27 replies to this topic

[greensilver mini]

Hello dose anyone else drive a zr plus also drive a mini on here? what is the zr like to drive?
also dose anyone have picture of there mini next to a zr?

[samsfern]

Which model of zr? The 1.4 version?

I drive a rover 25, 1.4 16v, Which is the same car as the zr, minus the exterior trim, and the zr sits 40mm lower than the rover 25, the rover 25 is also 100kg lighter than the zr. I enjoy driving my 25, it's the 103bhp version, so same as the zr, steering is responsive and precise, suspension feels kind of sporty, handling is predictable and good, and roadholding is pretty good, I do have mgzr wheels on my 25 though, as their slightly wider than the 25 alloys. And it's great fun on feisty country lanes, I'm planning on rallying mine.

Edited by samsfern, 27 November 2011 - 06:09 PM.

[firefox]

My son had a yellow one can't remeber what cc it was brilliant to drive it was twin cam i did the head gasket
for him never again took me 2 days

[adam_mini]

I've got a mk3 mini and a mk1 zr 1.4. The ZR is brilliant fun to drive and so far reliable. They're also cheap to buy, the only problem is they're quite high insurance.

I definately recommend one though

[greensilver mini]

yeah going to buy one in the new year getting 1.4 going to replace my clio with one as then i will have to British cars
just wanted to see what there actually like i have always like the look of the MG

Edited by greensilver mini, 27 November 2011 - 07:02 PM.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

My brothers sworn by them for years. Cracking cars, I have to agree. The 1.4 engine they typically come with is an excellent engine, makes a great sound and you can get a lot of power from it... if that doesnt do it for you, theres always the ZR160.

My bro's current ZR, bought for 6k a couple years back, worth about 2 now.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

And don't let the head gasket stuff put you off. Mention MG or Rover to anybody that's never owned one and they'll say 'headgasket'. If you get one that's been looked after it'll be fine.

[greensilver mini]

yeah i like the one before the facelift to be honest though
i used to work on lot of the rover 25 at college so i know the engine pretty well also strip one as we had loads rover engines lol

Edited by greensilver mini, 27 November 2011 - 07:48 PM.

[greensilver mini]

About the back box for the mg i know you can buy straight swap back box which has deep sound will that be like boy racer really loud i don’t want exhaust really loud just so it sounds sporty heres a link to one
http://www.ebay.co.u...=item414272b90b

[Youngowner93]

And don't let the head gasket stuff put you off. Mention MG or Rover to anybody that's never owned one and they'll say 'headgasket'. If you get one that's been looked after it'll be fine.

I agree with Craig, the headgaskets on the K-series are renowned for going and they all will eventually. My grandad has Metro since new (i think it's on a K plate?) The headgasket went at about 40k miles bt had one of those new uprated gaskets fitted with the protection shim and at nearly 140k miles hasnt had a problem. As long as you look after it, it will look after you.

[samsfern]

Gearboxes are fun to remove from them, I'm in the process of doing so on mine.

[greensilver mini]

what about the exhaust in my last comment i know the standard exhaust dont really sound sporty but will the one in the link sound sporty and not to loud?

[Andyagl]

i always hear so much bad stuff about the k series engines. when i say to them ive got one in a Mini they say 'why'? Unreliable, head gasket, etc. My dads 1.6 done 260k before finally blowing a valve. and the headgasket was only done once at around 70k.

[firefox]

My son had a yellow one can't remeber what cc it was brilliant to drive it was twin cam i did the head gasket
for him never again took me 2 days

It was a 1.8 160

[Boycie]

Yup, MG ZRs are great. I've had two, both 1400s. I would recommed the '+' model though, the normal ZR is poverty spec with keep-fit windows, no ABS or aircon etc.
They handle really nicely. The ZR is lower than the Rover, stiffer and has poly bushes as standard on most examples, certainly my two did. The 17" 'straight' alloys look excellent and the smaller 16" 'hairpin's' are ok too. Go for one with side skirts- they work really well with the ZR bumpers
Interior is sporty, with hugging seats and (thank god) no Rover plastic wood.
The K-series is an excellent, lightweight, free revving engine. Both mine would do 40mpg.

Look out for-
rust. The rear arches are starting to go on the early ones now, just bubbles.. but something to check.
Head gasket failure. They ARE VERY PRONE!!! The water capacity is too small, they suffer from thermal shock which allows the alloy head to expand and contract too much for the silicone-bead gasket. If the gasket goes, fit a new Landrover spec one, which is multi-layer steel and perfectly durable. There is evidence of the alloy block twisting too... but this is mainly in the 1.8 Freelander where the transfer case is bolted to it.
Otherwise, they have very little problems.