MG ZR Hatchback (2001 - 2005) 1.8 VVC (160ps) 5d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Bear in mind that this car is Trophy Yellow with matching half leather yellow seats etc. I hope that this choice of car is not seen as 'boy racer', rather that it is something a little different to mainstream cars (I had a Vauxhall Astra before). It's got that look that is instantly recognisable, yet turns heads to those who either don't know what it is, or those who know what it is and comment "oh look, there's an MG! (ZR)". I'd like to think some people may appreciate that i like the MG brand and the British heritage.

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

Family loved it. Couldn't wait to get a shot of it. Kids would stay out of it and 'insisted' on coming with me everywhere i went, just to get a ride - and perhaps noticed in it. A definate head turner. Something different.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Considering that MG/Rover went bust, the likelyhood that this type of car will ever be made again, or something siliar is very unlikely. Taking into account that Rover is R.I.P, and MG was bought over by NAC(China), the only models they make at present are sports Coupe's. The NAC MG as it is now would have to re-emerge with a better choice of models including hatchbacks/saloons etc, and for goodness sake get rid of the K-Series engines, and either develop a new reliable one, or simply implement a good engine from a different manufacturer i.e Ford or VW. Then i would consider coming back to the MG brand whole heartedly.

What are you likely to buy next?

Thinking about buying a Ford Fiesta/VW Polo/Vauxhall Astra.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,995

When did you buy the car?

February 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

paid £2995 Feb 2009. It seemed a reasonable ammount considering i had researched on the internet, auto trader, and a few other places. took into account the costs of travelling half-way down the country to obtain another similar example. was happy with the visual appearance and general condition of the car (considering it's age/mileage) on show at the dealership. it had been looked after by it's previous owners.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

Small Independant dealer. M2Motors. The sale went ok; very nice etc, questions were answered, even if a telephone call needed to be made. No pressure to buy, was allowed to take an overnight test-drive. However problems started 17 days after purchase. Car broke down (later found out it was a head-gasket failure), Dealer made promises to get the car repaired, made arrangements to get it to a garage, then to a specialist, then things went terribly wrong and the whole process took over 7months to get any remedial work done. Didn't seem to want to care, seemed to see me as a problem, made every effort to seem to be doing something ie picking up a phone and prentending to phone somebody, or promise to get information/updates etc, but failed to actually contact me.

What's it like to drive?

Considering i have only had a short time get used to the car, i write this from memory. It feels very sharp and corners very well. feels as if it is glued to the tarmac. handles fairly well, though watchout for cornering at speeds at it sometimes likes to oversteer/understeer. I'm not a fast driver really, but when testing the car i tried to get a good overall idea of the car's ability.

What's it like to park?

Has a good overall ability. reversed very well. turning circle feels similar to my old Vauxhall Astra.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Head Gasket failure (K-Series Engine) - Search Google for this if you don't already know. The 1.8VVC's are very susceptible to this. Didn't know much about MG/Rover cars at the time of purchase. Now i know an awful lot. Live-and-Learn.

What's most practical about your car?

5-Door is spacious enough in the front and back seats. Boot is reasobale sized to get a good shopping into. Half-Leather trim seats are practicle and easy enough to keep clean even if you have a dog jumping into the car.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

17" alloy wheels (as standard) look good for what they are. mine are not kerbed/pitted, though need a wash every now and again. The shapes/curves work well and are enhanced by the MG bodykit and spoiler. It might be an old car now, but it still has that charm. Also i like all the leather interior (seats, steering wheel, gearknob, gaitor).