ZS 180, the best of the range?

[chris watton]

We are going to change our ageing, but reliable Clio 1.2 with a slightly larger family car before we move to Italy (I don’t think the old Clio is up to it, plus no air con!), and I am erring towards a ZS180, due to the low price and performance (compared to the Clio!)
I would prefer a hatch version, but a local garage, only 9 miles away has a four door version (the one with the huge spoiler), 16K miles on the clock and priced at £4,995!
Assuming the car is free from dents and other issues, does this represent excellent value for money?
I have also heard that the ZS is the best of the three MG saloon models (ZR,ZS and ZT) for performance/handling, is this true? (The wife already has an MG Trophy 160, which she loves)

I would have liked a ZT 190, but can’t find any with low mileage for around £5K, but a ZS is a good compromise, I feel.

Are there any issues I need to be made aware of before looking at it?

Cheers

Chris

[Kermit power]

If you remove the ZT260 from the equation, then by all accounts the ZS180 is probably the best of the range, although the ZT190 is supposed to be pretty good as well.

Given that the ZT260 isn't around for less than twice your budget, exclude that and yes, probably go for the ZS, but if you're moving to Italy, wouldn't you be better off with a left hooker?

[chris watton]

Kermit power said:

If you remove the ZT260 from the equation, then by all accounts the ZS180 is probably the best of the range, although the ZT190 is supposed to be pretty good as well.

Given that the ZT260 isn't around for less than twice your budget, exclude that and yes, probably go for the ZS, but if you're moving to Italy, wouldn't you be better off with a left hooker?

I have been looking very hard for LHD variants, but they’re either too expensive or too higher mileage. I just want a cheapish family car until we can buy an Italian registered car – plus I think it’ll be nice to have something a little different for a while, and at the same time, have some fun on the twisties.
I know the ZT190 is a very good car (and would be my first choice), in fact, I do feel all of the newer MG’s are criminally under rated, and have always been unfairly berated by the motoring press.