16th Dec 2006, 15:51
You kept up with a WRX to 100 MPH?? OK... A WRX will hit 60 MPH in 5.5 seconds, a good 2 seconds faster than a 160. So you caught it up between 60 and 100, then it left again? I don't think so. An impreza will get to 100 in 15.7 seconds, the ZR 160 will not.
20th Jan 2007, 09:53
I have to agree with that, the 160 is fast, go check bhp per tonne. They are decent cars and if they give that good a mpg I'm impressed.
I drive a rover 25 diesel, and shes OK, I get 45mpg minimum and I get to 60 in about 9 and a half seconds, I don't care about image too much, I'm fairly impressed with how the car is going, plus it was cheap for a W reg and diesel engines tend to go for longer than petrols. I don't know why the handling on rovers gets knocked, my 25 has the same handling as the 200 VI, it's a good firm ride, but it takes the bumps nicely also. It's a shame MG went bust, but it does mean there are plenty of fun, affordable cars out there.
30th Mar 2008, 05:39
Hi,
I know these posts are quite dated now but thought I would add my opinion anyway. I bought a Rover 25 1.8 GTi last year and after having a Peugeot 106, Vaux Corsa & a Citroen Saxo before it, I have to say they all don't even come close in regards to comfort, performance & handling. Obviously a 1.8 Gti is going to be faster than a 1.4 or 1.6 car, but the tuning of this car is fantastic. This shares the same engine as the ZR 160, Fiesta ST and Lotus Elise, And nothing makes me happier than seeing the face of a boy racer in a Saxo or Corsa after I've completely thrashed them, without even having to try! Rovers have a un- justified bad reputation but in reality they are very comfortable and affordable cars. And whatever model of MG/ Rover you go for, The performance is nothing short of impressive for the price! I'll never sell this car, only buy different models to add to the collection!
24th Aug 2008, 19:00
Hi everyone, I wish everyone would stop slagging each others cars off. I own an MG ZR 160vvc. It's fast, looks nice and I've never had any problems with it, so I think these people having problems with head gaskets don't know how to look after cars.
I check my oil and water every week, and service it every 6 months to keep it in top condition. It doesn't matter what car you have, if you don't look after it, it will break.
And I do give my car a good racing sometimes when you get silly young lads in 1.2 Corsas, Saxos, Puntos trying to race you.
26th Aug 2008, 05:30
It isn't how you look after them with these cars. I used to have a 160 and it is only a matter of time with the head gaskets on these engines, they are like a ticking time bomb as they can go at any mileage!
They are a good car bar their one major weakness, but it really isn't a myth as nearly every one I know who's had a K series has had the head gasket go at some point!
Hope you might be lucky, but the chances are slim if owning for a longtime!
6th Nov 2008, 15:03
I have had my MG ZR for 4 years now and bought it used. It's a 2003 model and it has 93,000 miles on it. Engine is still the original, no head gasket failure or breakdowns yet. I agree that if you take regular care of your car no matter what, it'll run fine, even after maxing out the revs a couple of times it's still grand!
13th Dec 2008, 18:22
I've owned my MG ZR 105 54 reg (face lift model) for about 14 months, it goes like a dream. The only things I've had to do in that time is change a tyre and brake disks and pads, which is wear and tear. I have done 14000 miles in my car since owning it. It starts first time every time without fail.
I also check all the fluid levels every week, service my car every 6 months. Having heard all the stories about the MGs, like the gasket going. Most cars have that problem sometime in their life. If you look after your car and maintain it well then you won't have any problems.
My MG is the best car I've had, having owned a PEUGEOT 106, CORSA GLS and a FIESTA ZETEC S in the past.
Some later MG'S have BMW engines in them for all who didn't know. --- DARREN K----
14th Dec 2008, 09:02
The only MG's to have the BMW engines are the bigger ones - ZT, no BMW engines in the ZR, ZS or TF. The BMW engine is the diesel engine used in the ZT, but nobody tends to complain about MG/Rover diesel engines anyway as their own diesel (the L series) is ultra reliable.
14th Dec 2008, 10:05
I like the ZRs, but no matter how you look after it there is a high chance of head gasket failure, obviously if you treat the car badly it will happen sooner, but still only prolonging the inevitable!
It could happen to any car, but it's just more of given if there's a k series under your bonnet!
28th Jul 2009, 21:50
Head gaskets are easy to replace on the K-Series, and besides the average cost for repair is about £300 - £400 if you insist upon taking it to a garage.
Please let me know of any other serious common faults on the K-Series, because as an enthusiast who knows these cars pretty much inside out, I cannot think of anything.
If you think Rover had the monopoly on making flawed engines, you wrong. Almost every mass produced engine in the world has some sort of serious or pricey flaw just waiting to crop up.
Toyota VVTi engines burn oil for instance, which in the worst case scenario means you need a new engine, VAG turbo lumps suffer from oil pressure problems and eat blowers, Vauxhall engines can snap timing belts and/or chains, the list is endless.
25th Oct 2009, 15:09
Has any body used the 'K-Sealer' on their K Engines?
I have heard it is very good but I haven't had the need to use it yet myself.
I was wondering if it would be worth while adding the 'K - Sealer' then flushing the cooling system and refilling as a kind of insurance?
I understand they do a product called seal up & the K - sealer is the newer product?
They claim the K - Sealer lasts for the life of the engine?
I think I will try it - may save having problems in the future.
24th Feb 2006, 13:58
Probably wasn't even a 160, probably was a 105 with optional 17" wheels etc LOL. The only way you could tell the difference is if you could see the small discs on rear wheels and the 1 x 3 cm 160 badge on boot. Quite hard to see when driving along. That, or he was just a crap driver, because the 160 is a lot quicker than a 112bhp Golf. Check Parkers or Whatcar etc. The only mk 4 Golfs that are quicker are the VR6's and R32's, but it's right that the 105 isn't that quick, but it's still nippy enough to be fun, combined with excellent handling.