2004 MG ZS 120+ from UK and Ireland - Comments

Nothing is wrong with this car really, though there is a slight knocking noise when reversing. I'm sure this is minor as the handling any drive are not affected.

I'm absolutely over the moon with this car. I bought it from a local Rover dealer as a nearly new model, with only 2,000 miles on the clock a month or so ago and have experienced no problems at all.

It was a great value buy, at only £9,000. I know people have got them for less since the demise of MG Rover, but as I intend to keep it I'm not bothered about the value it keeps.

The ride is comfortable for a sporting saloon, infact incredibly so, though it's obviously not as comfortable as my previous "long distance cruiser" type cars. (3 series, Laguna, Mondeo)

The performance is well above that I'd expect from a standard 1.8 engine, with plenty of torque available in all gears. I have read reports which report the acceleration in fifth as laughable which I entirely disagree with. The car is very versatile. If you want neck breaking performance in fifth buy an Evo car. My car provides far more than sufficient to keep up with, and overtake, British traffic.

The build quality is generally very good indeed, with only a few minor rattles from the dashboard which can no doubt be sorted on a Sunday afternoon with a screwdriver and some determination.

The stereo is of a high quality and is easy to use with great sound quality from the standard fit speakers.

The seats provide excellent support and although supportive are not constrictive.

The gear change is direct and smooth with a clutch that while bitting quickly when you want to press on is not grabby and allows for smooth power delivery if you'd rather cruise at a more sedentary pace.

I have carried myself and four passengers in comfort thanks to the generous interior space for the class of car.

The boot space is more than enough for my needs and I'm sure would allow for a family's luggage for a weeks holiday.

All of the electrics have proved reliable so far and the layout of the controls has proved very logical and generally easy to use.

In addition to all of the above praise everyone in my office building have commented on how great the car looks and that they would definatley consider one seriously for their next car. This opinion is only strengthened by having ridden in it!

If the British press had not been so derogatory and encouraged people to just give it a try I'm sure that the ZS and the Rover 45 on which it is based would have continued to be a success for many years to come. Ignoring fashion which dictates that we all ought to drive the newest design we can afford there is absolutely no reason not to go out and bag yourself a phenomenal bargin! Do it now! You'll thank me later.

In summary, and excellent drivers car with the capability of being comfortable when travelling long distance.

Yes, I agree. totally phenomenal car for price, I own a 180 and am over the moon with my buy.

Very underated sports saloon, real eye catcher.

Don't understand why people critise these cars considering they still buy pugs, citroens and fords which are more commonally un-reliable. I haven't had any problems so far with mine.

My mate bought a focus st170 same time as i, and its been in the garage more than he has had it, appalling for a car that cost him more.

The reason why people put Mg ZS down so much is because people who own them love to "OVER HYPE" their cars performance etc..

Example.. one "idot" said his mg zs180 done a 13sec quarter mile!!

Also MG are "poorly" built, have "reliability" issues, are very "dated", poor "handling" and are basically a "rover 45"! Oh and did I mention them being "SLOW"!

Other than that, they are OK if you can pick one up for a grand or so, and you it as a load lugger, which will get you from A to B.

The person who wrote the above comment, obviously has never driven one, probably aint got a license, as he clearly knows nothing. these cars are far from slow, have great handling and traction, mk2 build quality and dash is good, also the 180's weigh only 1285kg which for its size is extremely lightweight, cossie's weigh 1304kg and they handle great too.

Seat leon's on the otherhand, have very poor build quality, reliability issues big time, awful handling, terrible aftersale service, overpriced rubbish, yeh they're fast, but show it a corner and it in the hedge, also engine won't last more than 60k as too overpowered, same engine as golf gti t, but with remap and boost increased. engine too powerful for chassis.

I have a ZS 120plus and it has been fantastic. OK, I have to top up the coolant on a regular basis, but it has been bloody fun...

"The person who wrote the above comment, obviously has never driven one, probably aint got a license, as he clearly knows nothing. these cars are far from slow, have great handling and traction, mk2 build quality and dash is good, also the 180's weigh only 1285kg which for its size is extremely lightweight, cossie's weigh 1304kg and they handle great too.

Seat leon's on the otherhand, have very poor build quality, reliability issues big time, awful handling, terrible aftersale service, overpriced rubbish, yeh they're fast, but show it a corner and it in the hedge, also engine won't last more than 60k as too overpowered, same engine as golf gti t, but with remap and boost increased. engine too powerful for chasis."------end quote-------

I agree that the ZS 180 is a good car and it handles pretty well and is fairly quick. But where did the Seat Leon comments come from? If you are on about the cupra R version then it is not as simple as you make out, the engine is not just remapped with the boost turned up. Otherwise they wouldn't be remapped to 260+bhp by loads of owners. Plus im pretty sure they are twin intercooled as opposed to single. They are heavy, but are in a completely different league to the zs 180 in build quality and only a complete loon would claim an MG is better built than a Cupra R. There is a reason they hold their money so well.

I own a rover and they have very dodgy build quality, nothing like as bad as a saxo or a clio etc but they rattle and squeek and when you shut the door they don't make the same crisp 'clunk' you get with a VAG, more rattley.

HG failure is an issue with all the K series rovers/mgs but the stupid low prices of them make up for the £500 spent getting it fixed if it goes. Rover was OK at the time but don't compare it to newer cars as the build quality and common faults show its age, just appreciate it's a bargain for what it is.