MG ZR 105 5DR

Guscat

Looking to get a 2003 MG ZR 105 5DR 1.4L. Would anybody know any reason not to get this car?

I know that rover (MG) have gone bust, this, i don't think, would be an issue for parts.

Any issues anyone can think of?

GC.

Damokc

Do these not suffer from head issues? It's even in a lot of donedeal ads as a selling point that the head has been done?!

Damokc

LIGHTNING wrote: »

They do because people dont look after them. Even so there is a proper fix that you can do to the headgasket in anycase.

Thats fair enough I suppose. I actually looked into getting one. They're the highest bhp 1.4 engine around AFAIK? I wanted something as quick or quicker than my 1.4 Civic. In the end I stuck with due to people saying the MGs can be a bit soft.

Gumbo

theres an aftermarket beefed up head gaskey available for them, seemly its thicker or something?

I had one for a few months and this was done by the prexious owner.

Guscat

Thanks all,

Ya I have heard about the head G being a bit of an issue, but most have updated to the new more robust HG. I have only looked for these as I don't want the hassle of wondering if I should be taking it easy or constantly watching out for the HG starting to fail.

I hear they are a nice well handled car. I think ill look closer to getting one now.

Plenty of parts available for them. Great handling cars with a nice engine and chassis setup. Give it a good long drive and make sure the gearbox is ok and let her sit idling for a good while and make sure she doesnt over heat.

Thanks for the tip Lightning, ill def look into this along with the usual checks.

Guscat

So, I am looking towards getting that MG. However there is a 2001 Lexus IS 200 that is catching my eye.

The question is, should I go for the MG which has a lower mil/gal, and insurance/tax cost, or go for the sturdy, not to give much trouble Lexus?

Guscat

Ya, i suppose the question i have to ask myself is, do i want to drive in a more comfortable car worrying about the needle going down?

MetzgerMeister

I had an MG ZR a few years ago and I loved it.

Try and get one that has the straight spokes as opposed to the hairpins. Reason being, they have the sport suspension.

The only problems I had with mine were a leaking sunroof which I was never able to get fixed and the MG badges back and front faded.

wes31

I brought one new in 2003 put 80000 miles on it serviced it regular. The head gasket went at 65k got it replaced with the uprated gasket kit that was the only problem i had with the car. Just make sure the head gasket has been done on any mg you look at.