MG ZR Hatchback (2001 - 2005) 1.4 (105ps) 3d (2003/53) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Bright yellow, 17" alloys and a full bodykit, you tell me
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Mates like it as we are all young...family think its too in your face, neighbours dont like it as the exhaust wakes them up
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes I would, even though it has its niggles it's been pretty reliable and its very fun to drive, cheap for what it is aswell seeing as rover went bust
What are you likely to buy next?
Depending on circumstances, a ZR 1.8 VVC would be nice, although a CTR EP3 is more likely as i'll probably fancy a change away from ZR's when I come to change!
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£4,000
When did you buy the car?
February 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Got an average deal, paid about £500 less than what it's worth, although since getting it I've had to replace the exhaust (rusted and started blowing, unreplaceable so got a custom performance catback instead @ £295) front brake pads, so I upgraded to EBC greenstuff pads and new tyres all around.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Fast for a 1.4, outhandles most things, looks good,
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It nips along very nicely, takes out almost every other 1.4 and most 1.6s in a straight line, outhandles most cars round roundabouts. Gets upto motorway speeds very quickly, especially for such a small engine. Annoying that at motorway speeds (80 mph) it sits at around 4k RPM though, makes an annoying noise but fine as long as your engine is warm! Goes up hills easily without needing to change gear. The engine really gets going when you give it revs though, if you want to make fast progress you have to rev it above 4k which is just a naturual characteristic of 16v engines!
What's it like to park?
Alright, not a very good turning circle but nice responsive power steering make it not too bad
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
A few things, firstly the boot won't shut, had a long look at it and not been able to find the route of the problem, so I just dont open it anymore. Secondly the car locks itself randomly, sometimes every 2 seconds, sometimes every 5, sometimes every 10, sometimes every minute. Completely random and no dealer knows what the problem is, best idea was to buy a new alarm but at £400 i cant be bothered lol.
What's most practical about your car?
Didnt buy it for practicality
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The way it handles
