2004 MG ZS 180 2.5 V6

Summary:

Top drawer

Faults:

Steering rack squeaking; not faulty.

Washer jets don't always work.

General Comments:

Had my ZS for 2 months now and I still love it.

The slight problems have all now been sorted by the dealer, except the squeaking when you turn the steering wheel. It's not faulty as such, but I need to get it sorted as I'm a perfectionist.

Have just put an induction kit on it, and I've notice a power increase and it sounds even better.

I have no regrets, and I feel it's one of the best cars out there for the money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2008

2004 MG ZS 180 2.5 V6

Summary:

Enjoyable

Faults:

Power steering making a squeaking noise.

Airflow sticking in the feet position.

Slight noise from the driver's side every time you brake.

General Comments:

Have a Mondeo ST220, but wanted a 2nd car, as the wife is using the Mondeo more and more.

Saw the ZS on a 54 plate by chance at my local Ford/MG dealer, so decided to take it for test drive.

I must admit I love it, and although there are a few silly niggles with it (which the dealer is sorting as we speak), it drives fantastically well, and has the power there, should you need it.

The condition inside and out is showroom condition, and as it's a MK2 version, it looks that much better (in my opinion).

Got a full 12 month parts and labour warranty, so everything is covered.

Only cost me £3495, and for that price I can't lose really.

This is the first car I've owned in a long time, which makes me want to get up in the middle of the night and just go for a drive, and I haven't felt like that since I was a kid in my Renault 5 GT Turbo.

Last of the truly British sports cars. Let's hope they make them again in the future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2008

2004 MG ZS 180 2.5 V6

Summary:

Outperformed most other cars on twisting roads

Faults:

Throttle jammed on full revs twice.

Premature replacement of rear shock absorbers.

General Comments:

The car was made for roads with bends, not boring motorways.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2008

2004 MG ZS 115TD

Summary:

A great drivers car, even as a diesel

Faults:

Nothing mechanical has gone wrong.

There is a concern about the engine. Just not sure if it is developing 115bhp. However, it runs well and pulls smoothly.

General Comments:

Really impressed with this car.

A friend got it recently, it was a steal, as indeed all MG's are at the moment.

I have liked these for a long time, and every time a friend of mine went to look at a Clio 182, or Civic, I recommended they drive a ZS180. They all refused, because they are fools who care to much about image, but its their

A different pal got one, and it has given me a chance to drive one at last.

Well what can I say? I drive an ST Diesel Mondeo, which has glowing reviews for handling, and I have been very, very impressed by the MG.

Granted it is stiffly sprung, but that gives it no body roll, and I would not describe it as a harsh ride, it is just firm. The firm ride comes with excellent handling, and the turn in is lovely. Feels direct, and honestly, it feels better than my ST, which is high praise indeed, it means I rank it above my Audi S6. MG diesel outhandles Audi S6, you read it here!!!!

I also like the interior, I am a fan of the details. The dash is simple, and the two outer dials (temp and fuel) are angled toward the driver. Nice touch, and also has a little nod towards MG's heritage, think of the MG Midget Dash. I will comment that here is the biggest place the MG falls down. Compared to class leaders like the Golf and Focus, the materials seem second rate.

It seems well screwed together though, the interior doesn't rattle, no bits are falling off, it is better built than people give it credit for. The slightly sub-par materials have given it a reputation I dont think it deserves.

The Engine is an Old school diesel. It likes to clatter and rumble. Compared to a modern common rail diesel, it sounds like a right old tractor!!! Smooth though, and pulls cleanly. We are both not certain, but we think this one is not developing full power. I have driven a 115TDCI focus, and that felt pretty torquey and day-to-day felt fast. I dont think the MG can be developing that, it feels too slow. I readily admit though, that since driving the Focus, I used an Audi S6 as a daily driver, and now the Mondeo ST, which are both quite rapid, So maybe I am just overestimating 115bhp.

All I can say is that at about 60mph, the Mondeo pulls quickly away from the MG, I would have expected a slow pull away.

Regardless of this, I really like this car, and I if I wasn't set on RWD, I would defo be looking for a ZS180 as a track car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2007

17th Apr 2008, 05:42

If the car doesn't feel like its performing right then there are a few possible things which could be causing it.

1) The mass air flow meter (MAF) has stopped working-this is easy to test though. Simply unplug the MAF and go for a drive, if the car is pulling better lower down the rev range i.e. below 2500rpm the MAF needs replacing ---If this causes an engine management light to come on on the dash do not worry, it will go out again after the car has been stopped and started 50 times with no adverse effects.

2) Split intercooler hose. Check that the two intercooler hoses are expanding under throttle and that there is no whistling of air coming from them.

3) Service it, change fuel/air/oil filter etc, and then take it for an italian tune up to clear any carbon out of the car.

Another way of checking if the car is actually 115bhp and not the 101 version is to make sure it has discs on the rear as only the 115 had back discs, the 101 had drums on the back wheels.

Hope this helps.

10th Feb 2011, 12:31

Well it's been a long time since this review was written... and as the owner of the very car this is based on I figured I'd drop a line.

Indeed the ZS was running underpowered, and having done all the usual checks and a few modifications IE Maf, decat, and BMC air filter I ended up changing the injectors... and boom problem solved.

I have since upgraded the injectors again to the SDi variant fitted new silicone hoses, uprated the brakes to ZS180 spec and many other jobs.

This car has been a real trooper. When I bought it, it had 37k on the clock, and today passed its MOT requiring only the removal of the air freshener (obstructing drivers view) and a new horn, having reached 106k!

Ironically with the current price of petrol and economic climate, the ZS TD is probably the most sought after MG, offering excellent handling and ride, albeit a bit stiff (not that you'd notice on a motorway). I know of many ZS180 owners who would love a TD!