MG ZR Hatchback (2001 - 2005) 1.4 (105ps) 3d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm a bit of a chav.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Friends - 'Haha nice Rover, you fool' Family - 'Oooh that's a nice shade of green' Neighbours - 'He's just taken my space again'.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, because apart from the built-in headgasket issue which is much more easily rectified than most think, these cars are great value and pretty much bombproof.

What are you likely to buy next?

Whatever's cheap idk.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£200

When did you buy the car?

September 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got an excellent deal; headgasket had blown and previous owner wanted nothing to do with it, so got for a steal at £200.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Bought it with failed headgasket as I have experience swapping these out on K-series engines. Replaced with MLS gasket at total price including purchase of the car of £490.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Apart from the fact the clutch pedal has an insanely long travel - I swear it moves like ten inches - you can't really fault it. The driving position's a bit strange but you get used to it.

What's it like to park?

I can't park to save myself and it wouldn't really be fair to blame my car on that.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Since I replaced the headgasket the resistor for the blower motor melted and meant the heater only worked on full-blast. It was only a fiver to fix, however, and has been perfectly fine since then.

What's most practical about your car?

The amount of fuel it uses. For a relatively highly-tuned 1.4 the efficiency is verging on supernatural. Also surprisingly low insurance; I'm 17 and insure this for £910 a year with a black box. Much nicer than the 206s and Corsas most guys my age are driving with worse premiums.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Doesn't really have any gadgets besides a steering wheel and an FM radio but this kind of adds to its charm. Wish it had electric windows and central locking but that's my own fault for getting the low-spec model.