2.2 Sri - regret it?

[andyfeeny]

Ive just sold my MG ZS 180 which in all honesty I loved in many ways despite its failings... Im now looking at a 2.2 (2003 plate) sri. Im just worried that Ill miss the power. Ive read through loads of previous posts without really finding the answer Im after.

Im getting rid of the ZS due to fuel costs and want something in between in terms of MPG and reasonable performance. Opinions??

Thanks very much

Sorry I forgot to say that a (newer better) diesel is out of my price range unfortunately

[lizard]

2.0 turbo matey, wish I had gone that route, or 1.9CDTI 150 and tuning box HTH

[andyfeeny]

Trying to find one at right money (for me) is very hard though

[rushy]

As a 2.2 owner I wish I bought the 2.0T for better power, tunability and reliability. With them both being on par on MPG the NET is a no brainer.

[PORKBALLS29]

2.0 T all the way buddy. The best of everything. There's plenty out there i think there is atleast 20 on autotrader of varying ages. What sort of budget do you have?

[andyfeeny]

Im looking at around the 3k mark to be honest. I dont want to get myself in any more debt at the moment...

[crespo]

My 2.2 has been spot on although you will defo notice the performance drop. saying that it is adequate for everyday use. I had a 200bhp Volvo s60 before my SRI and changed for the same reasons as you. I do on occasions miss the extra power but not enough to warrant getting rid of it and i definitely enjoy the extra mpg i get from the 2.2.
To say the 2.0T is similar in mpg figures is a little miss leading to be honest as it is not if you do a fair bit of town driving. On a run yes but round town no. I had the exact same engine in my old Saab 93 2.0T and it was pretty thirsty round town.
Reliability wise the early non direct 2.2 is a much safer bet than the newer 2.2 direct.
Saying that if i could afford the little extra fuel it will use i would get the 2.0T.
And it is slightly more expensive to insure.

And without being biased it is a much better place to sit than your old MG and is more practical although it will not be as quick or handle as well.
I toyed with the idea of a ZT before i got my Vectra but was put off by the head gasket issues. I dont regret my choice and im glad i plumped for the Vectra in the end.

[PORKBALLS29]

Not to sure about what Crespo says about the fuel on the 2.0 T i'm getting 28 - 30 around town and late 30's to mid 40 mpg on a run. Which in my eyes is really good for a big motor (signum). Have you thought about a signum it widens your spectrum a little then. bTW all ways wanted a zs180 i've all ways had a soft spot for rovers.

[Leemarksmith]

I like mine too much to get rid. but if i hadn't have found this i may have waited for a 2.0t

[andyfeeny]

Cheers for the reply crespo. That is more what I kind of wanted to hear! Im looking at trying to find something that isnt slow but will give me better then the 21-23 mpg Im getting at the moment. I had a 1.8 vec B sri before the MG and to be honest liked it for its spec, space etc. All my driving currently is to work and back which is town driving but 16 miles and to be honest Im more swayed by having somewhere nice to be sat in then I am pace etc. I just dont want something slow...