Things to look out for on MG ZS 1.6+

[spanna123]

Just bought a 55-plate ZS 1.6+ with 40k miles from a vauxhall garage.
Any problems that often occur with these that I can look out for?
Thanks.

[MGJohn]

spanna123 said:

Just bought a 55-plate ZS 1.6+ with 40k miles from a vauxhall garage.
Any problems that often occur with these that I can look out for?
Thanks.

I've had a 2003 ZS120+ since new. 1.6 engine in your car is very similar to the 1.8 one in my car. There have not been any problems at all let alone those that "often occur". Car mainly driven by my wife and after 43,000 miles, I've had to fit new brake pads all round and two new tyres on the front ~ car has only ever visited professional premises for its MoT. I have serviced the car myself throughout since day one.

Like all cars regular maintenance is essential and above all, regular checks of all the basics as recommended by all manufacturers will enable the owner or driver to identify early any potential problems arising before they become BIG.

I believe the 1.6 was introduced to enable younger or less experienced drivers to drive a ZS in a lower insurance group which means in effect a less costly entry level car ~ the ZS180 and 120 are in higher groups IIRC.

Although none of the several K-Series cars in my family have ever experienced cylinder head gasket damage, the larger capacity K-Series have a reputation for so called head gasket failure. If you are the sort of driver who never lifts the bonnet to check things unless things go wrong ... Guess what..

Unless you personally know the car since new, it's rarely possible to know how a used car has been cared for or abused prior to buying it. A full service history may not be worth the paper it's written on although it can help. So check ALL fluid levels frequently particularly the coolant level in the expansion bottle. Steady loss of coolant over a period can be caused by many things and if it gets progressively worse, it could lead to severe overheating causing damage to the gasket or more expensive parts of the engine. So check frequently until you are confident that all is well and even then, a quick check say once a week is advisable ... on any car.

Our MG ZS120+ is a delight to drive and has been 100% reliable since day one. We plan to keep it another six years .... mainly because although she is not a car enthusiast, my other half really enjoys driving this MGZS. I can understand why, prior to this car, they were simply a means of getting about for her.

Good luck with yours...
..