Farmer Giles

Looking at one of these as a runaround for the misses, school run shopping etc..

Thinking about the 1.8, 120bhp version as a middle of the road option and was just wondering if anyone had any views on running and owning one of these cars.

I've heard about headgasket issues but not sure if it's on this engine, other than that is there anything else to look out for ?

Can you still get bits for them since rover went tits up ?


I guess I could get a Reyland Audi engine conversion done if it blew up... LOL....


any input appreciated

Thanks

AlexF

Generally good cars - head gaskets are a known problem but not a massive issue like many make out.

Listen for noise from the gearbox

Cant think of much else.

S1

I had an 03 ZR160 from new and tbh, had very few problems with it. Only one I can think of was the drivers side window parted company from the winder mechanism. Couldn't be arsed to wait for MG rover to source another under warranty so welded it back up. Apart from that no probs in about 20K. A good fun car that handles quite well.

notroubleclubber

Good cars - dont know why rovers/mg`s get slagged off so much. I had a rover 220 coupe turbo with no propbs and my missus has a 1.4 52 plate mgzr. Never had no probs apart from window leaving mechanism but i just bolted it back in place and its ok now.
Not sure why they go on about headgaskets, as long as you keep them serviced like any other car then it should be fine!

AlexF

The cooling system is an unusual design (thermostat on the inlet rather than the outlet) and its very sensative to being warmed up properly and coolant levels.

Hence Lotus owners have FAR fewer propblems than MGF owners despite the near identical install.

Farmer Giles

cheers guys.

I really like the look of them, 'specially the X power grey colour.

Hopefully look at a few this w/e. They seem to be quite cheap if they are as good as you say. I guess people get put off by the stories and the 'old man rover image'

I am over 30 so that should be fine...

S1

Couple of photos of my old one-

Farmer Giles

looks great..

what wheels are they ??

I've seen a few for sale and there seems to be two styles of wheels, the multi spoke ones and some that reminded me abit of old TSW Hocks..

AlexRS2782

I bought one of the 1.4 (105) engined ZR's for my mum back in 2003 for her to use as a runaround for shopping, etc, and in the 6 years she's had it the car has been totally reliable and never let her down

chameleon

iTrader: (1)

i brought one from new and had no problem's except the exhaust are prone to rot,but that was all in 4 years,sold it to a mate of mine and he has had no problem's..........just brought another one to take racing pick it up saturday and start stripping it....................

foreigneRS

they're only good cars in that they're based on a honda platform. i have never worked with a company that employed more wastes of space than rover and they fully deserved to go down the pan. personally i would never have one.