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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - Better buy - ZR or ZS?

Wife's 1.8 2000 Mondeo has to go and she would like a ZR or ZS. What's the opinion as to which is best? Needs to be ultra reliable(!) like the Mondeo (just clocked up 171,000 - ie: just jump in and drive).

Just missed a a highish miler 1yr old ZS at £4850, so obviously still some good deals out there. I'd rather she had a ZS but size doesn't matter(!). So pros and cons pls.
tia
Montego Bay

Dear 'Montego Bay',

I run an MG ZS Turbo Diesel (101 bhp) and I find it very reliable and economic to run (48-55 mpg). It is comfortable and handles very well. I have not driven the 120 or 180 petrol engined cars so I cannot give any direct advice on those models. If your wife does not need high performance, then I would recommend a ZS Diesel.

My wife runs an MG ZR 160 VVC. It is a 3 door model. This is much more sporty but, as with all VVC engines, you have to take it above 4,000rpm to get the most out of the engine in terms of performance. The 120 model does not need this treatment but it is still quite quick. The car is comfortable and reasonably spacious.

If your wife takes some test drives in various models, no doubt she will find a car to suit her needs. Perhaps you will post a note on what you buy and your impressions in due course.

Derek Porter
Derek Porter

ZT mate, better quality all round.
If you go for the diesel it's a BMW engine too

Neil

Out of the ZR and ZS i'd recommend going for the ZS. It's better designed, better made and generally feels a better car to drive. The Diesel's a good buy if you don't mind Diesels, but go for the 115 model. My advise would be the 1.8 ZS120 and find one with as many options as poss. It could end up being a ZS180 without the Fuel and Service bills. It's a good all-rounder and it's reliable.
Steve T

Thanks all. Sorry, Neil, when I said 'size doesn't matter', I meant if it was smaller than ZS, so much as she'd like (me too!) a ZT - really nice car - it's just too big to park in space available (tight enough as it is with 3 other cars as well!).


Okay, let's say it's a ZS. Any advantage of going for newer style change model (as opposed to earlier models)?

again, tia.
Montego Bay

Dear Montego Bay,

As I had an early model ZS Diesel before I bought my current car, which is the facelifted type, I can compare the two. The later car is much better. The suspension was softened as the early cars were quite harsh. The seats were improved as the early ones had really sharp side cushions which were uncomfortable. Quality all round seems better in the later cars.

As both my first car had, and current car has, a 101bhp engine, I can imagine the 115bhp engine being quite a bit better although I find 101bhp adequate for my needs.

Derek Porter
Derek Porter

Montego Bay

I love my O2-reg ZS 120 to pieces, and came to it from a Montego turbo. It handles better than the Montego, better economy, is nicer appointed, is as roomy (ish, bit shorter rear leg room but the hatch is handy). It is in + spec with electric front windows and air con. Only thing it doesn't do better and that's performance, but then my turbo was "tweaked" to give 190+ bhp and I'd need a ZS180 to match that but can't afford the obligatory fuel tanker to go with it ;-)

Mind you, the performance is better than the old 2.0 MG Maestro, so unless you had a turbo you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I tried a ZR first, but being over 5'8" found it really uncomfortable. ZR is much harsher too, even than these earlier ZSs.

Go ZS young man, you know it makes sense.
Max T

5'8" and dont fit a ZR is that 5'8" wide?
I'm 6'2" and have no probs!
mg

This thread was discussed between 04/09/2006 and 07/09/2006

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