10th Dec 2005, 17:38
"Watch out for the Head Gaskets"
Tripe.
The V6 engine in the ZS 180 is the MK2. The MK1 - from the Rover 825 Sterling - was the one with the head gasket trouble. The one in the ZS 180 had been completely overhauled and uprated by the time it made it into the Rover 75 and the ZS 180.
So hows about you actually do some research before mouthing off eh?
BTW: @Author - Your 323 BMW probably cost over £22.000 brand new; the ZS on the other hand probably cost under £16,000, if that. Of course, it is bound to be no where near the quality of your Beemer because the BMW commands more of a premium over the ZS.
Get over it.
13th Dec 2005, 15:14
These cars certainly aren't slow, if you want slow by a Fiat or something. They're are generally very reliable cars, and very fast. You have been very unlucky.
10th Jan 2006, 04:46
Just wrote my 54 mk2 off, 720 spin up an embankment. Minor damage to look at, but shattered front suspension and chassis. Both walked out unharmed. Well annoyed.
Meant to be bad luck to buy the same car, have to settle for a 182 or something. Fuming.
10th Jan 2006, 10:42
Settle for a 182? That car would leave the zs180 for dead in any situation, anyway why settle for the far superior 182? Just get another slow zs180.
14th Feb 2006, 20:11
Bought a limited astra turbo, and can say it is much more refined and a hell of a lot quicker than both the above.
22nd Mar 2006, 04:56
I have a 53 plate ZS180. Current mileage 74,000. In just 27 months, that isn't bad going. My brake pads are being replaced for the first time, but still have plenty of life in them. The car returns an average of 30-33mpg. The car has NEVER broken down, and has only been into the garage for routine maintenance.
Performance - I don't know how we get to the previous comments. This is a seriously quick car. Perhaps the above drivers just don't know how to drive them properly. I have embarrassed Scoobies and M3/M5's before now. USE THE GEARBOX! Power comes in above 3500k revs, and the KV6 likes to spin, just like all K-series. I'm not saying that the ZS is an out-and-out Scooby eater, but the ZS WILL perform if driven correctly.
Handling - for a front wheel drive car, this is sublime. Because of the high mileage I do, I go through a fair few cars. The ZS clings to the road beautifully, and you really have to struggle to get it to under-steer, and I do mean struggle. My springs are starting to get tired now, and I shall be looking to replace with Eibach's or similar, but as stated above, I have done 74k miles and still going strong. I'll even go as far as saying that I feel 'braver' on corners in the ZS180 than I dare with my lightweight Elise, and that is saying something!!!
Believe me, I drive my cars hard, and the ZS gives me a big grin time and time again. With the demise of MGR, the ZS180 can be picked up for peanuts, and usually they are good clean cars with low miles. Bargains to be had.
As for mine, I added a K&N air filter and a X-Power (Janspeed) S/steel back box. When you open it up, this thing roars like a goodun! The V6 sound attracts a lot of 'looks' by people who are probably surprised by what might be seen as a 'normal' saloon. Happy days!
4th Apr 2006, 02:59
I have a 54 plate ZS 180 and it was excellent value for money (bought just after MGR went bust)
As the other poster said it really does cling to the road, I'm not sure why other people slate the car, they probably haven't driven one, it certainly puts a grin on my face!
The interior isn't the best quality, but it is a lot better than any VW or SEAT I've sat in. I was looking at a Leon Cupra 225, but was disappointed with the interior and performance of the car.
As for someone saying that an Astra Turbo is more refined, I disagree, I have also driven one of these and the power delivery was poor compared to the ZS 180.
16th Apr 2006, 07:13
After reading all the comments, I'm confused with MG ZS 180! Saw a local add for a new one at £9995 and been wondering if it's worth-buy. Checked some of the used car, one can get a 6-mth old 12k on clock for £7495, so it had dropped quite a bit after 6 mths. I'll be doing 12k miles a year and the only concern I have is that will there be any problem getting parts after they've all gone? Also thinking about Mitsubishi Lancer Sport at £11000 or thereabout, but surprise to learn that the service interval is 9k miles compared to 15k miles on MG ZS as advised by dealer. Any comment is greatly appreciated.
2nd May 2006, 06:26
Hi, there is no problem with parts, as there are warehouses full of them!
Yes, the long service interval is a bonus, but I will be looking to have an oil-change in between times anyway.
My car is 18 months old and has done 37k...
For more info visit http://forums.xpowerforums.com or http://forums.mg-rover.org
18th May 2006, 02:39
I purchased a 180 in Nov`05 without a test drive and I have no regrets. Handling is superb, acceleration likewise.
It certainly has put the fun back in my driving.
You get looks as well, from all ages!
I am glad I waited for Mk2 as the interior was really naff on the Mk1
Exterior looks a lot better too, apart from boot (I bought the saloon) and from some angles it looks strange, but from front and side superb.
Fuel consumption is not great, but worth it for the driving experience.
Nothing has gone wrong since I bought it and I cannot understand why it has not sold more
ZS is best kept secret MGR had!!
27th May 2006, 11:35
MG ZS 180 in face lift shape very under rated Car. Best value I have ever had in a Car. sure I got a ace deal on my 2005.
29th Jun 2006, 10:34
I own a "51" plate ZS180. I give it an absolute caning. She never lets me down. It's done 75k and still going strong. I've shafted a 330 beemer no worries. It handles how a sports saloon should. I've driven plenty of cars and this is probably one of the best cars. It may not have the so called prestige of a Beemer, but it does show them up.
In other posts you mention Leon Cupra turbo and Astra turbo. These cars don't compare as they are not NORMALLY ASPIRATED cars. Yeah they might be quicker because they have a flaming turbo fitted, DOH!! Try comparing with NASP cars rather than turbo cars!!
Better still drive a good specimen rather than some old dog.
29th Jun 2006, 14:16
The ZS180 is one of the best, if not the best, front wheel drive cars in the hot hatch sector. It is so under rated it's obscene to say the least. I have wasted more powerful car's than you can shake a stick at, and why, because this car is the real deal, not your normal German built poser wagon.
23rd Nov 2005, 18:13
Watch out for the head gasket on these cars.