View Full Version : Which zs to go for?
Im looking to get a zs but undecided on which model to get. Im looking at either the 110, 120 and 180. What problems do each of them have? Please help
the 110 and 120 have the same problems as theyre both k4 engines, the head gasket fault if the engine overheats then the head gaskets likely to go, but theyre is an uprated gasket it which prevents it from ghappening again, if the car has discs on the rear the calipers have been known to sieze, ask the 180 guys the 180 faults:)
whats the tax for 110 and 120?
£170 possibly? £190 cant remember between the two
ive got a 110, which is the 1.6
whats the tax bud? You had any problems?
i cant remember how much the tax was lol, ehmmm, engines fine not done anything! thats it hit 70,000, the only thing ive changed are things that didnt really need changing tbh!
thanks mate ill see what comes up. All depends if the bloke coming to see my astra on saturday wants it
ah ur from the zr site! i was talking to ya! probably slightly more reliable than the zr
yeah thats me! just trying to gather as much info together as i can
well window regulators can become sticky, you want to get a plus model if you can, obv look for head gasket faults, look at the bodykit for any damage as theyre hard to get replacement bits now, heater resistors in the one and 2 position inop, easy fix, rear brake calipers can sieze, alarm sounder can get water in it on the mk2 so worth taking to bits and resealing it, heat shield on the exhaust can come loose at the bottom lol, ehmmm, look for rear bumper sag on the mk2, again cheap fix, but wa to batter the price down
nice, really like the looks of the mk2, dont see many about
arwilson80
11-02-10, 09:49 PM
Deffo the 180... Has least problems. Although you may end up with a few if you haven't a job to fuel & tax (£215/yr) it. :)
the 180 has the vis problem, and the rattly plenums, the leaking thermostat and the expensive belts change,
the 180 is £215 a year tax is it?
the 180 is £215 a year tax is it?
aye, but watch as those registered after a certain date in 2006 get hit with a higher tax cost, over £400 iirc!!!
oh forgot for the 110 120 the wires can chafe on the bracket going into the ecu, easy fix just bend the bracket down and tape it up
There seems like therea alot of problems with the zs!
There seems like therea alot of problems with the zs!
na, no more than any other car tbh:) just that it's always good to point out what to look for, whatever it is:)
i could list just as many faults if not more with the zr, or any other car to that matter, just worthwhile to point out absolutly everything
ok thanks guys, what sort of price should i expect to pay for a mk2?
generally no more than £3000, but if you got an absolutly mint one a couple of hundred over that
Dan1971
12-02-10, 07:55 AM
the 180 has the vis problem, and the rattly plenums, the leaking thermostat and the expensive belts change,
180....
Vis motors can be repaired by yourself or my old man can repair them for beer tokens.
You can get a brand new plenum off the 'bay for £450 which includes both vis motors, or a second hand one for circa £200 from a breaker.
Belt change is £350 from stamford's recommended mobile mechanic and so now compares favourably to the 4 cylinder cars. Mk 2's are getting near the 6yr - 90K mile recommended change so factor in that expense if/when you're looking to give some leverage on price.
Door handles. When you open the door - a common fault will show where the handle surround comes away from the actual door slightly. Again - there is a fix - but another leverage area - or a fix from a dealer before you take it away.
Tax is £215 so long as the car is registered pre-March 2006 - so anything up to an "06" or "56" plate.
The 180 is a truly awesome under-rated car. The tuning potential is not as great as perhaps something with a turbo, but a few mods around induction - exhaust and decat will get you to around 190-195, so long as everything else works properly. Add a remap as Stamford had done - 200+ .
Don't know how old you are mate so insurance can put some off - I'm 39 and pay £280 fully comp protected with business use.
Car does 30 mpg on a run - but can drop to under 20 if you listen to the V6 go through the motions as it was meant.
Every car has it's issues. But we've all got one - And - you'll love it. If you can afford it - go large - 180 all day long - but for the looks and less running costs - I can't imagine there being a lot between the 110 and 120 performance wise , but make sure that you get one with the full 180 kit - bodykit and 11 spoke alloys. If you do some mileage - Don't forget about the diesel. A few on here running well and probably more tuning potential !
You'll also still have access to loads of knowledge on these cars via this and all of the other related sites ... so go for it.
stamford
12-02-10, 08:14 AM
Excellent post Dan! :thumbsup:
Not much more to add. I would suggest you hook up with a few members local to you to get a feel for what's on offer, 120, 180, TD, mk1 and mk2.
Budget will play a big part in your decision, if you have around £3k plus to spend then you are made.
Zippy Saloon
12-02-10, 09:05 AM
Hasn't the 1.6 got a ford based gearbox that isn't as good as the PG1 fitted to the 1.8? Or am I thinking of the 1.4?
i think in the Zs they only fitted the PG1, it was the 25\ZR they used the IB5 jobber...
but i might be wrong :)
starfire039
12-02-10, 12:17 PM
You are more than welcome to come and have a look at mine Luke, she is for sale but is a mark 1, 120 on a 53 plate, if you're not interested in it then it doesn't matter but if you just want to check out a ZS and see what it's like I'd be happy to show you. They are very underated.
Black Mk2 180... Simples :trampoline:
I reckon the best colours are XP Grey and Black.
Starlight Silver isn't far behind \o/
http://i43.tinypic.com/2edqrsl.jpg
Have to agree there, I'd personally choose Starlight over X-Power
Dan1971
12-02-10, 03:05 PM
Here we go ..... Colours .... !
Whatever you do ... don't get a Red one .... they look awful ....
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii58/danlaualex/RedZed003.jpg
I reckon the best colours are XP Grey and Black.
Starlight Silver isn't far behind \o/
Of course XPG all the way ;)
Starlight Silver is lovely on the mk2.
the 110 has the ford box but ma dad says its fine, n hes a gearbox specialist lol, 70,000 miles no problems
hmmm not sure on the silver... it looks well to awesome:P
http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae176/ritchyp/RitchyP01.jpg
S7000EY
12-02-10, 04:43 PM
or if you want something a bit different, a ski blue peral, semi-replica :P
http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=10566
just boring post but i have a mk1 180 on an 02 reg and just paid £118.20 for 6 months, wasnt impressed.
peterzs
12-02-10, 05:01 PM
just boring post but i have a mk1 180 on an 02 reg and just paid £118.20 for 6 months, wasnt impressed.
Another £1.80 would have got you 12 months for a derv.:flowers::flowers:
Best colour dont stand out much!!
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm214/peterzs/2-3.jpg
:devil::devil::devil::devil:
Another £1.80 would have got you 12 months for a derv.:flowers::flowers:
Best colour dont stand out much!!
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm214/peterzs/2-3.jpg
:devil::devil::devil::devil:
Haha i will swap ya, mines trophy yellow ;)
the yellow is really cool
Dan1971
12-02-10, 06:22 PM
Nah .... Goppin'
cough cough red is goppin :sick:
commoner :rofl:
No offense of course ha
peterzs
12-02-10, 06:45 PM
cough cough red is goppin :sick:
commoner :rofl:
No offense of course ha
Have to agree. :happy2::happy2::happy2::devil::devil:
180....
Vis motors can be repaired by yourself or my old man can repair them for beer tokens.
You can get a brand new plenum off the 'bay for £450 which includes both vis motors, or a second hand one for circa £200 from a breaker.
Belt change is £350 from stamford's recommended mobile mechanic and so now compares favourably to the 4 cylinder cars. Mk 2's are getting near the 6yr - 90K mile recommended change so factor in that expense if/when you're looking to give some leverage on price.
Door handles. When you open the door - a common fault will show where the handle surround comes away from the actual door slightly. Again - there is a fix - but another leverage area - or a fix from a dealer before you take it away.
Tax is £215 so long as the car is registered pre-March 2006 - so anything up to an "06" or "56" plate.
The 180 is a truly awesome under-rated car. The tuning potential is not as great as perhaps something with a turbo, but a few mods around induction - exhaust and decat will get you to around 190-195, so long as everything else works properly. Add a remap as Stamford had done - 200+ .
Don't know how old you are mate so insurance can put some off - I'm 39 and pay £280 fully comp protected with business use.
Car does 30 mpg on a run - but can drop to under 20 if you listen to the V6 go through the motions as it was meant.
Every car has it's issues. But we've all got one - And - you'll love it. If you can afford it - go large - 180 all day long - but for the looks and less running costs - I can't imagine there being a lot between the 110 and 120 performance wise , but make sure that you get one with the full 180 kit - bodykit and 11 spoke alloys. If you do some mileage - Don't forget about the diesel. A few on here running well and probably more tuning potential !
You'll also still have access to loads of knowledge on these cars via this and all of the other related sites ... so go for it.
Thanks for the info bud. Whats the 6yr - 90K mile recommended change? Im 21 bud but dont think insurance will be too bad. Paying £700 for my astra.
Whats the average sort of mpg? as i dont want to be spending a fortune on petrol.
I could afford one if i wanted mate, hopefully have £9.5k from my astra. But the whole point of downgrading is to save some money! But on the other hand i dont want to get a 1.8 and have a load of trouble.
Is the 120 big enough for a big car?
You are more than welcome to come and have a look at mine Luke, she is for sale but is a mark 1, 120 on a 53 plate, if you're not interested in it then it doesn't matter but if you just want to check out a ZS and see what it's like I'd be happy to show you. They are very underated.
Thanks mate where are you based?
Dan1971
12-02-10, 08:13 PM
Thanks for the info bud. Whats the 6yr - 90K mile recommended change? Im 21 bud but dont think insurance will be too bad. Paying £700 for my astra.
Whats the average sort of mpg? as i dont want to be spending a fortune on petrol.
I could afford one if i wanted mate, hopefully have £9.5k from my astra. But the whole point of downgrading is to save some money! But on the other hand i dont want to get a 1.8 and have a load of trouble.
Is the 120 big enough for a big car?
Cambelt change is 6 yrs or 90 K. Most get the tensioners and water pump done at the same time although the pump may not be always necessary according to Stamford's recommended mechanic.
The insurance is Gp 17. I only mention affording it as most could actually afford loads for insurance but people get put off if asked to spend more on it than the car is actually worth.
Avge MPG - like I said will depend on your driving style and the roads you use it on. Cruise at the legal limit on the motorway and you'll get 35+ Drive enthusiastically down dual carriageways and A roads and you'll get 25. Come to Brands to a taster session, me and Pete have been a few times, and you won't see the good side of 15 !
The ZS is actually quite a light car, so when you start comparing power to weight ratios .... the 1.8 comes out well. Never driven one personally but a few guys that have, have commented that the 1.8 engine, being lighter in the front, lets the car handle better. I think there's maybe 1-2 secs in the 0-60, but the extra torque and mid-range of the V6 make it an easy car to drive.
If you've got £3-3,500 to spend you'll get yourself a really nice late model Mk2.
What the hell ! .... £4,500 and you can have my 05 plate 21K 180 hatch !
Only looking at spending £3k max? Less if i can get away with it. Tempted to go for the 120 as im more interested in looks now and got to think of money lol
Dan1971
12-02-10, 08:38 PM
Plenty out there fella with people here who'll come along if it's near to give that very valuable 2nd opinion without the rose-tinted glasses !
Cheers
Cheers bud, not seen to many for sale! where they all hiding?
Dan1971
12-02-10, 08:53 PM
You looked on pistonheads ?
How does this one look?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-MG-ZS-BLUE_W0QQitemZ140383049700QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutom obiles_UK?hash=item20af7b57e4
You looked on pistonheads ?
Yeah not alot on there?
http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=11089
Check out this thread, lovely 120 roass is looking to get rid of!! just had hg done so should be a bit of security there for you. That zed used to be on xpf iirc so you could delve into it's history also and see what else there is:)
Is the 120 big enough for a big car?
The ZS especially the saloon looks big but in reality it is a much lighter car than many modern saloons.
The 120 has very low down torque with maximum torque coming in at only 2750rpm so it pulls well low down. It has a 0-60 time of 9.0s.
do you have the 120 mate?
i owned a mk1 120 and i loved it to bits only changed because i got a really good deal on the 180. The 120 is a pretty lively beast and i would get another one in a heartbeat.
Well looks likemy search if off for a little bit, my astra failed on me today and is the garage with what looks like egr valve. Good job thers 3 weeks of warrenty left!! But i will be getting one
do you have the 120 mate?
I used to have a 120 hatch before I went for the 180. However I have to add that having test drove a 120 saloon before I bought the hatch, the hatch is nippier.
Is there a picture of a hatch and a saloon on here bud?
Zippy Saloon
13-02-10, 09:36 AM
I used to have a 120 hatch before I went for the 180. However I have to add that having test drove a 120 saloon before I bought the hatch, the hatch is nippier.
Think that must have been down to state of egines or something, theres not enough difference in weight to be noticeable - probably only something like the weight of a bag of shopping if that
Think that must have been down to state of egines or something, theres not enough difference in weight to be noticeable - probably only something like the weight of a bag of shopping if that
Don't know both brand new at the time.
starfire039
13-02-10, 12:45 PM
Thanks mate where are you based?
In Chichester, West Sussex.
Maybe on the look for one now, ifi sell my car saturday. What is the vis problem then?
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