2001 MG ZR + 115 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Fun and sexy, but with annoying faults

Faults:

The air flow meter has gone three times!

Exhaust keeps falling off.

Seats have worn terribly.

Diesel leak from the fuel lines.

Carpets have ripped in the corners.

Wheel bearings awful.

Road noise is deafening and the ride is terribly hard.

17" alloys are so soft I've had all of them replaced or repaired.

My most recent fault is an electrical one, where every time I try to indicate in the rain, the car cuts out and won't restart; no lights on the dash but everything else works??? HELP!!!

General Comments:

For all the cars faults, I can't help but love it. It has good performance (when the air flow meter is working that is), good fuel consumption, and let's face it, is still a lovely looking motor.

All the parts are cheap, and it's a Rover so you can take the whole thing apart and put it back together with very few tools, not much expertise needed either.

Great fun car. Handles well and puts a smile on your face, not to mention a great piece of British heritage!! Can't help but think if the Germans had built it, or even the Japanese, the thing would be just amazing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th September, 2008

30th Sep 2008, 18:47

Yeah I agree. Pity the engine isn't being used anymore; in common rail form it would have easily competed with modern diesel engines.

The build quality is so so on these cars, but you can't ask for much at the money they go for, and engine wise they are pretty bullet proof.

2001 MG ZR 160 1.8 VVT (160ps)

Summary:

One flaming hot hatch!!

Faults:

I haven't owned it for long, but the services and past MOT was fine with no problems.

General Comments:

What a hot hatch!

With MG Rover going bust the prices have dropped which makes it better value.

The parts are still available and MG owners have ben promised that they will be available long into the future.

The performance is great, 0-60 in 7.4 seconds is not to be sniffed at! Along with the great handling due to the sports suspension, 17inch wheels, uprated steering and good chassis the car really is fun to drive.

There are a couple of squeaks around the car for no apparent reason e.g. the dash will randomly squeak, it's a little annoying, but doesn't spoil the experience.

The car looks sexy with the body kit and sporty trim. The seats are supporting and stylish with colour coding. Really turns heads!

Overall the driving experience is something special, with the performance, sound and looks resulting in a great experience.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd February, 2006

2001 MG ZR 105 1.4

Summary:

Looks and works well, but more thought was needed on the interior

Faults:

Pins have gone in both seats (2 door).

Felt on the ceiling has started to come away.

Engine mount fell off at 22,000 miles.

Seat adjuster came off on both sides.

Seat coverings have started to come away.

General Comments:

This is a great car and looks fabulous.

It drives and handles really well.

It's a very nippy little car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th January, 2006

2001 MG ZR 160 1.8 vvc

Summary:

Surprisingly good hot hatch

Faults:

Nothing as yet, due to only being the owner of the vehicle for a few weeks.

General Comments:

This car is truly stunning, and really needs to be driven to be appreciated.

I purchased the car directly from an mg rover dealer and can't fault the quality of the service and the condition of the product.

I opted for a used mg Zr 160 after test driving both the 160 and slightly less powered 105, which I felt was a little flat.

The car is quick off the mark and really comes into its stride in top gears gripping to the road with ease allowing you to push the boundaries of the car.

The exterior of the car is stunning and a real head turner and is pleasure to drive on roads shared by too many modified low performance cars.

I look forward to giving you a further update in about another 6 months.

If you are considering a cheap performance hot hatch then look no further, and test drive a Zr 160 today.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2005