ZS180, Mk1 or Mk2?
Discussion
Been doing some serious research into these tonight, including chatting with an ex-owner friend.
An I correct in that it's purely aesthetic differences between the two? At my price range of £1500 to £2000, both are available but obviously only a few Mk2s. Are they likely to be dogs at this price?
Tidier Mk1, or bit of a bigger gamble on a Mk2 I suppose. The later cars look so much better though don't they....
I am also noticing that the timing of belt changes is playing a big part in the asking price of these cars.
Just how difficult is it to DIY? I've done other belts before. If its more "lengthy" than difficult that's ideal. I could actually specifically look for a car that does need one doing.
Any idea on the cost of all parts required for a belt change too?
An I correct in that it's purely aesthetic differences between the two? At my price range of £1500 to £2000, both are available but obviously only a few Mk2s. Are they likely to be dogs at this price?
Tidier Mk1, or bit of a bigger gamble on a Mk2 I suppose. The later cars look so much better though don't they....
I am also noticing that the timing of belt changes is playing a big part in the asking price of these cars.
Just how difficult is it to DIY? I've done other belts before. If its more "lengthy" than difficult that's ideal. I could actually specifically look for a car that does need one doing.
Any idea on the cost of all parts required for a belt change too?
Changing the timing belts is not a pleasant job, though it's certainly a DIY proposition if you are reasonably skilled. There are three belts, space is very tight and the correct locking tools must be used to do the job properly. You can bodge the job without them, but it is nothing more than a bodge and there is no guarantee the cam timing will be accurate afterwards. It took me the better part of a day, and having owned other cars with notoriously inaccessible timing belts (e.g. MR2 Turbo and Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo) I'd have to say the MG was the worst.
Not changing the water pump would be utterly foolish given the amount of work required to access it, and the tensioners should be changed without question, so factor these into the costs. You would be wise to change the thermostat whilst the coolant is drained as well; they have a habit of leaking as they get older.
One thing in favour of the Mk2 (apart from appearance) is that the door handles seem to be a bit more robust. The plastic used on the Mk1 handles seems to become brittle with age, and the threaded brass inserts used to attach the handles to the doors can pull out. This results in a slightly surprised owner holding a door handle that is no longer attached to the door.
Not changing the water pump would be utterly foolish given the amount of work required to access it, and the tensioners should be changed without question, so factor these into the costs. You would be wise to change the thermostat whilst the coolant is drained as well; they have a habit of leaking as they get older.
One thing in favour of the Mk2 (apart from appearance) is that the door handles seem to be a bit more robust. The plastic used on the Mk1 handles seems to become brittle with age, and the threaded brass inserts used to attach the handles to the doors can pull out. This results in a slightly surprised owner holding a door handle that is no longer attached to the door.
Brill - thanks. It will likely be a Mk1 - I think I just got a bit excited as I saw a couple of Cheap Mk'2s, but overall they are very rare and top end of budget.
I have actually been surprised at how little people are asking for Mk1's though - and on the face of it, not wrecks.
I have just missed out on one yesterday - I rang to have a look, I was expecting they guy to be wanting betwenn £1000 and £1500 -
The seller was really pleasant, talked me through the very comprehensive history, then simply said that there was a chap there now, and if I wasnt going to offer more than £650 then to save my time. Suffice to say I've asked him to let me know if the other chap changes his mind for whatever reason. A whole, working, MOT'd, V6 Sports Saloon, for £650... barmy.
Anyway - Ive fired off a tonne of emails and calls to get more details on all the cars near enough, over the next week I'll try view a few, and I'm going to bite the bullet and put my Mazda up for sale.
Ref cambelt - does sound a bit of a nightmare, I have done some before but based on how many people say its a particular PITA I'll try avoid it. It does make me wonder though, if theres any sense in borrowing an engine crane and just lifting the whole lot out first! Engines are sometimes not actually that hard to remove!
I'll keep looking...
I have actually been surprised at how little people are asking for Mk1's though - and on the face of it, not wrecks.
I have just missed out on one yesterday - I rang to have a look, I was expecting they guy to be wanting betwenn £1000 and £1500 -
The seller was really pleasant, talked me through the very comprehensive history, then simply said that there was a chap there now, and if I wasnt going to offer more than £650 then to save my time. Suffice to say I've asked him to let me know if the other chap changes his mind for whatever reason. A whole, working, MOT'd, V6 Sports Saloon, for £650... barmy.
Anyway - Ive fired off a tonne of emails and calls to get more details on all the cars near enough, over the next week I'll try view a few, and I'm going to bite the bullet and put my Mazda up for sale.
Ref cambelt - does sound a bit of a nightmare, I have done some before but based on how many people say its a particular PITA I'll try avoid it. It does make me wonder though, if theres any sense in borrowing an engine crane and just lifting the whole lot out first! Engines are sometimes not actually that hard to remove!
I'll keep looking...
I just sold my very tidy 2004 Mk1 with 75k miles on it and the belts all done and oil and filter just changed for £850. That stung a bit as it really was a very tidy car, but I needed the space ASAP as a neighbour has moved in and parking was getting a bit silly.
I'm doubt removing the entire engine and box would be worthwhile. It would ease access for the main timing belt but I think the extra work in removing and refitting it would significantly complicate the job unless e.g. it needed a clutch.
I'm doubt removing the entire engine and box would be worthwhile. It would ease access for the main timing belt but I think the extra work in removing and refitting it would significantly complicate the job unless e.g. it needed a clutch.
Edited by Mr2Mike on Thursday 19th April 18:37
Been to see two now. First one was a shed - tbh I only went as it was the nearest one advertised. Got a feel for the car though.
Second one this evening, much better, low miles, looked after and well kept but no belt done, and a bit expensive IMO. Interiors do seem a bit cheap and prone to wear especially the alcantara seats, but that's true for every alcantara seat I've seen whatever the car. Only other issues of note were one loose door handle (owner had fixed previous ones so not too fussed about that) and a bit of noise from what I gather is the VIS intake motors - again as a decent DIY mechanic I'm not toooo phased by this but it's a good bargaining tool. Car in general really was nice though and importantly seller seemed sound, backstory, mileage, reason for selling all fine etc.
I'm trying to work out whether the cheap one was indicative of the condition im likely to find all sub-£1000 cars in, or whether it really was just a crap car whatever the price.
Otherwise, tempted to make an offer on the second on the proviso that I really would want a bit off due to the lack of history... I have however decided I do like the ZS180 in general, which is good!
Second one this evening, much better, low miles, looked after and well kept but no belt done, and a bit expensive IMO. Interiors do seem a bit cheap and prone to wear especially the alcantara seats, but that's true for every alcantara seat I've seen whatever the car. Only other issues of note were one loose door handle (owner had fixed previous ones so not too fussed about that) and a bit of noise from what I gather is the VIS intake motors - again as a decent DIY mechanic I'm not toooo phased by this but it's a good bargaining tool. Car in general really was nice though and importantly seller seemed sound, backstory, mileage, reason for selling all fine etc.
I'm trying to work out whether the cheap one was indicative of the condition im likely to find all sub-£1000 cars in, or whether it really was just a crap car whatever the price.
Otherwise, tempted to make an offer on the second on the proviso that I really would want a bit off due to the lack of history... I have however decided I do like the ZS180 in general, which is good!
snotrag said:
I'm not averse to travelling for the right car... whereabouts are you?
So long as your prepared to email me a through description and some decent photos then I could well be interested...? Perhaps let me know the rough details here - saloon/hatch, year, miles, colour, MOT+tax etc...?
Message sent.So long as your prepared to email me a through description and some decent photos then I could well be interested...? Perhaps let me know the rough details here - saloon/hatch, year, miles, colour, MOT+tax etc...?
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