1.4 MG?

Get the rover 25 instead pretty much the same car for half the insurance, they are actually much better then many of the elitists around here will ever say due to the lack of a BMW badge.

Its only worth getting the ZR's that have the larger engines the 'sporty' suspension is a waste on a 1.4 (imho)

Also they are very cheap now, we just had a 01 fully kitted rover 25 1.4 go through for £1100 and with a very low tax and insurance range thats a good deal.
 
I looked at a 1.4 MGZR but I was disappointed with the lack of equipment on them. Not even leccy windows as standard. They're also a bit of a sheep in wolfs clothing power wise.
 
Minxy said:
I looked at a 1.4 MGZR but I was disappointed with the lack of equipment on them. Not even leccy windows as standard. They're also a bit of a sheep in wolfs clothing power wise.
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Yeah they are meant to be nippy, mates old one would keep up with vtrs.
 
Rackerz said:
Looking to get one of them for my first car, what's the general opinion on them?
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They're ok but overpriced for what's basically a Rover 25 with sports suspension. Might as well just get the Rover and save a couple of grand really. The coolant system is somewhat fragile - if anythng goes wrong, it'll wreck the headgasket., the seals on the rear lights are dodgy and can cause leaks into the boot and some of the electricals like the central locking are fairly weak and can break. Other than that, they're fairly reliable, they drive pretty well (better than most small cars anyway) and have a decent amount of power for a first car (although "sporty" is too generous, really), plus they're quite comfy. Not bad cars, but if its the 1.4 you're after, I'd just stick with a Rover version.
 
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Minxy said:
I meant that they are all show, no go. The one I drove wasn't anything special. Maybe the newer ones are better.
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It's a 1.4, what did you expect?

My flatmate has the 1.8 120 version and it's pretty quick, about 8 seconds 0-60. The 160 is about 7 seconds 0-60.
 
I had an MG ZR 120+ for a few years and even though it cost me a fair bit to keep on the road I loved it and I really miss it

This is an article from the original launch which is worth reading - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2001/07/27/emfmgz28.xml

There were a fair few changes between the Rover 25 and MG ZR resulting in cars that feel very different

Headgaskets can be an issue - check the coolant frequently. Go for the '+' spec as this gives you electric windows, remote central locking, etc - as mentioned the standard spec is very basic
 
How much are you looking to spend? The MG is just a old Rover 200 with a few tweaks and a body kit. Although they apeall to some people they are very dated compared to it's competitors. It's sporty appearence will push up insurance prices, even though it doesn't really have sporty performance.

Personaly I wouldn't bother with any of the MG range except maybe the ZS180 and the ZT.
 
I mthought about it but for the sort of budget I was looking at (£2500-£3000) I would be getting one which would likely need the HG replacing.

Also the insurance on them for a first car is not good news, i'm looking to get a Focus for my first :)

I know exactly why you're attracted to one though, I thing they look cool too :P
 
I bought a MK2 diesel ZR which I'm very pleased with. I don't think I'd go near the petrol engine in all honesty.
 
ajgoodfellow said:
I had an MG ZR 120+ for a few years and even though it cost me a fair bit to keep on the road I loved it and I really miss it
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What went wrong on yours? I dont really understand how a 200 could really cost very much unless massive components broke on you? :( My family have had loads of rover's and all have been excellent reliability wise and have cost near on nothing to maintain.
 
My pal had one... but it was hideously slow :(

Had a shot and i agreed... i dunno if it was just the car, or it had issues!

Her new 1.2 corsa feels a quicker drive, no joke! lol
 
We have two. A 25 1.4 and a 218sli.

Both are fun cars to drive and have been good workhorses.

The 1.4 feels equally as fast as our 1.6 Focus and personally I much prefer the way if feels and handles. You are quite low to the ground and everything is light and responsive.

The 218sli has excellent suspension and handles very well, even with the ditchfinders my gf has had fitted to the front.

I wouldn't bother spending more on an MG over the Rover. But then I'm not a badge snob.
 
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