Discussion
I didn't want to post this in the MG section incase I got bias responses.
Anyway, I'm on the look out for an MG with a budget of around £1500.
I'm looking at an MG ZS 180 Mk2, MG ZT 190 & 1.8t in both Mk1 and Mk2 styles.
The problem is, I just can't decide between them.
Some pictures of the type of cars I'd be aiming for.
MG ZS 180
MG ZT Mk1
MG ZT Mk2
I think I prefer the look of the ZS, but it's a bit basic, old design and my wife thinks it's for boy racers (I'm 32). On the other hand the ZT is more mature, but is it too mature looking? The ZT is apparently a world apart from the ZS when it comes to build quality and ride, but it's a heavier car and not as quick as the ZS.
Mileage wise, I'll only be covering around 3000 mile a year and the car will be insured on an MG Classic Insurance policy. Now here's the problem with insurance. The insurance company won't insure any driver under 30 on the ZT, my wife is coming up 29. It's not a big issue as she drives our main car. Insurance on a Mk1 2.5 V6 ZS is £190 a year. On the other hand my wife can be insured on the ZS, but it's £320 a year because a Mk2 ZS is less then 10 year old. There are two rates on the insurance, cars over 10 year old, and cars under, and they are priced differently.
The next issue, is the engine. If I opt for a ZT, do I go for the 190 V6 or the 1.8 turbo. The 1.8t can suffer from the usual HGF, but on the other hand the engine is much easier to work on than the V6 and can be remapped to around 190-200bhp. The V6 is a solid engine, MPG is nowhere near as good as the 1.8t, but it has more power out of the box, sounds great and can be remapped to around 200bhp I believe.
I also can't decide whether I prefer the Mk1 or Mk2 ZT. The Mk1 looks more sporty, but classic. While the Mk2 is a little bland, but more modern.
What I'm after is a car I can call my pride and joy, something that not everyone else has, and something with a bit of power. At this point I don't know whether I want fun, or comfort. My wife doesn't want me to buy a 'shed'.
I'm after some comments/feedback. Which would you choose in my situation?
Anyway, I'm on the look out for an MG with a budget of around £1500.
I'm looking at an MG ZS 180 Mk2, MG ZT 190 & 1.8t in both Mk1 and Mk2 styles.
The problem is, I just can't decide between them.
Some pictures of the type of cars I'd be aiming for.
MG ZS 180
MG ZT Mk1
MG ZT Mk2
I think I prefer the look of the ZS, but it's a bit basic, old design and my wife thinks it's for boy racers (I'm 32). On the other hand the ZT is more mature, but is it too mature looking? The ZT is apparently a world apart from the ZS when it comes to build quality and ride, but it's a heavier car and not as quick as the ZS.
Mileage wise, I'll only be covering around 3000 mile a year and the car will be insured on an MG Classic Insurance policy. Now here's the problem with insurance. The insurance company won't insure any driver under 30 on the ZT, my wife is coming up 29. It's not a big issue as she drives our main car. Insurance on a Mk1 2.5 V6 ZS is £190 a year. On the other hand my wife can be insured on the ZS, but it's £320 a year because a Mk2 ZS is less then 10 year old. There are two rates on the insurance, cars over 10 year old, and cars under, and they are priced differently.
The next issue, is the engine. If I opt for a ZT, do I go for the 190 V6 or the 1.8 turbo. The 1.8t can suffer from the usual HGF, but on the other hand the engine is much easier to work on than the V6 and can be remapped to around 190-200bhp. The V6 is a solid engine, MPG is nowhere near as good as the 1.8t, but it has more power out of the box, sounds great and can be remapped to around 200bhp I believe.
I also can't decide whether I prefer the Mk1 or Mk2 ZT. The Mk1 looks more sporty, but classic. While the Mk2 is a little bland, but more modern.
What I'm after is a car I can call my pride and joy, something that not everyone else has, and something with a bit of power. At this point I don't know whether I want fun, or comfort. My wife doesn't want me to buy a 'shed'.
I'm after some comments/feedback. Which would you choose in my situation?
ZS and ZT are totally different cars in terms of basic quality and modernity. The ZS traces back via the Rover 400 to the Rover 200 and the interior certainly shows it. The ZT is at least a moderately modern design, with lots of BMW influence, not least the excellent CDTI engine.
Personally I much prefer the Mk1 ZT, and I do rather like the ZT-T over the saloon to be honest. If you're only doing 3,000 miles per year, just go for a tidy ZT / ZT-T + 190. Listen carefully at idle for rattling from the inlet manifold and make sure you can feel the power VIS activate around 3,000 rpm when driving. The motors fail and the internals of the manifold break up - neither particularly difficult or expensive to fix though.
Bought mine for £1000, a little tatty, but did me well for 18 months, nice motor. Would have another one.
MG by binaryimage, on Flickr
Personally I much prefer the Mk1 ZT, and I do rather like the ZT-T over the saloon to be honest. If you're only doing 3,000 miles per year, just go for a tidy ZT / ZT-T + 190. Listen carefully at idle for rattling from the inlet manifold and make sure you can feel the power VIS activate around 3,000 rpm when driving. The motors fail and the internals of the manifold break up - neither particularly difficult or expensive to fix though.
Bought mine for £1000, a little tatty, but did me well for 18 months, nice motor. Would have another one.
MG by binaryimage, on Flickr
ZS 180 was always said to be more of a drivers car, and after trying one I can definately say they are great fun! Nice engine too, and great handling!
Not tried the ZT but would assume its gonna be more of a wafter than a racer!
maybe have a look on the mg-rover.org forums? Very helpful people on there! 
I'd personally get the ZS, but then again I'm a youngun who wants to upgrade from my ZR!
Not tried the ZT but would assume its gonna be more of a wafter than a racer!
maybe have a look on the mg-rover.org forums? Very helpful people on there! I'd personally get the ZS, but then again I'm a youngun who wants to upgrade from my ZR!
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