I currently own a Ford Puma but it's time to go for something bigger in size. I'm thinking about an MG ZS 180 in trophy blue (among others) which looks stunning (haven't had a test drive yet). My only concerns are build quality and how it would hold it's value over 3 years or so. Any comments regarding these would be greatly appreciated.

They depreciate a lot less than Focus / Mondeos do.... or at least are expected too...

They are sought after cars, so should fare better than the R45 equivilants...

As for build quality, expect better than Ford. I've had Mondeo / Focus Company cars, and had much better dealings with MGR, and a much more reliable car....

Dont think you will have any trouble with build quality I have a mate with a ZS 180 and its solid, I dont think anything has come off yet! My ZR 160 has some creaks but these are due to the folding front seats.

As for the resale value in three years I suppose you could be looking at about £6000 to £8000 but this is just a guestimate. Perhaps check out how much a 3 year old 45 is that was the same sort of price as the ZS is new?

I've had the ZS180 since October 2001, the only problem so far is the drivers door trim cam out of its plastic grips. Otherwise no problems just lots of fun :bgrin: :bgrin2:

The ZS seems to be a pretty solid car from all the reviews ive read, ive also heard that you should expect the front suspension to make a bit of noise now and then until the car is run-in.

my 180 now has 2600 miles on - not a single problem no rattles / door trim probs / suspension squeaks - the only prob is the petrol doesn't go far enough !! take one for a test drive ! ( but only if you can afford it otherwise it may break your heart not to drive it again )

:lol:

I think the test drive should sell it to you. Bear in mind we all MG advocates here, become a convert like us lot after you've driven one ;) I know resale value is important to some people but I don't think I'd prefer to drive a boring car that doesn't deprieciate much over an exciting car that does. I think the ZS will hold a bit more value than the Rover 45's (which you can use as a guide) and they are fairly solidly built, they've had a few years to get the basics right and the benifit of some Honda engineering into the bodyshell, tweaked by the engineers/drivers at Longbridge.

Yeah my ZS has been reasonably trouble free. Loose trim on the driver's side passenger door, a slight rattle from behind the dash and a loose cooling hose. All apparent within the first few hundred miles - and nothing has arisen since.

Dealer service from local MG Rover dealer has also been immeasurably better than I received from my Ford dealer when I had a Fiesta.

I went for the 120 - on grounds of running costs and company car tax. However, I have driven the 180 and would heartily reccommend either to anyone.

Depreciation should be well above a 45 and most probably better than a Focus, 307 or Astra and slightly below a performance Golf.

John

I've had a ZS 180 since March this year and apart from creaking front and rear suspension that the dealership fixed and a rear flapping offside bumper ( which the dealership haven't fixed) the car is fantastic.

We took two cars down to le mans this year my ZS 180 and my Dads ZT-T 190 and the amount of looks we got was great.

Great Car i recomend that you test drive: you won't be disappointed

Just make sure you go for the Saloon. They look far more modern than the Hatch !

Why did you assume there would be build quality issues ?

Probably because you have read this site ! Bear in mind though that the ZS/45 is much more solid than the ZR/25.

I have just bought an MG ZS 180 after a string of Hondas. The build quality seems very good to me. I do not know about residual values on these cars (who does yet?) but given that they appear very good value for money in the first place that is not a consideration which would weigh very heavily with me.

I have driven a ZS 180, they are excellent cars but a bit short on kit compared to the likes of a Seat Leon Cupra, Focus Meridian/ST170. Also, the saloons have an enormous boot capacity.

Go on try one!

Adrian Williams.

dont test drive 180 because you will just by it trophy blue 4 door awesome