a very different car to the Rover 45.Judging based on the one owned by my friend, I'd have to agree.
Edited by Dimski on Sunday 9th May 23:20
The boyfriend of the receptionist at work has a blue ZS180, and every time I'm having a ciggie outside when he drops her off I'm 
It's not a bad looking bit of kit (the car), and he's fitted a set of quietly fruity aftermarket zorsts on it. So it sounds rather good as well. Eyelikeit.
It's not a bad looking bit of kit (the car), and he's fitted a set of quietly fruity aftermarket zorsts on it. So it sounds rather good as well. Eyelikeit.
Papa Hotel said:
I wasn't talking about the suspension changes, as a former ZR owner I've no doubts MG know what they're doing in that regard. The issue the 45 had was the steering, gearbox, clutch, interior... not stuff MG really took much of hand in.
Steering, seems decent, but I've not had extensive experience. Clutch he has just had replaced. Mind you, the car's done 100k. Interior? - The look and layout is not where near good enough, I'd agree. Every switch does not have the feel of a car like a focus, let alone Golf... However, it is wearing well. His has done 100k, like I said, and nothings falling apart, and there's no rattles. To be frank, it has worn the miles better than many mk4 Golfs I've seen. (Not comparing fit and finish, just wear after 100k...)It has not been a paragon of reliability though! He's suffered clutch, ECU, and Oil cooler in the last year, and replaced the injectors. (This last one was an optional change to SDI injectors.)
jon- said:
Not so fast in a straight line, but you'll do hard to find a more fun 4 door family saloon when you reach the twisties.
Try and ignore the 100's of doubters who've never actually driven one that will be sure to post below me.
A friend used to work for Carnelian ( the Rover dealer in Shrewsbury ). He said the ZS180 was his favourite car to take home for the weekend. I could appreciate why after the demo Try and ignore the 100's of doubters who've never actually driven one that will be sure to post below me.
Are you looking to get the mk1 or mk2? Think there both got same setup, same engine, just the mk2 looks a lot nicer (IMO). Friend of mine got one, i was thoroughly impressed when he took me for a spin! Very well balanced, and you wont be afraid to push it round corners! Quite a heavy car IMO, but thats more than made up for with the power. think its factory 0-60 is 7.9 seconds, nae bad for a lil family car!
The Crack Fox said:
They're OK, if you're asking, but there are plenty of others to consider.
Actually, is there? The ZS can be had for beer money, and it is in the CTR league for thrills. What else gets close on a pennies budget?I drove one for a few days some years ago, almost back to back coming from a Focus 170 thing, and the ZS was a far better drive, only spoilt by a dashboard squeak. I later heard a can of silicone spray cured that though.
If that is what you want, get one. It sounds like an ideal car for you in your situation. I got mine as a cheap everyday car that was fun, fast and could tow. I think its great, as does everyone who has been in it.
Perfectly comfortable, good handling, not too thirsty and pulls well.
Perfectly comfortable, good handling, not too thirsty and pulls well.
pitbull turbo said:
to be fair 180 bhp for such a large car also makes think think how fast or how much fun they can be?
It might be a big-ish car, but it's light. You can spec a modern Fiesta to the weight of a ZS180! I had a 180 saloon for a year or so. Nothing serious went wrong. The VIS (variable intake system) started rattling after a while - it doesn't affect the performance, but it's quite annoying and that's one of the more common faults. It can be fixed at home fairly cheaply though.
Performance was respectable and the creamy smooth V6 sound track is very pleasant (if a bit too subtle). The shell feels wonderfully rigid and the damping gave a good comprimise between ride and handling. Not too noisy on a run and consistently returned about 30mpg even driven quite enthusiastically with that silly barn door spoiler on the back.
Speaking of which, the saloon may look better (if a tiny bit chavvy with the big wing) and some people reckon it's more torsionally rigid - and handles better as a result - but the hatchback is a better bet if you need to carry big loads. Although the actual space inside the saloon is bigger it has a kind of strut brace type thing across the back which only leaves you with quite a small hole to poke stuff through from the boot into the rear seat space. Ironically, if you want to carry big things like mountain bike frames regularly, you might be better off with the smaller hatch.
As mentioned the key thing is price. For less than a replacement engine on a Type R you could have a full ZS 180. It might not be as good, but it's 90% as good for 40% of the price. You can buy a lot of track days or a lot of petrol for road trips or a lot of mods or whatever you want for the price difference.
I had a series of MGZS's on demo in both 120 and 180 trim.
The 180 is a very good engine and doesn't suffer the K-Series head gasket issues that the 120 can. (Can not 'all do')
I would say the V6 is very smooth so no sudden power delivery. Just a smooth surge of torque which won't be to all turbo engine fans tastes.
The handling is a revelation. I read a few articles where it was deemed that the ZS was the most transformed in MG trim from it's Rover counterpart. When all the suspension components are in good shape, the handling is genuinely excellent.
I think the hatchback looks a bit naff at the back on the MK1. (Pre-facelift)
The saloon looks very good especially with the OTT wing on the back.
Interior is very dated on the Mk1 and the MK2 with it's revised interior looks better but the quality of the materials is no wonder. However, everything seems to work and it's tough enough.
The seats are very comfortable.
Cutting to the chase, for the money it's an excellent car..
The 180 is a very good engine and doesn't suffer the K-Series head gasket issues that the 120 can. (Can not 'all do')
I would say the V6 is very smooth so no sudden power delivery. Just a smooth surge of torque which won't be to all turbo engine fans tastes.
The handling is a revelation. I read a few articles where it was deemed that the ZS was the most transformed in MG trim from it's Rover counterpart. When all the suspension components are in good shape, the handling is genuinely excellent.
I think the hatchback looks a bit naff at the back on the MK1. (Pre-facelift)
The saloon looks very good especially with the OTT wing on the back.
Interior is very dated on the Mk1 and the MK2 with it's revised interior looks better but the quality of the materials is no wonder. However, everything seems to work and it's tough enough.
The seats are very comfortable.
Cutting to the chase, for the money it's an excellent car..
Fire99 said:
Cutting to the chase, for the money it's an excellent car..
I agree. Not to everyone's taste and certainly engineered from an original blueprint from the early 90's (if not before). But independent suspension all around and decent amount of poke from the engine - what is not to like? Cheap as chips and in the later versions, actually handled well and is a bit of a bargain (and regarded as such in some of the motoring media). BUT, its from a different age though. Driving position is rubbish, cabin layout and trim is crap and I hate to think what the safety is like.But its cheap, cheerful and offers a decent car for not a lot of money. Whats to not like?
Oh yeah, its got 'that' badge....
;-)
Yep, that point is well worth reinforcing: There is a huge difference between a Rover 400 and an MG ZS behind the wheel. The Rovers really are as bad as they're made out to be (in 400 guise at least, I haven't drivena 45) but the ZS is pretty good. I'd certainly take one over a Focus ST170, which was probably one of its most direct competitors (and now nearly twice the price secondhand).
I'd also echo the comment that I've never heard of a head gasket failure on a KV6. Of course they must happen, but there doesn't seem to be a documented issue of it. Even with the 4-cylinder K-Series I think it's very sensitive to installation; for some reason rear engined Elises and MGFs seem prone to it - although still not as badly as made out - while Caterhams don't tend to. It's thought to be the length of the cooling circuit coincidentally...
I'd also echo the comment that I've never heard of a head gasket failure on a KV6. Of course they must happen, but there doesn't seem to be a documented issue of it. Even with the 4-cylinder K-Series I think it's very sensitive to installation; for some reason rear engined Elises and MGFs seem prone to it - although still not as badly as made out - while Caterhams don't tend to. It's thought to be the length of the cooling circuit coincidentally...
Papa Hotel said:
The general accepted wisdom is that the ZR and ZS are pure pump
WTF is "pure pump"? 
The general wisdom is that the ZS180 is an exceptionally well handling FWD car with enough power to make it interesting to drive. The KV6 simply doesn't suffer from general head gasket issues (at least, not after the version used in the Rover 800). The main snag to be aware of with this engine is the cost (or alternatively difficulty if DIYing) of replacing the timing belts. Many of the cheaper cars will need this doing.
Tiff Needell liked them as well.
pitbull turbo said:
hi guys
as per the title really.
i have always been a rover fan and i am in need of a family car thats got some guts and is fun to drive but the g/f can drive too.
these fit the bill quite well, they are cheap enough i can just buy it out right with no worries, it can fit the buggy and car seat in for when our little one arrives in november and her indoors really like them.
i know they are thirsty and i am worried about head gaskets although im sure the 2.5 engines are nearly as affected.
to be fair 180 bhp for such a large car also makes think think how fast or how much fun they can be?
My brother had one of these for a year or so.as per the title really.
i have always been a rover fan and i am in need of a family car thats got some guts and is fun to drive but the g/f can drive too.
these fit the bill quite well, they are cheap enough i can just buy it out right with no worries, it can fit the buggy and car seat in for when our little one arrives in november and her indoors really like them.
i know they are thirsty and i am worried about head gaskets although im sure the 2.5 engines are nearly as affected.
to be fair 180 bhp for such a large car also makes think think how fast or how much fun they can be?
Really a very capable car and quite fast too. Lots of fun to drive and a much better drivers car than many others in this price/performance/age range.
He also had no issues with it, in his ownership.
Jayho said:
Are you looking to get the mk1 or mk2? Think there both got same setup, same engine, just the mk2 looks a lot nicer (IMO). Friend of mine got one, i was thoroughly impressed when he took me for a spin! Very well balanced, and you wont be afraid to push it round corners! Quite a heavy car IMO, but thats more than made up for with the power. think its factory 0-60 is 7.9 seconds, nae bad for a lil family car!
I think they are around 1200kg, which is lighter than most 4 door saloon cars.And iirc it was more like 7.3 sec 0-60mph.
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