Finding a track ZS - CASH WAITING

[Smokey]

Ok so have finally decided that due to wedding commitments next September and not wanting to be stressed trying to save every penny before xmas for a MK2 180 I have decided to wait til after the wedding to begin saving for the MK2 180 I desire.

However that means I am going to spend around ?1000 on a MK1 180 for track use at Knockhill.

So I know some of you guys love hunting, and I have looked myself, so here are the requirements:

MK1 ZS 180 Saloon
Colour preferably black or yellow but open to all
Belts must be done
Mileage up to 75k
Standard ok, decent exhaust/induction better (no cone in bay!)
Tyres/brakes decent to race til December minimum (3-4 track days)
MOT/tax minimum 6 months
Distance no problem
No VIS/Plenum/Manifold issues!!!
Average bodywork condition (no big dents/rust [dings ok])
No rips on interior, wear and tear ok

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201029364181238/sort/priceasc/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/model/zs/make/mg/postcode/ph20rl/radius/1500/page/1?logcode=p

This particular one has huge potential, am just waiting on a reply from owner for above queries!

Have checked Pistonheads/Autotrader today but just briefly.

All help would be appreciated and looking to buy in 4-5 weeks!

[Craig]

Nice interior! Looks very cheap

[Supercharged_Z]

its quite a list you have, i can imagine you may need to be open to not getting All the things in your tick list for 1k.. but probably not far off..

ebay ftw

[Smokey]

yeah its quite extensive and specific! Some things may be swayed but not belts and engine faults!

Never looked at ebay cos you have to bid on most and I wont have the full amount until next month.

[Alan.F]

3 or 4 trackdays from 1 set of tyres i take it you wont be trying to hard then :)

[Smokey]

lol, well I'll see, but suitably road legal lol!

[Supercharged_Z]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-zs-2-5-v6-/330459448235?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4cf0eb03ab

win ;)

[Smokey]

oooh, almost a win, except ends to soon and is a hatch :sick:

Also, I am open to ZS replicas with 2l turbo conversions if done right and someone with knowledge would give it the ok! (or even a converted ZR if it is just right :D)

[Supercharged_Z]

oooh, almost a win, except ends to soon and is a hatch :sick:

Also, I am open to ZS replicas with 2l turbo conversions if done right and someone with knowledge would give it the ok! (or even a converted ZR if it is just right :D)


dont get a zr.. honest mate it will not tick the boxes and a zs 180 would trounce a zr turbo on track.. espeically if u bought it for 1k..

btw hatches handle better and actually look better

[Smokey]

I'll disagree with looks, I love the saloon tbh, personal taste, but am curious to know more re handling.

I will take your word on the zr so can scrap that idea lol.

[Smokey]

Anybody know about this car?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1807492.htm

I have had the back and forward emails and would like the expert opinions on the odometer/speedo issue and abs ring issue and cost of fix etc?

> > > Hi. Just wondering if your MG zs is still for sale?
> > > Also what condition is the tyres, brakes, bodywork? (dings/
> > scratches/dents?) and they are notorious for vis motor issues and
> > plenum/manifold rattle, does this car have any of these faults? Has
> > the car been modified or raced on track?
> > > Thanks


> > hi there the viss motors feel alright and bodywork is not in a bad
> > condition to be fair its age and body condition go well theres no
> > rattle on the manifold and ac works etc all in good nick not
> > modified atall even the original stereo in the car, tyres and brakes
> > are good cheers


> > >> That sounds pretty good. What length MOT and tax is left?


> mot i can get done 12 months tax till end of month oh also just a problem i noticed the odometer is on and of recently ive asked around ant they say the abs ring on the drive shaft mite have a crack only cost like ?13 to buy

[Smokey]

Any opinions?

[Tony10]

I would say ABS ring is an easy fix tbh!

Why dont you get someone on here who lives down there to nip over and see it on you behalf at least then someone has seen it for you?

[Smokey]

Think I will do that regardless of the car but as it will be about 4 weeks from now, don't want to hassle folk just now with checking cars! Just looking forbgiod examples, if a perfect one appears then I may be able to buy early.

[Supercharged_Z]

if the speedo isnt working the sensor/drive is on the rear wheel somewhere so wont be a abs ring

[Smokey]

Well that's what I thought but wasn't sure due to his poor English if he was suggesting two problems or the cause of one problem lol

[Maxfly]

I thought the speedo was a reading from all 4 wheels??

As said though ABS rings are easy enough to replace:)

What gives him the idea that honda designed the KV6 though, pretty sure they didn't do anything of the sort :D

[ZS]

btw hatches handle better and actually look better

Really? :)

Incidentally, I'd recommend the saloon version of the ZS for a keen driver. An appreciably stiffer body means crisper handling and a better ride. It also looks better and has much greater carrying capacity than the hatchback. - Taken from http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/48799/mg_zs_180.html

[Smokey]

Oh hatch v saloon handling! I hear a debate brewing!

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Oh hatch v saloon handling! I hear a debate brewing!

Oooohh stirring up old debates Smokey ? when there is clearly already one winner . lol,,,

Hope you find a great track car mate, Im so jelious.

[Smokey]

Well considering the amazing community that is this site, once I have the car, I plan on offering anyone who comes to knockhill and is a good member of the site. If they want to drive it round the track they can if they cover a little of the costs involved on the day ( not looking to make a profit lol, just cover costs) people like kev, grimmy, Ross, nor etc are all local enough for example

[stamford]

Nice idea, we could do the same across the country if enough interest.

[Smokey]

well I thought so. cost of track time plus a small donation to cover cost of replacement tyres/brakes etc. Plus the combined knowhow to fix any issues free/cheap.

Had thought about it last year but though the site wouldn't be able to pay for an entire car but if I got one at a good price then its a start.

I do plan on vinyling it up and so will require a few large site stickers when the car arrives!

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Well considering the amazing community that is this site, once I have the car, I plan on offering anyone who comes to knockhill and is a good member of the site. If they want to drive it round the track they can if they cover a little of the costs involved on the day ( not looking to make a profit lol, just cover costs) people like kev, grimmy, Ross, nor etc are all local enough for example

OOOOOOOOOOOHHH !!!!!
LOVE YOU SMOKEY:kissing2:

[grimmy]

My pal smokey

[Smokey]

better razzing a relatively cheap ZS bought for track fun than ruin your daily drive.

Obviously sensible drivers only as I'm not paying out for ridiculous repairs lol!

But I think its a good idea and I am happy to offer as this community has been my daily visit for the last 3 years!

(So help me find a good one that meets the criteria lol!)

[Smokey]

Regarding the black one mentioned earlier with the cracked abs ring. How easy and what tools would it take to repair? Would the car be safe to drive 300 miles home? And he has agreed to put it through mot I take it that wouldn't show up?

[andys1981]

this may be my only option,to race ma car at knockhill,as ave had nae takers for mine,as its too good to break

[Smokey]

You would still need to mot and tax it to get it there and back or pay the expense of a truck each time?

[andys1981]

its moted till next july,tax runs oot at the end of the month tho,got the breaks,tyres,hmmm,suppose a could just get a days cover off ins to drive up there,ken your no ins on the track,its a long walk hame tho if summit went wrong wi the car eh lol

[Smokey]

Yip which is why I'll be taking two cars with me!

[Maxfly]

Regarding the black one mentioned earlier with the cracked abs ring. How easy and what tools would it take to repair? Would the car be safe to drive 300 miles home? And he has agreed to put it through mot I take it that wouldn't show up?

safe enough to drive that distance with a cracked reluctor ring i reckon.

When i did mine all i needed was a socket set, ball joint splitter, new split pins, and hammer:) was pretty easy tbh might be wise to get 2 rings and replace both fronts if required, if not you then have a spare:)

[Smokey]

well he wont budge a penny on price and wont get the cheap fix done himself for the full amount so passing on it anyway.

Still hunting. Will defo have the cash in 4 weeks.

Would be preferable to have the car in Scotland although that limits it somewhat!

There is a Rover/MG with 2l turbo conversion on PH but would not have a clue if any good or not!

[stamford]

Take your time, one will come up when the time is right.

I am considering leaving mine off road and getting a cheap trailer to take it to track and possible shows. I can't justify insuring the Land Rover and her MGF as well as the ZS and tax it. It's getting too expensive running cars these days.

[Dan1971]

....It's getting too expensive running cars these days.

Fair point well made. That's why I'm surprised to a degree that my Focus is still outside my front door.

Was chatting to my mate who has a V8 ZT on the phone - (getting some pointers for a potential deal - which has now fallen through by the way) - and get this - ?65 worth of fuel gets him ........ 240 miles :cry:

Right now I'm getting 500 on ?40.

Add in the fact that I read a report somewhere about the tax break we got on the 180s a couple of years back - relating to the vehicles reg between March 2001 and March 2006 - only lasting until 2011 - made me think to be honest ....:hmmm:

[Dan1971]

...
There is a Rover/MG with 2l turbo conversion on PH but would not have a clue if any good or not!

Saw that too and thought about putting it here for you .....

[Smokey]

yeah but I know very little of the reliability of these conversions....but I am taking my time, not rushing into a **** example if I can help it!

Oh but have decided I would prefer black as I would like to do the xpower green btcc vinyls!

Although any colour is still an option (gf loves yellow!)

[peterzs]

[QUOTE=Smokey;165474

Although any colour is still an option (gf loves yellow!)[/QUOTE]

gf's got good taste.

:wave::wave::wave:

[andys1981]

i would sell mine to you,to a forum member smokey for 800,canny beat that surely,it gonna get thrashed on the track anyway,its had its ups and downs but its a great car none the less,looks the part aswell

[Smokey]

It's very tempting mate but as I mentioned in pm, the short road tax and the cost of that plus vic etc would leave me spending more than I'd like plus it needs to be driven to the track and back with my kids and gf in tow. And my gf will be driving it on track too so would prefer one that had not been involved in any accidents (I'll leave her to do that!)

[Nor]

You'd be as well buying a Zed as a daily Smokey.

[Smokey]

I will when I can get myself a mk2 after the wedding Nor but I want a mk1 just for the trackdays. I have an 06 micra for the drive to and from work and I drive around 250 miles a week so is not cost effective with zs insurance and petrol costs just now.

I will use the zs for the 30 mile trip to knockhill and a thrash around the track and that's pretty much it xxx

[Supercharged_Z]

Kisses??

[ZS]

Kisses??

I guess he just loves the mombers of this forum ;) :hang:

[stamford]

Yea, can you feel the love! :w00t:

[tb steve]

dont know if this one has been posted??? im sure ive seen this one before

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/mg-zs-2-0-turbo-conversion-/180544138083?pt=Automobiles_UK

[Smokey]

Yeah it was, and looks good just not an expert on these conversions lol. Am currently in talks with Andy regarding his 180 and am thinking this may be the route I go down as U atleast know it's history and it's a good price. Plus it would stay within this forum for a 3rd generation!

[Craig]

Plus it would stay within this forum for a 3rd generation!

Yeah it will be the forum bitch :D

[andys1981]

the forum bitch it is lol

[Dan1971]

dont know if this one has been posted??? im sure ive seen this one before

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/mg-zs-2-0-turbo-conversion-/180544138083?pt=Automobiles_UK



Now .... I really like that and reckon it's been up for sale for a while now. When I get back from holiday, I'm gonna try to get the focus sold and can't wait to get looking at what's about for this kind of money. :mbounce:

[Craig]

Now .... I really like that

Have to admit, I really like it too.

[Smokey]

Could this be the future theMGZS.co.uk track car?

Is there any business owners on here want to offer up 2 stickers for their company to put on the car. It's free advertisement after all and I'd prefer they were from the site?

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/xpower.jpg

[Smokey]

As Andy has touched on. We have had a good discussion regarding his car and I can confirm an agreement has been made and I will be collecting the car in around 4 weeks time.

It will be solely for track use and I have also been offered a contribution into the car by another member but am just waiting to hear if he wants to go ahead (they will remain nameless til then)

so as mentioned above, am looking for guys with businesses who want to put a sticker on the car.

[stamford]

Good news, makes perfect sense.

[grimmy]

Could this be the future theMGZS.co.uk track car?

Is there any business owners on here want to offer up 2 stickers for their company to put on the car. It's free advertisement after all and I'd prefer they were from the site?

http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff96/smokeysworld/xpower.jpg
think the site needs a bigger sticker :yes:

[andys1981]

aye i agree wi grimmy on that one lol

[Smokey]

Ok ok. Gonna put up a competition thread for a website advert!

[Smokey]

*BUMP*

Still looking for a 180...cash waiting.

[coreygraham180]

Can only post one at a time

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201036367860010/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/1000/model/zs/make/mg/quicksearch/true/radius/1500/page/2/postcode/ph12ps?logcode=p

Ss exaust but no word on belts

[coreygraham180]

P.s this looks good to.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201037367989635/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/1000/model/zs/make/mg/quicksearch/true/radius/1500/postcode/ph12ps/page/2?logcode=p

[lawrence-zs180]

give these a try
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-ZS-180-2-5-V6-03-REG-ONLY-52k-MILES-BLACK-N-R-/230528942437?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35ac988165
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-ZS-180-4-door-saloon-lovely-84k-miles-no-reserve-/120623605013?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c15ba2515
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-MG-ZS-180-TROPHY-BLUE-/180566194278?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a0a957866
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201036367860010/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/1000/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/model/zs/make/mg/radius/1500/page/1/postcode/rh150rl?logcode=p
Its a start and some are not totally what your looking for but at the min its all I can see dude... will look out locally for you as well dude.
good luck with the hunt, its a wicked idea.

[Craig]

give these a try
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-ZS-180-2-5-V6-03-REG-ONLY-52k-MILES-BLACK-N-R-/230528942437?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item35ac988165
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-ZS-180-4-door-saloon-lovely-84k-miles-no-reserve-/120623605013?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c15ba2515
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-MG-ZS-180-TROPHY-BLUE-/180566194278?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a0a957866
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201036367860010/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/1000/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/model/zs/make/mg/radius/1500/page/1/postcode/rh150rl?logcode=p
Its a start and some are not totally what your looking for but at the min its all I can see dude... will look out locally for you as well dude.
good luck with the hunt, its a wicked idea.


Strange that most of them dont have std fit front bibs!

[lawrence-zs180]

yea it looks like all but the top.. thats weird.

[Smokey]

Have seen the links, some are pretty good.

This one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-ZS-180-4-do...item1c15ba2515

has had its belts done too and apparently the brakes/tyres are fine too.

[andys1981]

coming up its not available,the link has been removed,ave ye bought it allready lol

[Smokey]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120623605013&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Link didn't work, here it is here. No tax as far as I'm aware, MOT due in November and the belts have been done. Opinions???

[peterzs]

Looks too good for a track car, but depends what it goes for.

Think I would advertise the wheels and tyres for ???'s plus they part ex the old wheels. Could then recoup a bit of cash and if its for the track you dont wont nice shiney alloys.

94.3% feedback dosnt fill me with confidence though. Think you can reject it if it dosnt drive as it should, vis motors or manifold, clutch etc.

Always think its worth giving a run, but its a bit too far away to get to in an hour!!!

Best of luck which ever way you go.

:hmmm::hmmm::hmmm::hmmm:

[Smokey]

Yeah distance is an issue unless once bought someone closer could run it to test it?
The alloys would defo be off and offered for someone to buy. No front bib on it though?!

He says there are no engine issues but easy to say to get the sale!
Negative feedback aren't too concerning (2 in last year)

[andys1981]

theres gotta be something closer for ye mate,whats your max price about 1000,just so ave got a rough idea when looking for ya!

[Smokey]

Yeah around that ?1k mark

[peterzs]

Looks a good price if its as good as he says.

Time is ticking down.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Original-Dunlop-Sport-Rover-Tomcat-Race-Trackday-Car-/180563276218?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a0a68f1ba

This was just round the corner from me the other day.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm214/peterzs/2010_0302kyra0005.jpg

:hmmm::hmmm::hmmm:

Bit more than you want to pay but would be a fun track day.

[Supercharged_Z]

Yeah distance is an issue unless once bought someone closer could run it to test it?
The alloys would defo be off and offered for someone to buy. No front bib on it though?!

He says there are no engine issues but easy to say to get the sale!
Negative feedback aren't too concerning (2 in last year)

mursley is about 5 miles from my house if you want me to go take a peek.
also if it helps and u did buy it i could pick u up from a airport and take you there

edit infact i have seen that car around town and even put a buisness card on it saying i was selling a load of bits if he was intrested, i think he works at a transport place down here

[Dan1971]

Get a flight to Stansted - I'll collect you and take you over. Get a return if you like and we'll walk if you don't fancy it. I live 10 miles from the airport.

[peterzs]

Get a flight to Stansted - I'll collect you and take you over. Get a return if you like and we'll walk if you don't fancy it. I live 10 miles from the airport.

Your both in the right jobs to sort it out if there is a problem!!!!

[Kat2512]

So Smokey's asked me to bid on it for him while he's at work. Cheapest option for getting down there to collect it is national express to Milton Keynes. Will let you guys know the result...once I've told him obviously lol

[Dan1971]

This one's taxed and tested for a while though - and closer. Close enough to what you want to spend.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MG-ZS-GREY-2-5-V6-SPORT-SALOON-2003-BARGAIN-/320594589745?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4aa4ed3831

[Dan1971]

So Smokey's asked me to bid on it for him while he's at work. Cheapest option for getting down there to collect it is national express to Milton Keynes. Will let you guys know the result...once I've told him obviously lol


Good stuff ! I'm almost as excited as if I was actually bidding too !

Check the prices mind you - cost versus time !

[Supercharged_Z]

So Smokey's asked me to bid on it for him while he's at work. Cheapest option for getting down there to collect it is national express to Milton Keynes. Will let you guys know the result...once I've told him obviously lol

let us know as mk is just up the rd, so can pick him up etc and run him there

[Kat2512]

Cheers Ross. Will let him know

[Dan1971]

?795 ...... Well ?

[Kat2512]

Does leaving a voicemail count as telling him the result?

[petet16]

?795, not a bad looking car for the money.

[Dan1971]

Does leaving a voicemail count as telling him the result?


I reckon so - Yep

[Kat2512]

Well ?795 was our winning bid. Just need to sort out collection etc but I'll leave that to him lol

[Dan1971]

:mbounce:

[BUCKYDEVIL]

Thats Great news Kat, Blair will be well chuffed and that looks a cracker of a car for the money.

[peterzs]

Great result, nice looking car.

[grimmy]

Looks like a pretty tidy example and a looks like a bargain at ?795

[Smokey]

Well appears my 'surprise' thread is well and truly blown lol!

Ross would appreciate in the next few days, if you could give it a test to see if runs smooth and belts are def changed

[Supercharged_Z]

Well appears my 'surprise' thread is well and truly blown lol!

Ross would appreciate in the next few days, if you could give it a test to see if runs smooth and belts are def changed

ay np mate, you still got my mobi number, just give me a tinkle whenever

[coreygraham180]

Veery well done mate

[Smokey]

Ok so am home and pleased as punch that I will have a ZS 180 on my drive by next week :D

Many plans running in my head and livery is one of them lol....can anyone say BTCC replica?

[peterzs]

Congrats of the buy, you will have to spell Kat right on your bonnet this time!!!!

:smile2::smile2::smile2:

[grimmy]

Hot wheels for the win lol

[Smokey]

Lol, will need site stickers too!

Am still waiting to hear back from the guy to arrange pick up.

[stamford]

What a bargin! Good to see the community spirit on here! :thumbsup:

[Smokey]

Well it's been arranged, I'm collecting the car on Friday morning. Should be a fun drive home!

[Nor]

Nice one Smokey, welcome back.

[Supercharged_Z]

turns out this car is about 30 seconds from my house lol

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a29/rossc0_ti/smokey.jpg

[Smokey]

Hope you get a chance to check it out for me tomorrow! Wanna know the tread depths on the tyres and condition of pads/discs. Also that there is no plenum rattle/vis issues lol. Oh and what exhausts (2 are with it) one standard and is the aftermarket one the wee one in the pic!?

Your other half ok with me crashing at yours?

[Smokey]

Oh and just in case anyone wants to see which car I bought I have attached some pics....

[Maxfly]

Looks rather nice and tidy that does, nice buy:)

[Smokey]

On reading Stephen's post about his specific requirements in his search for a 180, it reminded me of my list of requirements I put up a couple of months ago compared to what I got...

MK1 ZS 180 Saloon tick
Colour preferably black or yellow but open to all black
Belts must be done 4,500 miles ago!
Mileage up to 75k 10k over but belts recent
Standard ok, decent exhaust/induction better (no cone in bay!) no induction, standard exhaust but decat (will address exhaust soon)
Tyres/brakes decent to race til December minimum (3-4 track days) tick (Avon's all round)
MOT/tax minimum 6 months MOT November/Tax January (A compromise I guess for the cost)
Distance no problem Bloody miles away
No VIS/Plenum/Manifold issues!!! maybe vis but no plenum rattle
Average bodywork condition (no big dents/rust [dings ok]) really good, scuff on sideskirt but perfect alloys
No rips on interior, wear and tear ok tick
?1,000 to spend roughly ?795 plus recovery but should plan better!

All in all pretty close match all in all!

[andys1981]

ye done well there bud well done!

[KevG]

I see that on ebay and I was tempted to get it myself but the distance was the issue.

[Ritchy]

very nice mate, missed htis thread all together, decalling it up or leaving it sleek and shiney as is?

[Smokey]

Btcc replica all the way.

[Ritchy]

that sounds good, cant wait for the xpower green stripes on it

[Smokey]

Xpower stripes, MG logos also emailed a couple of local businesses for free vinyls which will be seen locally. Also need to get site stickers for here!

[Jay-ZS+]

Gonna look great mate :thumbsup:

[gsinclairzs]

Nice one mate. If you need a hand with the conversion, I'd be happy to help. I'm a graphic designer and used to fit vinyls to vehicles at a studio. I'm in Dundee, so not too far from you.:wave: