Would I be mad ...

[pompei]

... to consider getting an MG ZR? Are they all prone to HGF or is that an urban myth? Is replacing the HG a massive job ( I have neither the skills nor time to attempt this) Any other issues?

[dollywobbler]

Yes, they really can be a bit kettle. Find one that's had a proper head gasket fitted. Or seek out a diesel. Sounds wrong but you can tune them up and leave tailgaters covered in soot. What's not to love?

 

Alternatively, get a ZS instead. With a V6 in it. Preferably AFTER it's had the timing belts done...

[Cavcraft]

Yeah, you should DEFO get one. Anyone else not a fan of the ZS? The R and the T look ace but the S doesn't do it for me in the looks department.

[freebird]

I bought a new ZT190 back in 2002. I couldnt recommend one highly enough.Loved everything about it, a real drivers car.

The ZS 180 is supposedly quicker and handles even better, Id not turn my nose up on one.

I got given a bog stock 1.4 Rover 45 to use while my car was in for a service and, bloody hell, it was lovely to drive, seriously nippy,comfortable and handled great,

On that basis a 2.5 V6 ZS with revised suspension must make it a shit hot package...maybe.

[R9UKE]

About 80% of ZR drivers around here are lesbians. Like the big scary pierced security guard looking ones. Puts me off them a little. I think the ZS looks like an asbo teen gone mad on the 45 his granny gave him. ZT is cool

[Ben_L]

75 V8 OMGVTECKJUSTKICKEDINYOTOKYODRIFTSTYLER Ftw

[Split_Pin]

You'd be looking at 5 to 7 large for a V8 75 or ZT though.

 

Best bet is to browse the owners forum. I have so far found the 75 one very informative.

[Wilko220]

ZS180 is the best fast country lane drive of the three* and an all-round fantastic car (but it looks like a Rover 400 with a plank strapped to the boot)

 

* not including the V8 obv

[Pete-M]

 

I ran this for a short while. ZT-T V8 SE. It was bloody brilliant. Not the most sophisticated of things, but as soon as it fired up all was forgiven. Seriously sexy sounding car even with the standard exhaust - which this had. It wasn't seriously quick, but the delivery was lovely, it handled brilliantly, sat on the motorway happily without using horrific* amounts of juice. Seats were comfy, ride was firm but brilliantly judged. I wouldn't think twice about another one. I will own one soon.

 

Bad points? No spare wheel, all the ECUs and stuff are where the spare wheel would go in a FWD one. MPG reading on trip computer is disabled... strangely enough. Ideally needs another 100 bhp. Clutch slightly heavy. That's about it.

[Cavcraft]

About 80% of ZR drivers around here are lesbians. Like the big scary pierced security guard looking ones. Puts me off them a little.

 

So on that basis, all you'd have to do is stick a picture of Chrissy Hynde on the dashboard and both the car and the owner would be fizzing at the bung hole?

[Charlie Croker]

Yep you would be stark raving bonkers!!! I treated mine like like it was god.........serviced on time/keep eye on water-coolant and it still blew its brains out on New years eve. The temp gauge stayed nice and steady so i got no warning at all. Avoid like the plague unless its REAL PENNIES so WHEN the gasket spews its guts you can litarally leave it at the side of the road let the police/council take it away...........thats what i did.lol.

[Spiny Norman]

Yes.

 

Even apart from OMGHGFOMNOMNOM, they're dreadful cars.

I couldn't believe how old and cramped it was when I briefly had a look at a new-ish one back in the day.

If it's a couple of hundred quid and the seller agrees that when the super-duper new double layered Land Rover spec with extra strong dowels etc etc gasket goes pop, you can go round his house and paint his dog fuchsia, the fair enough, but I wouldn't spend real money on one.

[Micrashed]

Lovely cars, but I still think you would be madder than mad Jack McMad, winner of the All Scotland maddest mad man contest.

[Mr Lobster]

Drove one or two when they were newish and they were a lot better than I expected and I actually quite liked 'em.

 

Would I have one now? Only if it was incredibly cheap.

[155V6]

Had mine 5 years now & I still like it

It does sometimes make me drive like a hooligan though

[wuvvum]

Diesel ZR with one of Roverron's tuning boxes is what you want. No HGF issues and will give even the 1.8 VVT petrol a run for its money in a straight line. Only drawback is the diesel is slightly more nose heavy.

[pompei]

Are the diesels prone to other problems? Having had a Saab 1.9 effectively die on me, I am now a little wary...

[dollywobbler]

It's a pretty old-school diesel engine, with some more modern bits, so it's a lot less complex than many modern diesels.

[Lacquer Peel]

It's a similar setup to the early VAG TDi engines.