MG ZR (2004 - 2005) 1.4 + (105ps) 5d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It's a smart looking car and I keep it clean and regularly serviced, not sure what that says about me!

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

They like the car as it still looks current and sporty.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would buy another one of these as they are good value for money but as they stopped making them the year after ours was made, when I do replace it I would look to get a newer car. It's not an outstanding car by any stretch of the imagination but has been excellent for us considering the price compared to its rivals when we bought it.

What are you likely to buy next?

I really don't know yet, was going to replace it a couple of years ago but would have had to spend a lot more money to get a newer car of similar spec so decided to keep it, possibly a new shape Vauxhall Astra, Ford Focus, etc... when the time comes.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£6,750

When did you buy the car?

November 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

We got a good deal on the car as MG Rover was having financial difficulties at the time and the seller was having a problem finding a buyer.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

We needed a medium size family car to replace our Ford Puma and we thought it was well specced, sporty looking and a very good price for a year old car even considering the trouble MG/Rover was in at the time.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

It's the baby engine model and when fully loaded and on a run it lacks a bit of power and needs regular gear changing to keep it moving but it cruises nicely at 70+ mph, it handles very well, is nippy round town and is easy to drive with good all round visibility.

What's it like to park?

It's easy to manouevre and park with good all round visibility.

Have you had any problems with the car?

In the 7+ years we have had the car we have had some rear tyres that went out of shape, a starter motor problem which was due to the bolts coming loose and this week we have had a problem with the alarm going off which has been (hopefully!) traced to the window dropping slightly and that's it (touch wood!).

What's most practical about your car?

It's always taken me, my wife and our two young kids everywhere we have needed to go, we put a towbar on the back for a small trailer but have never needed to use it as, with a bit of thoughtful packing, it's always managed to take all our luggage. It's a little bit gutless when fully loaded but never been a real problem.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I'm not really a gadget fan: it's got alloys, half leather, air-con, CD player, electric windows etc... That's more than enough for me.