Why mg zr so cheap

The petrol engines can suffer head gasket problems if the coolant runs too low, so look for signs of oil leaks between the head and block of the engine, check the inside of the oil filler and take the car for an extended test run to make sure it isn't prone to overheating. Watch out for crash damage. The ZR's flash-for-not-much-cash looks make it popular among less experienced, hot hatch wannabes, which can end in tears. Likewise, the suspension needs close attention - the car should track straight, the steering should be accurate and it should turn in and feel well planted in corners.

The L-series diesel has a cambelt that should be changed at 84, miles or seven years. An uneven idle on a non-VVC K-series engine could be caused by leaking inlet manifold gasket O-rings which are cheap and easy to fix, or it could be an issue with one of the many electrical connections in the engine management system having become dirty or loose.

Fortunately a faulty ECU which is expensive is not a common failure point. It could also be down to one or more faulty sensors, which are cheap enough but only when you have correctly diagnosed which one is at fault. Of benefit here is that all cars are EU3 compliant, and so have the standard OBD2 engine diagnostic protocols.

This means that a cheap code reader will give a window into the workings of the ECU. The L-series is mainly criticised for its relatively rough and crude character, but is generally very robust and reliable. The R65 gearbox has proved to be a quite reliable unit as long as it is not over-stretched — it was only ever fitted alongside K-series engines up to cc to reflect that it was developed and intended for a small car with a smaller, less powerful engine.

The PG1 gearbox is generally reliable too, but a whine in fifth or at idle which does not go away when you step on the clutch means a rebuild or a replacement is imminent. If the whine at idle does go away when you depress the pedal, then it is down to input shaft bearings that need replacing. With high stress conditions it is possible to get a whining at steady speeds that is more often noticed in fourth; this can be the diff bearings complaining.

These units can also suffer from seized bushes in the clutch release arm and whilst removal, cleaning and greasing the two bushes especially the upper will help provide a long term cure, a replacement from the likes of Brown and Gammons that incorporates a grease nipple makes a lot of sense if you are changing yours. In operation it should be smooth and seamless. Note also that these ZF gearboxes require special oil and normal CVT oil is potentially damaging, which can be the cause of some of the problems found.

These might be cars that are exciting to drive, cars that are destined to be future classics one day, or just great vehicles all-around. Kicking things off in this first instalment of the series is an unlikely candidate, but one I find extremely appealing: the MG ZR. Compared to the Rover 25, the ZR had a whole plethora of modifications and performance enhancements to make it sportier, including but not limited to sports suspension, unique body kit, and a performance exhaust.

For MG, the ZR proved to be a massive success. If you value understated aggression and subtlety, you probably still find it handsome, especially lined up against any modern hot hatch. The ZR was, for many people, the car which could finally take the fight to the likes of Renault and their Clio. With its massively flared arches and often quite bold yellow colour, the was the complete opposite of understated performance. Pulsing brake pedal on cars with ABS points to one or more failed reluctor rings.

Check condition of the tailgate harness — it can be worn away by the tailgate opening and closing. Expect more serious issues around the rear wheel arches. Beware a car with a shabby interior, though: it could point to neglect elsewhere. The engine runs on relatively little coolant so even a small drop in level can be catastrophic.

One solution is to fit a so-called N-series gasket, high tension bolts and reinforced oil rail. Contact dmgrs. MG ZR 1. Has just had a major service, too. Only spoiled by a couple of small rust outbreaks on the front wings. The MG Motors plan - and Longbridge's important role. Related articles.