2003 ZR 1.4 105, first car, anything else I should know?

[ScottishSamurai]

Okay, have bought one! Picking it up tomorrow as it's getting a new MOT and some boots (complimentory from the dealer!) It's done 36k miles and is very very tidy!

I have checked most of the obvious parts for MG/rover buying, including checking for 'mayo' just in case!

Is there anything I should know about them? Any special maintenance or tlc that they need?

Thanks in advance

Rod.

[timbo48]

36k for a 6 year old car should mean it's ok. Just make sure you check the water levels REGULARLY. It looks like you probably know about this already. No other real problems that I know of. My son has the same engine in his Rover and apart from the HG problem there haven't been any others. It's been back and forward to Wales and around Europe several times without problems. Engine a bit revy but is still pretty quick for a 1.4 plus they handle well, I imagine the MG would be better than the Rover in this respect. Also parts for MGs are still readily available. The MGRover forums are a useful source for info as well.

[grahamw48]

Good little cars.

This forum should have lots of useful info:

http://forums.mg-rover.org/index.php

[Ry_B]

Nippy for a 1.4, sound great with an open cone induction kit on, don't listen to people that say don't put one on, it's worth it for the sound, it's not a fast car so who cares if you loose a few bhp? But it is one of the highest output NA 1.4's you can buy.

Handle well aswell. Look for Avo springs, drop it about 40mm (quoted 30/35mm) looks a lot better and improves the handling

[MGJohn]

Great little cars and excellent value now. As already advised, keep and eye on all levels as even with a low mileage car with a possible FSH, that may not be worth the paper it's written on. Do not forget, not all owners have sufficient nouse or care to keep an eye on things as they should on any car.

If after say 100-200 miles all appears well and you gain confidence in the car, do not drop your watchful eye as a worn water pump, split coolant hose, leaking inlet manifold gasket or what have you can lead to coolant loss and then overheating which can damage a cylinder head let alone the gasket if not spotted in time.

Renewing the cylinder head gasket on a K-series is an easy job, possibly the easiest 16v DOHC engine to do.... so, an easy job for the half decent DIYer or, relatively inexpensive job for the honest and reasonable pro-repair outfit.