Queries over the ZR

[TheStig10]

Hi guys its my first post in here.

I'm looking to buy an MG ZR 1.4 at the beginning of next month. I know it's based on the rover 25/200 but I want to know a few things first.

1. Does it have the same brakes as the 200?
2. Is the headgasket liable to go like in the 200?
3. If so it around 60k miles like the 200?

Hope you guys can help, and i'll answer anything that you're not sure about.

[PJ3074]

Not sure on the brakes, but any Rover with a K-Series Engine is a candidate for HG work... either been done or due to be done.

[Nic jones]

When mine (1.8 120+) blew a hose last year the RAC bloke told me that you can check if the HG has been done by removing the expansion cap and looking for oil deposits in the fluid.

I thought they were due to go around 40K in the ZR?

[hearselover]

Nic jones said:

When mine (1.8 120+) blew a hose last year the RAC bloke told me that you can check if the HG has been done by removing the expansion cap and looking for oil deposits in the fluid.

I thought they were due to go around 40K in the ZR?

Thats one check to see if it has gone not if it has been done. There is no way to know if it has been done other than a receipt for work carried out or the previous owners word for it. As far as mileage everyone seems to say around 60k but in my experience it can be at any time and any mileage.

Ash

[hearselover]

TheStig10 said:

Hi guys its my first post in here.

I'm looking to buy an MG ZR 1.4 at the beginning of next month. I know it's based on the rover 25/200 but I want to know a few things first.

1. Does it have the same brakes as the 200?
2. Is the headgasket liable to go like in the 200?
3. If so it around 60k miles like the 200?

Hope you guys can help, and i'll answer anything that you're not sure about.

To answer those in a Britains got tallent type of way its 3 yes's

Ash

[Nic jones]

hearselover said:

Nic jones said:

When mine (1.8 120+) blew a hose last year the RAC bloke told me that you can check if the HG has been done by removing the expansion cap and looking for oil deposits in the fluid.

I thought they were due to go around 40K in the ZR?

Thats one check to see if it has gone not if it has been done. There is no way to know if it has been done other than a receipt for work carried out or the previous owners word for it. As far as mileage everyone seems to say around 60k but in my experience it can be at any time and any mileage.

Ash

I see, the RAC guy said you'd never fully get it out of the coolant system and as a result would always leave the 'rainbow' film.

[hearselover]

Nic jones said:

hearselover said:

Nic jones said:

When mine (1.8 120+) blew a hose last year the RAC bloke told me that you can check if the HG has been done by removing the expansion cap and looking for oil deposits in the fluid.

I thought they were due to go around 40K in the ZR?

Thats one check to see if it has gone not if it has been done. There is no way to know if it has been done other than a receipt for work carried out or the previous owners word for it. As far as mileage everyone seems to say around 60k but in my experience it can be at any time and any mileage.

Ash

I see, the RAC guy said you'd never fully get it out of the coolant system and as a result would always leave the 'rainbow' film.

Ill have to dissagree with him as if the job is done right and a flushing oil is used first then there will be no residure or evidence. Even just with an oil change there really shouldnt be anything left that would be noticable.

Ash

[MGZRod]

If you have the same luck that I do, I wouldn't recommend a ZR I'm on my second 1.4 since september last year. First one got HGF, refund from garage. Second one had immobiliser problems which have started again this week.

Wish I hadnt bought it at points and got a mk5 Fiesta Zetec-S instead.

And both of mine had less than 35k on the clock and they were MK1 models.

[hearselover]

MGZRod said:

If you have the same luck that I do, I wouldn't recommend a ZR I'm on my second 1.4 since september last year. First one got HGF, refund from garage. Second one had immobiliser problems which have started again this week.

Wish I hadnt bought it at points and got a mk5 Fiesta Zetec-S instead.

And both of mine had less than 35k on the clock and they were MK1 models.

Unfortunatley that happens on all makes of car but it does sound like you have been very unlucky. Ive had my 2002 ZR 160 from a year old and yes the head did go but I repaired it properly and its been fine ever since now on 52k. Ive had my 54 plate ZS since 2006 and that has been fine too with no problems at all but its only up to 24k. My MGF is on 58k and in my ownership all ive done is replace the radiator so to be fair they have all been decent. Is you imobiliser an aftermarket one or do you mean the MG/Rover standard fit.

[MGZRod]

It's the factory one, and can't really afford to change it as it was quite expencive and it's not definetly the immobiliser, thinking it's some wiring behind the dash mucking up.

And I know exactly what you mean, I know folk with ZR' with over 80k with no problems!

Wouldn't recommend but I don't want to put people off, great cars when you get a good one!

[woodytype S]

My wife has a MG ZR Turbo Diesel,no head gasket problems.A great little car and a good performance.

[Spy]

What is the approx. cost of replacing the HG and is there a better one you can put on when doing the work ?

[hearselover]

Spy said:

What is the approx. cost of replacing the HG and is there a better one you can put on when doing the work ?

Cost should be no more than £400 including parts if its more they dont know what they are doing and are worried its a hard job and its not. Yes use a Multi layer steel gasket set and replace teh head stretch bolts too. Ive heard the Nanjing kit is supposed to be fantastic but have no experience of it and its £200 ish for the kit anyway.