2004 MG ZS Reviews

Steering rack squeaking; not faulty.

Washer jets don't always work.

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.

Power Steering making a squeeking noise

Airflow sticking in the feet position

Slight noise from drivers side everytime you break.

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 is a few silly niggles with it (which the dealer are 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 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, lets hope they make them again in the future.

Throttle jammed on full revs twice.

Premature replacement of rear shock absorbers.

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

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.

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.