MG ZS 180

[gigybeast]

Hi all

My dads just got this yesterday, done 44403 miles and MOTs to prove the mileage, literally immaculate condition apart from a couple nicks in the wheels, 3 owners, last one had it for 13 years, £500 paid, money pit or bargain?

[InitialDave]

Probably a bargain, but check it over thoroughly for rust in the front end (I don't care if it has an MOT, so did mine), and be prepared for the clutch hydraulics and the thermostat to fail.

[gigybeast]

Okay mate, lived in a garage, no sign of any rust anywhere, clutch feels fine, weird travel on throttle pedal though, normal?

[InitialDave]

I've never noticed the throttle pedal feel odd, I did have an issue with it staying slightly open from small openings, but it was just a bit sticky and needed the springs etc cleaning of gunk.

Normally what people comment on with the pedals is the clutch pedal can ride a little higher than the brake.

Clutch hydraulics aren't really a feel thing - they're plastic and just let go completely, plus can't really be bled out. Bes option is a "shedist" conversion using metal Civic parts.

[baconsarney]

Check when the belts were done, I can’t exactly remember the miles/period between belt changes, bit expensive to get them done, it isn’t over the mileage but should have had maybe two changes based on age (IIRC)... if they let go it’s likely game over... also viz valves in the inlet box, they change the tract length but if they’re not working as they should it will be down on power... had mine for three years and it stayed in the family for another seven.... grip and handling were epic

[Sixtyten]

I have one, used as a daily runner for 15 years. It's resting in the garage at the moment, waiting to be resurrected in the event of a no (lease) deal.

A few things to note

Watch for the ABS reluctor rings. They will fail.
If the heater isn't working properly it's the resistor (located behind the glove box).
The SRS warning light can stay on, footering with the molex power block under the front seats usually resolves that.
If the boot is full of water, check the roof seals.
If it's leaking coolant, it'll be a crack in the thermostat, not head gasket failure.
New starter motors can't be had, so a reconditioned unit is the only option.
Check that the inlet manifold doesn't rattle. If it does, it's on the way out. Also you should notice a surge when the engine reaches 3500 rpm. If there isn't one, then the VIS motors have failed.