MG ZR Hatchback (2001 - 2005) 1.4 (105ps) 3d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm young and know don't care about quality cars. I just want to look good and lash this little car about as much as possible till I'm bored.

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

Old people say the spoiler is massive. Looks very sporty. The grey is a really nice colour.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Never. Too hard a ride and constant build quality problems.

What are you likely to buy next?

Honda or Jap or German car.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Don't think so. Rover had gone bust and it wasn't the + model. I should have knocked them down more.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looked sporty. Felt great on the test drive.

What was the dealer like?

They tried to get away with spending a lot less than required when repairing body work as part of the sale. I felt messed around.

What's it like to drive?

It's a nippy 1.4 with some power at high revs in the lower gears. Tyres seem to follow little grooves where the tarmac has been replaced. Kind of odd that. Suspension is very hard. I mean very hard. Makes it fun to drive though but nasty on any thing other than super smooth roads. Not much brake assistance so you have to press hard. You get used to that.

What's it like to park?

Easy. Good to reverse and easy to steer.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Started finding faults shortly after buying it. Boot leaked rain through the rear light cluster. Interior didn't fit nicely. Bits were coming apart and popping out. Stuff you don't notice at first. Gear knob came off but went back on. Locking wheel nuts made from soft metal needed replacing. Central locking started making whirring and clicking noises. Final straw was a coolant leak that I hadn't noticed caused temperature fluctuations in the engine which caused the cylinder head gasket go. Was a shadow of it's former self after I got it repaired. Totally flat. It was worth almost half what I'd paid for it when I traded it in. If I were you I'd stay well clear of ZR's. They are cheap for a reason.

What's most practical about your car?

Good all round vision. Easy to reverse.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Bucket seats keep you in place when going round corners on two wheels. It's got nowt else. Not even electric windows. Oh, nice wheels though.