Is this good value

[Murphy]

Please don't flame me too much - but I followed one of these this morning in my 1.2 Corsa and it was quicker !?!?!

Anyway, I always nosey around for bargins, and came across this:

MG ZS [Sallon 4 door] 180 [2.5 V6 Quad cam]

http://www.compucars.co.uk/carpics/Lg54775-01.jpg

http://www.compucars.co.uk/carpics/Lg54775-02.jpg

http://www.compucars.co.uk/carpics/Lg54775-03.jpg

http://www.compucars.co.uk/carpics/Lg54775-04.jpg

First Registered: 22 Aug 2001 "Y" Registration 20,000 Miles

Finished In: SILVER
12 Months warranty included
Adjustable steering column
Anti-Lock Brakes
Electric Mirrors
Front and Side Air Bags
Half Leather Trim
PRE-SALES SERVICE AND MOT
Remote central locking / factory alarm
UK CAR

1 owner
17" Sport alloys
Air Conditioning
CD / Radio
Exceptional condition
Full Service History
Power Assisted Steering
Rear Spoiler
Sports Seats

£5000

Compared to a 2000 X Vectra at £1000 more and 62k miles, a 2001 mondeo with 40k and £2000 more or a Bora V6 with 30000 miles for £3000 more money than the MG.

All the above cars are out of warranty, so that point is void and dealers are still continuing as 'specialists' [in my area anyway] - the parts are on going and the are arguably as reliable as any of the above. So if you had to spend your hard earned brass on a V6 mid sized salon - would you consider the MG then ?

[Martinr]

This is the same V6 engine that was fitted in the Rover 825s.

Be aware that there is an inherrent problem with this unit relating to head gasket failures.

I had a Rover Sterling prior to getting my 850.

Nice car well equiped, comfy and ran well. Only 60K on the clock when both head gaskets failed the day after shelling out £350 on a service and MOT :(

At a non franchised and very friendly garage this cost me £1200 to have rectified. This would have been £2k plus at a stealer.

I was told that just stripping this engine down is a mammoth task and will reflect in the labour times required.

I have heard tales of failures after as little as 30K.

I used to be a staunch supporter of Rover having worked for them for 13 yrs but I for one would never again buy one of their cars following the problems I had on the Sterling.

This is reflected in the fact that I replaced a 97 P plate 60K car with a 96 N plate T5 with 100K on it and was happy to do it.

[Murphy]

Ah - right that is quite a big issue ?!?! Can anything be done to avoid this do you know ?!

[Martinr]

The only thing I know would be to avoid any car with the K series engine in 6 cylinder form. It is an issue with the 4 cylinder engines as well but much easier to rectify. Ross probably has a view on this