2003 MG ZR 105+ 1.4

Summary:

It'll go down a storm at the banger races!!

Faults:

The alarm system wasn't even fitted.

The seat's are starting to rip underneath because a plastic clip under the seats has split and is tearing them.

General Comments:

Although the car does 0-60 in just under 10 seconds, the ride is terrible! The suspension feels like it, well, just isn't there, you hit a pot hole and it feels like it breaks your spine in four different places, it really is that bad.

The seats really are uncomfortable, even with the additional "lumbar support".

Another thing, all that horrible plastic, it just can't be right! because of all th plastic the interior looks to me like something off "button moon" or something!

The overall feel of the car is that of a child's go-cart! Not especially quick at the bottom end, but when you do put your foot down this 1.4 will and does beat 2litres off of the traffic lights. (Not that I'm a girl racer or anything, but it's important to find out these things, for the purpose of informing others, do you understand?)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th September, 2005

10th Sep 2005, 18:34

If you don't like it they why did you buy it?

Also the ride is not that bad. Try a MkII Fiesta if you want to try a car with no springs.

12th Sep 2005, 03:21

I've driven ZR's before, it's true, the ride is hard, but it just adds to the handling, which is excellent.

I didn't find it overly hard, and thought it was quite well sorted.

2003 MG ZR 105

Summary:

"very slow" and gutless!!

Faults:

Trim is falling apart, engine constantly overheating, rattles/creaks like a tin can!

General Comments:

The car has a sporty look, but that is about it!!

The performance is boardering on PATHETIC! It hasn't any!

My previous car was a "Nissan Micra" and I can quite honestly say that performance wise there isn't much in it!

If you are after something with a bit of poke "steer well clear"

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st May, 2005

29th Jun 2005, 14:30

Looks like you had a friday car. I have owned two ZR's, a 1.4 and a 2.0 TDi and both have been trouble free.

The interior is cheap, but that's expected from a cheap hatchback.

As for performance...it's a 1.4! what do you expect? The 105 is not pretending to be a hot hatch, it's a insurance friendly sporty looking car. Furthermore the 1.4 has over 100bhp, that is very good for a 1.4. All the power is beyond the 4000 revs range. You have to give it a few revs to experience the power band. You obviously have not done this. The 1.4 105 base model ZR is faster to 60mph than the last generation 2.0 Golf GTi. Enough said in terms of performance. Its actually quite good!

2003 MG ZR 160 1.8 VVC

Summary:

We hate this car, glad Rover have gone under. They deserve it. Hope the dealer goes too

Faults:

Heater Matrix leak.

Power steering hose split.

Loose starter motor connection.

Door wiring corrosion.

Door lock.

Front seat leather comes unclipped regularly.

Air in brakes from new, rectified ourselves.

Poor quality brake pads, replaced with alternative.

Front seat tilt forward cable broke.

Poor quality brake pads.

Potentiometer failed.

Currently two engine management faults.

Air conditioning has just failed.

General Comments:

This car is appalling. Never buy one. They are made of poor quality components with poor build quality.

Dealer service and quality of workmanship has been appalling. Whilst fixing some faults more were often created by damage caused during repair by dealer.

Technical support form MG-Rover has been useless.

The engine was a good point, noisy when cold though, until faults developed 6-8 months ago and are still not rectified.

Brakes always had air in, dealer denied. Blatantly obvious when driven. Bled them myself. Brakes much better, but still poor so have changed to EBC pads. Superb now. Original pads very poor quality.

Dealer had several go's at alarm/door locks and engine management faults and failed miserably. Engine now being done by local dyno/diagnostic company at my cost. Damage caused to door trim and lock housing is a joke, ordering new parts myself to fit myself.

Seat catch cable broke. When replaced, dealer ripped both, yes both, seat covers and failed to correctly fit the new cable.

We have wanted to sell this car since December, but couldnt due to faults. Now Rover have gone under and we have lost balance of warranty for what it was worth. Will sort this rubbish motor ourselves now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th April, 2005

18th May 2005, 02:33

Couldn't agree more. Appalling car.

- seat tilt cables (both) snapped within weeks

- offside electric window motor broken - have to drag window up by hand

- nearside door latch broken

- electrics inside car not functioning

- trim/build quality worst I have ever come across.

I too am relieved that rover have gone under - at least no one else will have these problems.. in future I will buy Japanese!