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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - ZR's, Any good?

Hi,

I'm just after a quick bit of info and feedback on the MG ZR's. I'm taking my F off the road for a few months to strip it down and give it a thourgh going over...Ooer!

Am now considering a ZR as my new daily transport. What is the reliablity lik e on them? Are they afflicted by the same problems the F's are? Ie. HGF (not that I've had one, touch wood), dodgy heeadlight reflectors, key fob/ alarm systems.

Any advise would be appreicated. Good and bad.

Cheers,

Ben.
b holding

We are on our second (wife had one for two years before trading it for a TF, I've recently traded my ZS for a ZR) and, to date, no problems but an aweful lot of smiles.
JLD

MY WIFE AND i HAVE ONE EACH BOTH ZR TD,S BOTH NEW WITH 6000 MILES BETWEEN THEM AND NO PROBLEMS THEY GO REALLY WELL AND HANDLE A TREAT MY WIFES IS BETTER THAN MINE BUT THINK THIS IS DOWN TO THE FACT HERS RUNS 17,S WITH CONTINENTAL TYRES AND MINE 16,S WITH DUNLOPS BOTH ARE TAUGHT ON THE ROAD JUST CAME BACK FROM A DRIVE TO ITALY OVER XMAS IN lISAS 2000 MILES AND NEVER MISSED A BEAT summery BRILLIANT
p Dorner

OK, p Dorner, they are a good car, but theres no need "SHOUT"!!.

Ben, Any Rover car(+ lizzys and freelanders) fitted with the "K", has a chance of HGF, However several "mods" made by Rover down the years to the cooling system have helped reduce the numbers, the latest Ks have a re-designed thermostat, which they say will eliminate HGF........ But only time will tell on that one!!!.

I have a 96F, my son a 03 ZR, lifting the bonnet(and boot), the two engines still look just the same!!!.
Mark.L

sorry about shouting but was not looking at what I was doing eyes on keyboard and never realised caps lock was on wont do it again
p Dorner

Z's nice, but I drove a 25 recently when the ZT was in for a service and I have to say it wasnt particularly noteworthy.
Neil

ROFL Neil - not sure what you could reasonably expect from a R25 after hooning around in a ZT260! ;o)

IMO the ZR is a cracking little car - driven a few now, but admittedly none over a long period of time. I do however rather like the new ZR - but not seen too many of these about yet?
Rob Bell

Hi,

I have just sold a ZS 120 but have driven a lot of ZRs too. My verdict is that they are a sweet little car. Out of the bunch I think the ZR120 is the best. The 105 is a nice quiet little engine but lacks the urge of the bigger ones. The ZR160 is raucous and not really a motorway car.

Having said that, if you want aircon in a used car the 160 is the easiest way to find it.

The ZR does see to have offset pedals so check the driving position suits. The sunroof and height adjustable seat on the + models can be a problem if you are 6ft plus.

Shop around on the insurance. Some companies specify a Tracker for the 120 and 160, some just for 160, but (I think) eSure doesn't.

The reliability of the VVC at high mileages can be a bit suspect and HGF is a possibility, but less of a problem because of the front mounted engine.

Check out bumps and clunks plus electrics.

Steve
Steve Nichols

Even when I owned the Lab Rat.. N plate 214
I knew there was a mental car lurking beneath, the K series in 103hp form at that time was a gem!

I was driving it harder and harder
the brakes and suspension just werent up to it
and I would regularly stop with smoking wheels

...that's why I sold it before I got myself into anymore trouble!!

The ZR range are good BUT
Personally I think that there is a trick being missed by MGR here!!! And that could be very easily covered.
A Rallye version!!!

1.4 105bhp, but with the 160 brakes wheels and springs
get rid of as much dead weight as poss like the sunroof, downgrade the seats but offer sparco race ones as an option, and a blary exhaust.

will be cheap
will be fun
will sell like hot cakes!


Neil

...oh and by the way have you seen how Volvo cars are selling at the moment? No problem there!

...Trust me ...A MG ZR Rallye will SELL!!!
so would a 4wd ZTT!!



Neil

I agree with you Neil - a Rallye version would be perfect - and sell like hotcakes. Could also do a stripped out, performance 160 version too... A bit like a ZR160 CSL if you like ;o)
Rob Bell

Ummm. With a carbon fibre roof.....
Ben@work

I wonder do MGR development people ever see these threads?

> A bit like a ZR160 CSL if you like ;o)

An amusing idea....but why not?

The company needs headline grabbing cars
and these hot rods are cheap and easy to put together on the less is more basis.

As a result of my work here in Volvo I am aware of companies in China who made carbon fibre panels at good prices too!!!

Corporate Darkside??? I hope so!
Neil

This thread was discussed between 15/01/2005 and 20/01/2005

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