Tell me about ZS 180's

[pstruck]

I'm toying with a number of possible options for a £4k daily runner, the ZS 180 being one.

It's not a car I've really looked into much, as I have to admit to being guilty of thinking that it's just an old Rover in disguise (I know, I know, I am learning though).

If I was to look at spending £4k ish, presumably on a late, very good facelift model, what should I be looking out for and what questions should I be asking?

Any owners care to share a bit of experience with regard to running costs, problems and niggles, etc?

Thanks

[MG CHRIS]

After you look past the badge and everyone going on about rubbish they are then they are good cars. I have a early zs 1.8 the power difference between the v6 and 1.8 is not a big difference i think its about 60 bhp and you will strugle to get more than 30 mpg with the v6 however it does make a lovely noise. The v6 dont have the same problem with the headgasket problem than the 1.8 however get one with the timing belt already done as they can be expensive to replace, not had many other problem with my zs 1.8 apart from usual wear and tear, plenty of power for me anyway and good on a motorway cruise somebody should be able to give more experencie on the v6.

Edited by MG CHRIS on Tuesday 16th November 18:15

[TRUENOSAM]

I just took a ZS 180 as a p/x and its a very good car and admittidley I had underestimated them (because of the badge)

Nice to drive. Handles well and pulls very well. Oh and sounds awesome

[SparkFox]

MG CHRIS said:

After you look past the badge and everyone going on about rubbish they are then they are good cars. I have a early zs 1.8 the power difference between the v6 and 1.8 is not a big difference i think its about 60 bhp and you will strugle to get more than 30 mpg with the v6 however it does make a lovely noise. The v6 dont have the same problem with the headgasket problem than the 1.8 however get one with the timing belt already done as they can be expensive to replace, not had many other problem with my zs 1.8 apart from usual wear and tear, plenty of power for me anyway and good on a motorway cruise somebody should be able to give more experencie on the v6.

Edited by MG CHRIS on Tuesday 16th November 18:15

I drove both the 120 and the 180 before I bought my 180 - I thought the difference was bloody night and day personally!

I average about 20~mpg. 250 miles out of a tank, which, if you are using 95 RON at today's prices, is about £60.

Make sure the three cambelts have been done, normally with the water pump at the same time. Service interval is 60k or 6 years (I think!) so most of them should have had it done by now. Can't remember what I paid to have mine done.

Motorway is lovely, little bit on the hard side of ride comfort but that's for the twisties
Wish it would pull better from ~65mph in 5th gear on the motorway but that's what downshifting is for, I guess.

Good looking car, although some of the spoilers will attract Nova's and Corsa's at the lights - Not usually a problem.

Would highly recommend one in my biased opinion.

[Mr2Mike]

MG CHRIS said:

After you look past the badge and everyone going on about rubbish they are then they are good cars. I have a early zs 1.8 the power difference between the v6 and 1.8 is not a big difference i think its about 60 bhp

The ZS180 has over 50% more power than the ZS120 and 50% more torque. Personally I'd consider that a big difference.

[chris watton]

Mr2Mike said:

MG CHRIS said:

After you look past the badge and everyone going on about rubbish they are then they are good cars. I have a early zs 1.8 the power difference between the v6 and 1.8 is not a big difference i think its about 60 bhp

The ZS180 has over 50% more power than the ZS120 and 50% more torque. Personally I'd consider that a big difference.

I went from a 1.8 mpi MGF to a Trophy 160, with a 40bhp difference, and that too was like night and day - so a 60bhp margin is a huge difference - plus the extra torque from the V6, of course.

[shaun442k]

I've managed 31mpg average in mine over the last 2 months. That's with a sticking rear caliper.

Make sure the belts have been done, and that there are no ticking noises from the engine.
Check that the clutch works, although a long term fix would be the "sheddist kit".(Google it for more info).

Check that it pulls hard at 4.5k rpm(this is when the VIS opens up and is quite pronounced).

In my opinion, they could do with 20bhp more; this can easily be fixed by a decent cold air induction and cat back exhaust system.

[Mr2Mike]

shaun442k said:

I've managed 31mpg average in mine over the last 2 months. That's with a sticking rear caliper.

That's not bad at all, but have you been driving like an OAP?

[shaun442k]

Mr2Mike said:

shaun442k said:

I've managed 31mpg average in mine over the last 2 months. That's with a sticking rear caliper.

That's not bad at all, but have you been driving like an OAP?

In short... yes. I have to drive along an average speed camera 50mph section for 5 miles, followed by several villages. Too much traffic to bother overtaking most of the time.

If it makes a difference, I managed 27mpg this week..

[SparkFox]

shaun442k said:

no ticking noises from the engine.

Mine makes a couple of slight rattles when making progress past ~5,000 RPM, could this the be inlet manifolds starting to go?

[Mr2Mike]

Mine has been making a worrying rattle which I have tracked down to one (or probably both) of the short cam belts having stretched enough to flap against the side of the housing at certain RPM. Anyone seen this before? Car only has 65k on it, which from the condition, MOT's and service history appears genuine. I was going to change the belts anyway, I always do when I get a new (s/h) car so it's not a major problem.

[shaun442k]

SparkFox said:

Mine makes a couple of slight rattles when making progress past ~5,000 RPM, could this the be inlet manifolds starting to go?

It sounds like it could either be that or maybe a failed motor or actuator.

[Platinum]

shaun442k said:

Check that it pulls hard at 4.5k rpm(this is when the VIS opens up and is quite pronounced).

There should be a noticeable kick as well at around 3k rpm.


I average 30mpg and get mid thirties when on a run.

[SparkFox]

shaun442k said:

SparkFox said:

Mine makes a couple of slight rattles when making progress past ~5,000 RPM, could this the be inlet manifolds starting to go?

It sounds like it could either be that or maybe a failed motor or actuator.

There was a guide on checking the VIS motors on one of the forums, I'll have a look when I have a spare day! Cheers buddy

[wayne67]

i know its a bit late but mg rec 5 years or 90 k,price from £500 to £1000 so look around,should know have had 4 zs 180 from 02 up untill an 05 hope this help anyone in the future

[Mr2Mike]

wayne67 said:

i know its a bit late but mg rec 5 years or 90 k,price from £500 to £1000 so look around,should know have had 4 zs 180 from 02 up untill an 05 hope this help anyone in the future

I did my own with genuine MG parts and replaced water pump and thermostat at the same time. Really quite an unpleasant job, but certainly a DIY proposition for a reasonably skilled person. I managed to borrow the (expensive) locking tools, but they can be hired from various places.

[pstruck]

As the OP I should have closed this one off, as I have now bought my replacement based on the original list of requirements and have a Leon Cupra now sat on the drive.

Thanks for the info though, which may prove useful for anyone else with a similar list of requirments and considering the MG.