Go for the diesel engine if you are gonna do a bit of trekking, it's a good engine - frugal, and powerful enough, with plenty more power cheaply to be had if thats your thing! Very reliable too, and cheap (£125 a year) tax.

The 45 comes with the facelift too, although it's not as agressive looking as the ZS. The 45 is a bit more comfortable than the ZS.

 

And it seems that bit cheaper too!
Take it the suspension is different if the ZS? more stiff and reactive?

 

ZS has stiffer springs, the shocks are the same though.

 

Not quite true

• 
  [*] Lower ride height
  [*] Sports springs and dampers
  [*] Sports tuned power steering
  [*] Quick ratio steering rack
  [*]180 has larger anti roll bars

Shroon

 

AFAIK the facelifted 1.8 ZS is very common with bodykit (though it didn't have the same wheels as the 180).

Yes, the 45 is available as a facelift - in some attractive and unusual colours too. Inside I think the seats are different, making it a better proposition for 3+ adults.

Bear also in mind that reportedly fewer corners were cut on Mk1s (pre Project Drive) so the latest cars are not necessarily the best. Not much age difference now.

For a long commute, I'd look at a diesel too. Certainly not a 6-cylinder struggling to better 20mpg in city traffic, staring down the barrel of £400+ road tax after the next election. Modern diesels appear to be unsuitable for short distances but come into their own when used a lot.

Two things:

1) ensure you know if you want a hatch or a saloon

2) make sure you understand the maintenance schedule and price accordingly. (e.g. cambelt changes).

And in this market, if you're unsure of something, walk away!

 

Thanks! Have sent off a few enquires so shall see what comes of it.. I am drooling at the beefed up ZS though.... BTCC esq..

 

If you go for a 45, the 03 omnwards ones had a better suspension set up than earlier 45's, a much smoother ride, and much more precise cornering too. They are the ones to go for unless your a ZS hooligan and like rock hard suspension