MG ZS Autoshite gold - Step into the winners circle!

[srad34]

Hi all,

After a bit of faffing, does this allow me full entitlement into the Autoshite fraternity?

I have never wanted one of these tbh but it was soooooo cheap, it would have been rude to refuse. 

All rose tinted on the test drive, Its actually quite nice on the road and when warmed up, the engine is sweet as a nut! 

No rust at all and just needs a damn good valet.   

 

Its had 2 HGF in its 10 years/89k so on par for a K series. What do you think? 

[Cavcraft]

I can't like these (looks wise) as the smaller and bigger brothers looked fab. That looks as straight as a dye though, and opinions are only opinions. If you like it, that's all that matters. Pretty sure Dollywobbler once 'fessed to having a hankering for these once too. 

[RedSparrow]

Brilliant. I would definately have one if I was in the UK. Amazingly cheap at the mo too.

[fordperv]

Well done that looks lovely indeed

[Negative Creep]

I always thought they were the slightly wakward middle child as well, but I wouldn't kick one out of bed. That would hurt my foot.

[Rusty_Rocket]

I've had a few ZRs and really rate them.  The ZS was supposed to be the best drive of the lot when new so I'm sure it won't disappoint.  My MoT man really rates the 400/45/ZS too which is saying a lot- he normally never utters a word about such matters!

As above, yours looks really clean, enjoy!

[srad34]

Cheers chaps, I think I will run it over the winter and see what happens come MOT time next march (fingers crossed!)  

[overrun]

I loved my dads 420 GSi. It was a brilliant car.

The same machine with updated looks and interior has to be a winning combo.

[beko1987]

Excellent choice of winter snotter. I rather like it!

[eddyramrod]

For daily-driver duty these have to be a Shite choice, well found.  There's a red V6 one near my work that I'm trying to ignore.  I've already had a good look at the leather interior and a listen to the engine...

 

No no no!  Wrong gearbox, much too young, I really don't need another car and can't spare that kind of moolah anyway!  Just go home a different way.....

[dollywobbler]

Not tried an MG, but a 180 would be fun, in a wallet-draining sort of a way. Did own a 414 bubble some years ago. Very comfortable, brisk, economical and only let down by crap pedal positioning and looks that were always slightly short of pleasant. Oh, and main beam was like a bleedin' candle.

[Partridge]

I remember EVO magazine described these as "worryingly good".

[RedSparrow]

I always thought they were the slightly wakward middle child as well, but I wouldn't kick one out of bed. That would hurt my foot.

 

I kind of agree - like they filled a hole in the range that wasn't there.

[overrun]

I remember EVO magazine described these as "worryingly good".

 

Thought you were more of a What Car? reader, Alan.

[Guest Tony Hayers]

The only thing that spoils the ZS these days (IMO) is the type of owners they attract.

 

Not aimed at OP, but Council type.

[Partridge]

Thought you were more of a What Car? reader, Alan.

...I've got to change my user name...

[Spiny Norman]

The only one of these I ever drove was the full fat V6 and it was quite entertaining in a FWD hot rod kind of way, but like all the modern Rovers I found it quite 'snug' in the driver's seat.
It's something I might entertain if it was cheap enough to drive for a while and throw away when it went phut.

[Twiggy]

Hmm - pardon the ignorance guys, but aren`t these the same shell as the Rover 75 ?

[RobT]

HOT! Nice colour and wheel combo too. I prefer these to the 180 with the stupid wing on the back, your one looks more understated.

[Spiny Norman]

Hmm - pardon the ignorance guys, but aren`t these the same shell as the Rover 75 ?

 

Rover 45, the smaller one. The MG version of the 75 is the ZT.

[Twiggy]

Ah ! Thanks Norman......................

[HillmanImp]

They are bargainous. Will be rare as hens teeth in 2 years time for the reason Jetronic said and we will all be wetting ourselves over them.

[philibusmo]

Nicely done. I have always liked the look of all three of the MGs, but the ZS and ZT-T in particular. The V6 versions have been giving me the eye for a good couple of months, but sadly what with the length of my commute and size of my pay packet I really can't justify anything that doesn't have a tiny engine or run on veg as a daily. Or can I... (scurries off to peruse eBay)

[Alexg]

These things are absurdly cheap, is it a 1.6?

[Twiggy]

I`ve been lusting after a diesel 75 estate, but a tad concerned about the spares situation.

[Lord Sterling]

I had use of a 45 TD Connoisseur sometime back when my Sterling was in for some work. I utterly LOVED it:

 

 

I'd have loved to have bought it as an everyday car, but alas, I must press on with the Sterling, and to be fair, the Sterling is far more comfortable. If ever I get the chance to build a Rover collection, a couple of these Saloon 45s will certainly be gracing my collection.

 

The saloon 45 in my opinion looks far more classy, it reminds me of an updated SD3. If Richard Bucket had a car now, it would be one of these.

[cms206]

I always thought the 400/45/ZS saloon was the best looking of the bunch, with the ZT-T close behind. I'd rock one as a daily no bother.

[MrDuke]

A previous neighbour of mine had a tastefully* attired ZS V6 with chromed 20" alloys and large full-length decals down the sides which informed everyone of the engine size and cylinder layout. Unfortunately, every time I see one now, I get mental flashbacks (of the car and the neighbour) so I can't even consider having one for a good few years.

Veering O/T, I would do almost anything to acquire a 75 (not a ZT) with the Mustang engine option, although it won't be long before they're completely unobtanium.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

These ZS's look mildly wanky in my eyes but the mags used to rave on about the driving experience, seemingly the suspension tuning is really good and they drive much better than they look (and much better than the equivalent 45) I always think the 1.8 120 must be a bit lame and the 2.5V6 is probably wonderful but thirsty. Maybe a VVC-equipped 4-cylinder one could be the ideal combo. I'd defo like to try one for a bit. I reckon theyre an Alfa 33 for the 21st century, what higher praise could there be?

[Station]

I remember EVO magazine described these as "worryingly good".

 

Tiff Needel said it was the best handling front wheel drive car he had (ever) driven!