MG ZR - What are your thoughts before my son buys one?

[im]

As the thread says...anybody with any observations?

He's looking at spending (say) £2,500+ on a 1.4 ZR

Are there any issues - I'm aware of the HG problem with the K-Series but I'm not sure if the 1.4 is a K-Series - anything he should look out for in particular?

All replies are gratefully received.

Ian

[S6 ROR]

Hi, my son had a ZR 1.4 for just over a year, done 15,000 trouble free miles in it. In fact he liked it so much he has recently sold it and got a ZR 120.
Yes, the 1.4 is the K series engine.
Other than the HG possibilty, no real other issues. The rear hinges on the tailgate are prone to rusting.
Great little cars.

How you getting on with the TVR Power upgrade?

[im]

S6 ROR said:

Hi, my son had a ZR 1.4 for just over a year, done 15,000 trouble free miles in it. In fact he liked it so much he has recently sold it and got a ZR 120.
Yes, the 1.4 is the K series engine.
Other than the HG possibilty, no real other issues. The rear hinges on the tailgate are prone to rusting.
Great little cars.

How you getting on with the TVR Power upgrade?

Thanks Nigel



The SC upgrade is working well and continues to perform as advertised/expected. It's funny though how the human mind can make what was initially exhilarating seem almost mundane after a while.

The car still goes every bit as fast as it did on delivery but I have got used to it now...so I would need to drive a standard car again to appreciate the difference now.

Still, it's a TVR so no drive is ever really boring...but then you know what I mean already don't you...

[MaestroDave]

The 1.4 K is a great little engine - I think at one point in time it had the highest power output per litre than any other manufacturer.

HGF is not particularly common on this engine (the reputation comes from the larger capacity versions), however, that said make sure all the hoses etc are in good nick - HGF is normally caused by major overheat caused by lost coolant.

Dave

[im]

Thanks Dave - much appreciated

Edited by im on Thursday 17th January 12:39

[niva441]

On the larger K series the extra capacity was achieve by changing the cylinder liners design, these were know as damp(not quite wet or dry)liners. These are related to HGF problems, as the 1.4 doesn't have these it rarely suffers.

[bones33]

My friend had one did just under 30k and head gasket went on her 900 squid it cost her.

Saying all that they are a nice ceap car and they look pretty sharp.

[srdtvr]

We bought a new 105 1.4 zr in 2002 and still have it - great car no problems at all. Get one they're fun economical and practical- out of interest is the 1.6 115 K series engine any more prone to HGF to the 1.4 - as my daughter has an MG TF with this motor ?

[MGAZG]

I've had a 53 plate 1.4 zr for a year now and it's a fun little car. Look for a higher spec (105+) with fogs, electrics etc- my manual window winder mechanism is broken and the central locking motor makes a funny noise! It looks more modern on the outside than it is on the inside but worth having for the price

[Wicker Man]

bones33 said:

My friend had one did just under 30k and head gasket went on her 900 squid it cost her.

Saying all that they are a nice ceap car and they look pretty sharp.

NINE HUNDRED QUIDS!! to swop a gasket, that's horrific! I'd expect a new engine for that.
I paid £250 inclusive at my local trusted allmakes to swop the gasket on my 72K ZR. Top job too.

[Ry_B]

I've got one now

Done 11k in it, never put a foot wrong (very hard miles) the 1.4 k series engine is very strong, and its the fastest na 1.4 you'll find, sounds nice with an induction kit aswell, really beefy growl, especially at 4k. ZRs handle well aswell, completely different to the rover its' based on! He'll love it!