MG ZS Question - Semi urgent

[Muncle Trogg]

After some quick help if possible.

I'm going to be looking at an MG ZS 120+, the dealer has said the HG and belts have been changed but there are no receipts for this as it was done by a friend.

Are there any ways to check this has been done? It's low mileage (60k) so was thinking of insisting on a 3rd month warranty to be safe.

Any other pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks

[grahamw48]

Personally I'd steer clear.

Jobs as major as these need receipts,at the very least for parts, and also need to have been done properly.

I keep receipts for every penny spent on my car, and that hopefully shows any prospective purchaser that I am actually bothered to look after it properly.

There are plenty of 120s about.

Good luck anyway.

Get a diesel !

[timbo48]

If you have a look at the MG Rover Forum, specifically the MG ZS one, there's a post about this (you might have to look a bit further back in it). Apparently the new HGs have a tab that sticks out beyond the head, the article shows you where. However, I'd go with the previous posters view. Receipts and a professional job are really necessary. Even then, there are some garages that understand these engines a lot better than others. We went to have a look at a ZS180 not so long ago. Immaculate, virtually one owner and complete service history. The cam belt box had been ticked in the service manual but no receipts available. This isn't a cheap job, you couldn't loose this on a garage bill like you might oil, etc, so we walked away. Pity, but it's the only thing to do. Changing the subject, I do wish that advertisers both here and on other sites would make more of the service history on used cars. You can tell most things from pictures and if you're after a specific model, probably know about what it comes equiped with already. But you can't tell whether the cambelts, HG, Vis motors etc have been done unless stated.

[Muncle Trogg]

Thanks guys.

Didn't even get as far as speaking to the dealer. The car was parked outside and was tatty to say the least. The fact he failed to mention that the drivers seat was torn to shreds on one side made me question his integrity so just walked away.

Have found a couple more a bit further afield so that's the weekend sorted. Have also got a nice 1995 Golf VR6 to have a look at.

[grahamw48]

I always have to laugh when dealers quip about the 'normal' wear and tear on the driver's seat bolster in the MGs (half-leather). True, some are in a real state.

After 80,000 miles, in and out all the time, mine are perfect.

We're not all clumsy buggers.

My pet hate is cars that have regularly had dogs in them. Worse than smoking.

Don't give up on the MG. There ARE some nice ones about. They're fantastic value for money and the handling is brilliant, even on the (ultra-reliable) diesels.

Just make sure it has decent quality tyres on though.

Edited by grahamw48 on Wednesday 13th April 15:57

[MrKipling43]

EPIC THREAD HIJACK!

Rather than start a new one, thought I'd ask here.

I'm looking at getting an MG ZS, done some research but PH is always more helpful I find.

So, is there anything in particular I should be wary of/looking out for?

Thanks chaps.

[Muncle Trogg]

Update.....

I have just put down a small holding deposit on a dark metallic grey ZS 120+, subject to full test drive (checked it all over but it was blocked in on all sides).

It's done 67k miles and has just had the belts, water pump and head gasket changed, as well as 2 sensors, a new set of tyres and a new MOT.

Bodywork had a few small dinks but nothing major and no rust. Hopefully the missus won't mind sticking £1400 on her credit card tomorrow!

Edited by Muncle Trogg on Friday 15th April 13:11

[grahamw48]

MrKipling43 said:

EPIC THREAD HIJACK!

Rather than start a new one, thought I'd ask here.

I'm looking at getting an MG ZS, done some research but PH is always more helpful I find.

So, is there anything in particular I should be wary of/looking out for?

Thanks chaps.

I've only had diesels...used for work, doing high mileages.

On these, belts changed (preferably full set) around 48,000 miles on later cars. About 80,000 on early (pre-2001 ?) You'll need to check that.

Kent-engined ones... usual head gasket checks.

To be honest, mine have been very reliable and have needed nothing but consumables (maybe 250,000 miles driven), so not much to add.

Rust is certainly not an issue on later cars. Rear wheel arches used to get a bit ragged sometimes if neglected on 1990s ones.

The mgrover forum is excellent, and loads of advice on this model.

[Kitchski]

Problem is changing the head gasket isn't a guarantee that the engine is sound. If the liners had sunk and someone has just popped a basic single layer gasket in there and reused the old bolts for example, it'll go again. H/G's don't fail on any engine for no reason, even on a K theres a reason (or a combination of them).

Reciepts for thermostats, coolant bottle caps, head refacing....anything related to go with it is golden IMO. It means someone has bothered to try and find out WHY it went in the first place, rather than just mask over an underlying issue with a new gasket. If you're really bothered you could ring the garages that have done the work posing as a potential customer and ask for advice on the K-series to gauge which direction the garage probably steered the repair. On a car worth £1k though? You probably just take the risk!