I'm on the hunt for a new car

[littlened]

With the ZS being sold, I'm now on the hunt for a new car.

So, if people can keep their eyes peeled for one of the following please.

1) An MG ZS 180 Mk2 Saloon, lowish mileage with some service history and not silver (XPower Grey is fine). Un-molestered.

2) An MG ZT 1.8t (or maybe 190) Mk2, would prefer the 1.8t just for ease of maintenance. Again, lowish mileage, service history. Again, not silver. I would possibly consider a Mk1, but it would have to be really good and a later model.

Budget, around £1500.

I missed out on this ZT, which is only 10 mile away and would of been ideal, 50k mile, FSH, £1200.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201212114589191/sort/locasc/usedcars/model/zt/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/quicksearch/true/page/1/radius/1500/postcode/sr82es?logcode=p

I've checked auto-trader etc, but there's nothing that really fits my criteria. There's a lovely black one in the link below, the interior is absolutely lovely, but all the engine work puts me off, as well as the aftermarket exhaust and the tinted windows.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-MG-ZT-1-8T-160-with-reconditioned-engine-low-miles-NOW-REDUCED-/271125143929?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f20516179

[ZS]

would prefer the 1.8t just for ease of maintenance

Ease of maintenance??? Ha Ha... The 1.8Turbo's I've seen have all been money pits! :smart:

[littlened]

Ease of maintenance??? Ha Ha... The 1.8Turbo's I've seen have all been money pits! :smart:

I'm more thinking along the lines of cheaper parts, easier access, especially if you're going to do most of the maintenance yourself.

Timing belt for example, cheaper parts, quicker to do on the 1.8.

Then there's the inlet manifold on the V6, if that goes you're looking at £200 for a used unit or £500 brand new.

ok, so the 1.8 might suffer HGF, but if you do it yourself the parts are less than £100.

Also better MPG.

Like I say, I'm not ruling out a 190, it's mainly the fuel consumption that's putting me off, something like 28mpg. Based on a tank of fuel (£85) you'd get 353 mile, compared to 507 mile from the 1.8t.

The 1.8t can also be remapped to the same BHP as the 190, and the fuel economy shouldn't really suffer unless you're constantly using all that extra power.

[ZS]

I'm more thinking along the lines of cheaper parts, easier access, especially if you're going to do most of the maintenance yourself.

Timing belt for example, cheaper parts, quicker to do on the 1.8.

Then there's the inlet manifold on the V6, if that goes you're looking at £200 for a used unit or £500 brand new.

ok, so the 1.8 might suffer HGF, but if you do it yourself the parts are less than £100.

Also better MPG.

Like I say, I'm not ruling out a 190, it's mainly the fuel consumption that's putting me off, something like 28mpg. Based on a tank of fuel (£85) you'd get 353 mile, compared to 507 mile from the 1.8t.

The 1.8t can also be remapped to the same BHP as the 190, and the fuel economy shouldn't really suffer unless you're constantly using all that extra power.

Head gasket goes, then the turbo goes, then the wastegate, etc etc... the ZT 1.8T (and the 75 CDTi) both cost us thousands more than the ZS180 cost us to run in the time we had them :)

[littlened]

Head gasket goes, then the turbo goes, then the wastegate, etc etc... the ZT 1.8T (and the 75 CDTi) both cost us thousands more than the ZS180 cost us to run in the time we had them :)

True, I never really thought of the turbo needing to be replaced.

I plan on only covering around 3000 mile a year...in an MG ZT that works out at...

ZT 190 - 24p per mile. 3000 = £720 per year
ZT 1.8t - 16p per mile. 3000 = £480 per year
ZS 180 - 20p per mile. 3000 = £600 per year

I've also priced up parts for the ZT 1.8t and 190.

1.8t
£55 - Timing belt/water pump/tensioner
£60 - Gasket set
£500 - Turbo (recon)
£80 - Wastegate (I think this is right)
TOTAL: £695

KV6
£160 - Timing belts/water pump/tensioner
£500 - Manifold
TOTAL: £660

As you can see there's very little in it in terms of buying the parts should something go wrong.

[littlened]

Ah bollox.

I might have to have a re-think about which car I get. I've always insured MG's with Peter Best, but on they won't insure a driver on a ZT that's under 30 year old. Which is a shame as the insurance on a 2002 MG ZT is only £190 a year.

I asked for a quote on a 2004 ZS 180, and it came back at £320 because it's younger than 10 year!

[idge2003]

In your costing you work out the ZS180 at 20p a mile meaning an average of 30mpg!

I got less than 24mpg out of my last tank! I must have a lead filled right shoe i think as 27mpg is the most I've averaged on a tank in over 5 years and 3 180's. :(

Brett

[talkingcars]

My av is 25.1 over the last 13k, last was 24.1 and best is 33mpg.

[littlened]

My av is 25.1 over the last 13k, last was 24.1 and best is 33mpg.

So the ZT 190 is going to be much worse.

I didn't make my earlier post clear.

I'm 32, but my wife is only coming up 29, so I can't insure her on a ZT. If I end up getting one, she'll have to go on the policy the following year.

[stamford]

So the ZT 190 is going to be much worse.

I didn't make my earlier post clear.

I'm 32, but my wife is only coming up 29, so I can't insure her on a ZT. If I end up getting one, she'll have to go on the policy the following year.

Isn't that a good thing? :laugh:

If only doing 3k a year why worry about economy, enjoy the car!

[Supercharged_Z]

A really really well spec'd Zs 180 mk1 for £2200 will show up most if not 95% of other ZS's on the road :)

[Alan.F]

Hey m8 dont forget a lot of people om here are going to be biased, i have a 1.8t and apart from having the HG done when i first bought it (out of choice hadn't gone yet) not had an issue with it and its returning 400+ to a tank of fuel. Also i have replaced the plastic inlet manifold with a VVC one so the helps eliminate the gasket issue as with all k series engines also anoth weak point is the T_Piece in the top hose they are plastic and do fail, i have a metal one on order from a guy on 75/ZT forum which will sort that issue also.

[talkingcars]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MGZT-160-1-8-TURBO-SPARES-REPAIR-/160943167918?_trksid=e11010.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA% 252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D10%26pmo d%3D230897940055%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D43308 76610758079933&_qi=RTM1240450

Just needs some TLC.

[littlened]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MGZT-160-1-8-TURBO-SPARES-REPAIR-/160943167918?_trksid=e11010.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA% 252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D10%26pmo d%3D230897940055%26po%3D%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D43308 76610758079933&_qi=RTM1240450

Just needs some TLC.

I'd be concerned that it wouldn't make it back from kent (311 mile)

[talkingcars]

Reading between the lines I don't think the car is too bad and the seller is trying to cover themselves. If it had cruise control and/or folding mirrors I'd bid.

Are you a memeber of any breakdown set up?

[littlened]

Reading between the lines I don't think the car is too bad and the seller is trying to cover themselves. If it had cruise control and/or folding mirrors I'd bid.

Are you a memeber of any breakdown set up?

Nope, just on our main car.

If I'm honest, I'm after something that's been looked after, and I'm hoping my budget of £1500 should get me a good Mk1 ZT.

At the minute I like these two...

Full service history, 61k mile, looks very clean. Doesn't have clear headlights though.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201211274405842/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/petrol/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/model/zt/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/radius/1500/postcode/sr82es/page/2?logcode=p

No mention of service history, looks clean, has clear headlights. Slightly over budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201242489135297/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/petrol/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/model/zt/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/sr82es/radius/1500/page/3?logcode=p

or, if I wanted to pay higher insurance costs for a year. There's this Mk2 with 42k mile on it. No mention of any service history though.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201212184651436/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/petrol/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/model/zt/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/radius/1500/postcode/sr82es/page/4?logcode=p

Then there's this one, no tax or MOT, Mk2 1.8t. 58k mile. No mention of history. Tow bar is a put off though as it suggests it pulled a caravan, so what condition the clutch is in I don't know.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201212204691151/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/petrol/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/model/zt/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/sr82es/page/1/radius/1500?logcode=p

Another Mk1, a bit far to travel. 58k mile, full service history, looks very clean, but I don't like the wheels and it needs a spoiler on the back. It's only the 160 V6 though.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201212214701703/sort/default/usedcars/fuel-type/petrol/price-to/2000/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/model/zt/make/mg/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/postcode/sr82es/page/1/radius/1500?logcode=p

Then there's this black Mk2, love the interior, but the mileage is higher than I would have liked, and all the work to the engine puts me off.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-MG-ZT-1-8T-160-with-reconditioned-engine-low-miles-NOW-REDUCED-/271125143929?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3f20516179

and finally, this silver Mk2, 42k mile. 1.8t. Bit far away and I'm not keen on the silver, but it looks like a nice car.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-MG-ZT-1-8-160-Plus-4-door-Saloon-/200856577811?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2ec3fc2713

[Dan1971]

If you guys are looking at a ZT - I hope you've signed up to the R75 / ZT dedicated forum. I've just had a very quick butchers on there and apart from a R75 V8 that you could get for 5K I reckon .... there are also a couple of ZTs - one a V6 190 monogram one that the guy's selling for £800, and another 160 with some issues for the same sort of money.

I'd always go forum members first rather than autotrader or ebay ....

[littlened]

If you guys are looking at a ZT - I hope you've signed up to the R75 / ZT dedicated forum. I've just had a very quick butchers on there and apart from a R75 V8 that you could get for 5K I reckon .... there are also a couple of ZTs - one a V6 190 monogram one that the guy's selling for £800, and another 160 with some issues for the same sort of money.

I'd always go forum members first rather than autotrader or ebay ....

I'm registered on the 75 and zt club forum, but there isn't anything for sale on there that interests me at the minute.

[talkingcars]

I would love a V8 but can't afford one until I give up smoking and save for a while.

I would consider a V6 or a 1.8T but it has to have cruise control and would like to have powerfold mirrors.

[Dan1971]

Stick a wanted thread up - people feel that they are stuck with their cars - you might tempt someone into selling.

[talkingcars]

Don't want to sell mine - just want another one!

[littlened]

Stick a wanted thread up - people feel that they are stuck with their cars - you might tempt someone into selling.

Thanks, just put a wanted thread up on the 75/ZT forum.

Still also considering a Mk2 ZS, but there's just nothing for sale at the minute.

[Dan1971]

If I were either of you two - I'd get offers in on Ross's Mk1. He doesn't really want to break it up.

Top dollar - but look at what you'd want for a ZS and it's got it. You'd end up buying one and then in time getting it like his. Don't like the Mk1 look - many have converted the front - and it's unique with the bespoke interior.

It's got everything .....

[littlened]

If I were either of you two - I'd get offers in on Ross's Mk1. He doesn't really want to break it up.

Top dollar - but look at what you'd want for a ZS and it's got it. You'd end up buying one and then in time getting it like his. Don't like the Mk1 look - many have converted the front - and it's unique with the bespoke interior.

It's got everything .....

Except the Mk2 look and interior, which would be pretty costly to convert.

[talkingcars]

The problem with buying Ross's car is it is in a similar vain to my maestro and not really a car I'd want to drive everyday. To be of interest to me the price I'd offer would be an insult to Ross.

[Ippon]

If I were either of you two - I'd get offers in on Ross's Mk1. He doesn't really want to break it up.

Top dollar - but look at what you'd want for a ZS and it's got it. You'd end up buying one and then in time getting it like his. Don't like the Mk1 look - many have converted the front - and it's unique with the bespoke interior.

It's got everything .....

Forgive my ignorance but which is Ross' car ...... is it this? (http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=23465)

[Dan1971]

Forgive my ignorance but which is Ross' car ...... is it this? (http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=23465)

Yep ....

[talkingcars]

Except the Mk2 look and interior, which would be pretty costly to convert.

The dash is easy to swap, keep the mk1 consol and it is simply a case of taking one dash out and putting the new one in.

There is one on ebay for £80.

[littlened]

After a visit by Santa during the night, my budget is now £2000

[Dan1971]

Always thought he was a top bloke ... ;)

[stamford]

Lucky you!

[Supercharged_Z]

The Zs I'm selling really is top draw, I would really rather sell the car whole, it brakes for 3k minimum, it would see any mk2 Zs off just mises the looks.

Over two forums had over 30 pm's wanting bits it really is a sorted zed.

Anyhow good luck

Ross

[ZRed]

Yellow mk2

[Smokey]

Yellow mk2

seriously...already?!

[ZRed]

Told you, if money is right, it goes :)

[Smokey]

Might be worth letting us know what we would get for our money? :D

[ZRed]

You know the script mate :)