Mk2 120 vs 180

[Ippon]

Hi, I'm looking for a Mk2 ZS ..... my heart says 180, but possible my head (HG problems verse MPG running costs) is saying 120 .... anyone got any views on how much fun you can have in a 120 .... what difference would a decent induction/exhaust system make on a 120 ... does this increase the likely hood of HG failure
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221151265214?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Cheers

[Dan1971]

I've never had a 120 - but reckon it will be great fun. The cars are light and some say handle better than the 180s. Throw in mpg and insurance savings and there is a good arguement for it.

But ..... The 180 is a great car. Fast and sounds great.

Either will be great fun - just one faster and better sounding than the other.

[MG ZS STE]

180 for me but that 120 looks well nice.

[Steven11]

Ive owned acouple of both and would have to say about the town the 120 is just as fun. BUT as soon as you hit the open road there is no comparison, the 180 has far more top end grunt, if you floor it in 5th gear doing about 70mph in a 120 not much happens, in a 180 however it just pulls like a train. It depends on what kind of driving you do. If its mainly motor way ide say the 180 every time. If its just about the town ide say the 120.

And dont be fooled into thinking the 180 is a fortune to run, its genuinely not, ive ran one for 7 years and im far from rich. And i only pay £400 a year F/C for insurance.

[Lukeus101]

Do you want me to bob over to Cas to have a peak for you? :)

[Ippon]

Do you want me to bob over to Cas to have a peak for you? :)
I set out looking for a "mint" mk2 180 saloon owned by an enthusiast, as opposed to a "boy racer" ... but as you look others ZEDs that don't tick all the boxes pop up, like this 120 Hatch... I almost feel I'm trying to sell it to myself ...
I'll call them tomorrow and ask for service history/evidence ... one quick question the car is 7 years old/76K miles .... so if they have no evidence of the cam belt change (QUOTE:The 4 cylinder K engine is 60k miles or 5 years.)... do I "walk"? ... if all is good I can view on Sunday PM ... i'm playing rugby in South Sheffield tomorrow ..... so no way can I sell an AM trip to Cas to t'other half:wub:
PATIENCE is a virtue .. I hear!!!!

Engines-4 cylinder K-series, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 engines:

Has it suffered head gasket failure? If so does the seller have receipts detailing the work carried out, parts used and specification of gasket fitted?

Water pumps tend to go quite often.

Check expansion cap, some non-OE ones are very poor and lead to cooling issues.

Check engine loom, some areas are prone to chafing, hence shorting out.

[ZS Phil]

That looks to be a bargain at that price, assuming it is as good as the ad makes out. The seats must be worth 150 if the drivers one isnt ripped and the wheels 300ish so thats half the value in seats and wheels alone!

[Ippon]

Good point..... but Wwould still like to hear views on "the car is 7 years old/76K miles .... so if they have no evidence of the cam belt change (QUOTE:The 4 cylinder K engine is 60k miles or 5 years.)... do I walk?"

[Lukeus101]

A cambelt change on K is fairly cheap. If you get it done then you then know its been done for sure. Also its a bartering point on the price ;)

[ian zs180]

Looks a nice zed that but id have to get the 180 just for the sound and that v6 grunt :smile2:

[Fred68]

Good point..... but Wwould still like to hear views on "the car is 7 years old/76K miles .... so if they have no evidence of the cam belt change (QUOTE:The 4 cylinder K engine is 60k miles or 5 years.)... do I walk?"

Don't let a belt change put you off. The V6 can be pricy if you get it done by someone who knows what they are doing but once done it's good for at least another 6 years!! I do my own so I know what's involved!! For me the 180 is the ZS I'd have which is why I do. The 120 as others have said is a good choice if you are in towns all the time. It's slightly better in the corners than the V6 as it has a better turn in however once on the open road the 180 is in a different league.

[Noobrider]

I own both a 120 and a 180. I like them both but they both are as different as chalk and cheese.

The 120 hatch is my daily runner and it is very good at being that. Fun to drive, quick enough for a bit of fun and handles pretty well when pushed. On the motorway its nice and comfy and will sit at 70 all day long but there's not much guts after that, you have to push it quite hard. On track its OK, standard it rolls a bit in the corners, was a bit better after I lowered it but I didn't really buy it for track days so its only been twice.
The hatch is very useful and I have towed alll manor of cars and vans with it. A good all round car that has never given me any trouble.

The 180 is my fun car. I bought it primarily for the track but I have used it a fair bit on the road over the last couple of months. The only thing I would say is in full trim it felt a heavy car but that engine makes you do naughty things all the time. The engine sound just makes you push the throttle harder and harder so you use twice as much petrol. On the motorway though it just cruises and when you want more speed, just press the loud pedal. Mine is stripped out and feels a lot better for it but I'm steadily building it ready for track only - yet to try it on track.

[pete mufc bowker]

180 all day, i love smokin the 120's of the mark, coz im still a kid at heart even tho im 31 cough cough

[Ippon]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201243490299554/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/fuel-type/petrol/price-from/500/model/zs/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/s367lx/radius/1500/page/2?logcode=p
Still not seen a MK2 180 that nearby to me (Sheffield) ...... but this one seems to be "enthusiast" owned ... can't really justify t'other half a 150 mile round journey to view every car advertised, as I have various 4 kids activity plus my own rugby commitments every weekend

......... Comments invited RE: the add please ......
QUOTE from add ...Just to clarify (had lots of questions) All 3 timing belts, auxillary belt & water pump replaced with metal impeller version at 54000 miles. Serviced by myself every 6000 miles. ITG Induction kit fitted, VIS indicator lights fitted, oil catch tank fitted.

[talkingcars]

Looks ok.

[Ippon]

Well this one (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201244490592109/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/fuel-type/petrol/price-from/500/model/zs/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/s367lx?logcode=p)is a better selling price £700 LESS..... but is being sold by a "dealer" ..... would you rate the EXTRAS "All 3 timing belts, auxillary belt & water pump replaced with metal impeller version at 54000 miles. Serviced by myself every 6000 miles. ITG Induction kit fitted, VIS indicator lights fitted, oil catch tank fitted. 3 new tyres fitted in last month" on the other ZED to make the extra £700 asking price better value?

[Dan1971]

I'd have a look at this if I were you - I sent them a message and it's a one owner car with good mileage ...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-ZS180-2004-Now-with-12-months-MOT-/221146444601?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item337d5af339

Of the 2 saloons you've mentioned, I'd go for the private one with belts done - take 1900 and I reckon you'd get it.

[Fred68]

Well this one (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201244490592109/sort/default/usedcars/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/fuel-type/petrol/price-from/500/model/zs/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/2/radius/1500/postcode/s367lx?logcode=p)is a better selling price £700 LESS..... but is being sold by a "dealer" ..... would you rate the EXTRAS "All 3 timing belts, auxillary belt & water pump replaced with metal impeller version at 54000 miles. Serviced by myself every 6000 miles. ITG Induction kit fitted, VIS indicator lights fitted, oil catch tank fitted. 3 new tyres fitted in last month" on the other ZED to make the extra £700 asking price better value?

Honda type engine?? I've seen them branded as BMW engines but never Honda!! Price looks good though if it's as good as he said??

[Ippon]

Honda type engine? ... thats my worry ... ar3e/elbow springs to mind, at least with more expensive one. the "what to look for" in this sites buying guide looks covered...