2002 MG ZS 180 2.5 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car still. Shame the new MGs haven't got the same character

Faults:

Nothing in 10 years of ownership.

General Comments:

The 180 is still a great car and all the previous comments still apply. I now own 2 180s, both in lovely condition. Now both retired old ladies are only used in the summer, but they still offer a great driving experience and still embarrass some newer designs. With a huge enthusiast following these days, they are now getting quite rare and will surely only go up in value. In my opinion one of the most underrated cars of the last 15 years.

So if you want a decent 'modern classic' that puts a smile on your face every time you drive it, then go and get one before all the good ones disappear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd January, 2016

2002 MG ZS 180 2.5 V6 180bhp from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cramped, unreliable un-comfy and a little underpowered, but looks nice

Faults:

Drivers window regularly popped out of its channels if you lowered it all the way down.

Fuel pump erratic; stopped working one night on way home, leaving me stranded for 3 hours as it wouldn't start. As soon as the AA man turned up, it started and ran fine; was told it is a common fault.

Front suspension subframe internal bolt broke its weld, allowing the lower arm to move around; ruined a nearly new Bridgestone.

Alternator failed, but fixed under warranty.

Cambelt snapped, causing £2350 worth of internal damage to the engine; dealer told me it had had a belt change, then denied all knowledge; it is still going through the courts. They refused to help, so ended up selling the car for scrap for £300, and I paid £3500 for it.

General Comments:

Performance was not as expected. A Mondeo V6 feels quicker, but the engine in the MG was designed to work with an auto box, so it could be that was more than adequate, although on trip to Nurburgring, it struggled to reach its top speed of 139mph; would only do 132 on the clock on a flat road with 2 people and 1 suitcase a piece, so it wasn't due to weight. But fine for general driving on British roads, and seeing off boy racers in their tarted up 1.2's.

Very harsh ride, no fun on bumpy back roads, but brilliant on smooth A roads.

Seats supportive in front, but can give back ache if you're tired after work, but fine if you have just jumped in after good night's sleep.

No rear leg room or head room. Passengers heads brush the ceiling if over 6 ft.

Drivers seat doesn't quite go back far enough for me, and I'm only 6ft 1 tall, so it's a little cramped.

Very large boot; good luggage hauler.

No rear internal style; it's the same as a Rover 400.

Service prices are astronomical; 90,000 mile service including cambelt is £900!!! MG specialist can do it around £500, as it is almost an engine out job.

Looks great; still one of the nicest looking hatches around, even though they're nothing more than a tarted up Rover 400.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2010

2002 MG ZS 120+ 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Top value, great performance, best car I've ever owned

Faults:

Front CV joints worn, but replaced under warranty.

Passenger window stopped working. Problem was diagnosed as a loose wire getting in the way.

General Comments:

Nice factory bodykit enchances its sporty look.

Lovely sound from the 4 pot engine when in full flow.

Handling is superb, on a par with a Lotus Elise.

Tiff Needel loves them!

Cheap to own and run.

Cabin is a little dated, but can easily be given some life with a few enhancements. I've added a leather colour coded wheel, carbon fibre trim, colour coded door cards and the interior is spot on, a nice place to spend time.

Good standard kit - alloys, half leather trim, ABS, electric windows, c/l, e/m, fogs, bodykit, EBD, 4 airbags, armrest plus many more!

MG need to make this car again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2007