Should I buy a ZR 105?

[justaddbeans]

HI, i am a newbie here so first of all hello. I was wondering if i could get some advice from ZR owners about my dilema. I currently run an MX5 as my daily driver and altough old it is very reliable and a good drive.
I do however find it impractical (we have another car but i have kids and sometimes we need the extra seats in both cars) I also travel for business so can do runs of 500 miles plus in a day.. i find 50% of the time i hate the MX5 for the above reasons but 50% of the time i love it.
Anyway to the point.. A friend is selling a ZR 105 and i thought i would look more into it. i always loved the look of the car and I love the way it drives. what ever i replace the MX5 with it needs to feel as sharp on the twistys, and the MG ZR certainly seems to do that and in comparison it seems much more refined at motorway speeds. The car has had the HG done and other bits. both myself and the friend selling it know our way round an engine.
I just have a nagging concern about the reliablity. I read mixed views and i do not really want something that is likely to let me down on the side of the road on route to a meeting or airport. So i am wondering, for someone that is mechanicly minded (i am happy to do work over the weekends etc) is it likely to keep letting me down? if you get this far down thanks for reading my ramblings

[300bhp/ton]

we've owned, run and sold lots and lots of rover cars over the years. Personally I think they are one of the best made and most reliable brands I've encountered (this include owning several BMW's, a few Nissan's and many others).

I do believe the last of the line MG's might have suffered in the build quality, although this wasn't evident on my brothers ZS 180 which performed flawlessly.

As long as you know and accept the HG issues and risks, I don't see why it should be a worry.

[leighroy]

My ZR started life as a 105 on a 52 plate. I couldn't really fault it for build quality/reliability etc as I think they're fine if you look after them. I would question if a 105 is the right choice though with regard to the kind of driving and amount of miles you do. The 105 isn't particularly economical on the motorway and can feel a little lacking. I would recommend you to perhaps look at a 120.

[Wicker Man]

Yes, go for it! But, as always have a look at several to gauge the price and condition.

With you're proposed mileage you should look at the diesel ZR as well. Not just for the economy, but for the convenience of doing 500+ miles on a single 10 gallon fill.

[LFB531]

Tough little cars and if looked after will be fine. I think the ride is a bit harsh on the bigger wheels and you have to rev the blighters to get them to go but mechanically very straightforward, parts cheap and easy to get.

I've just bought a replacement for a rally one that I rolled and about to re-build. My son drives a MkIV Golf which is a way better car but he loves nicking the ZR for a blast around....quick enough to get back in the Golf for a longer run though!

[justaddbeans]

thanks for the replies. looks like i have nothing too much to worry about outside of a normal motor. I decided the best thing to do is to get the ZR and keep the MX5 so i get the best of both worlds and have a backup car if i need it

[MGZRod]

I've got a ZR and an MX5, good mix!

[greggy50]

Good choice ran mine for 1 year and 14k miles never had any issues and sold it for only £150 less than I paid great cars imo

[Highspeed125]

My Father has decided its time to sell his 105, he has bought another Maestro EFi, and finds this more comfortable (he is 70 now!). He bought it new in 2003 and it's only done 40/50k I think, 5 door in solid red. It's as honest a car as you can find, he also owns a TC and a YT so a proper lifelong enthusiast.
contact me if you want to know more! It's in Plymouth.