MG ZR 160: PH Carpool

After a seven-year gap, this PHer's track car quota has been filled once more!

Name: James Gould (James_G)
Car: MG ZR 160
Owned since: October 2016
Previously owned: BMW M135i, Alpina B3 3.3, BMW Z4 M Coupe, Porsche 944 S2, BMW 330i Sport, Mazda MX-5 Mk2.5, Mazda MX-5 Mk1, Honda Civic Type R and a few before that.

Why I bought it:
"I've always wanted a yellow car and after a seven-year gap, I wanted an inexpensive way to get back to doing track days, for which I had previously used my 944. I did track my Z4 M Coupe once but the risk of binning it was always on my mind. So I considered both Clio 182s and 106 GTIs but neither are common in yellow and command a premium when they do turn up, whereas MGs seem to be much more attainable. This one was local, the owner was a decent sort and when he offered to deliver it home for me, I was sold."

Bought as a track car, and James is doing just that!

What I wish I'd known:
"You can't mention this era of MG without somebody referencing head gasket failure, but it's often overstated and easily solved if caught in time. Thankfully my car had a replacement fitted two years ago and is spot on. I wish I'd known about some of the electrical issues, however. My car has the later and more troublesome Pektron alarm/immobiliser system and so it's a case of when it will fail, not if. Thankfully there are people out there who can fix it, but no doubt it won't happen when parked at home. In anticipation, I am now a member of the AA."

Things I love:
"I love how robust the engine feels despite having had 10 previous owners and 95,000 miles under its belt. It loves to rev, which is good as 70mph is an indicated 3,500rpm making cruising a busy affair. I haven't had a front-wheel-drive car since my Civic Type R in 2003, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how much fun it is to drive. It has far nicer steering than the Civic and generally feels much more fluid down a road, despite being 40hp down."

Things I hate:
"Ironically I hate that they are so cheap, to the point now that good solid cars are being broken for parts, because a typical head gasket bill (£400) doesn't make repair financially viable. As a result, a lot of cars seem to be run on a shoestring budget, which made finding a nice tidy one a real challenge. Also, I hate that people don't like the colour since I think it really suits it."

Lack of parts has forced James to the aftermarket

Costs:
"Insurance is cheap because I'm 41 and running it as a second car on a limited mileage policy. Secondhand parts are plentiful, but some ZR specific items are no longer available which forces you toward aftermarket. An example being with the dampers - instead of replacing them you are effectively forced to upgrade to coilovers."

Where I've been:
"Five months in I've used it on the commute when I fancied a change from the daily driver, numerous trips to the tip (hatchback practicality) and two track days. The first was at Brands Hatch shortly after buying it for which preparation involved topping up the oil and checking the condition of the brakes. It ran all day without complaint and was great fun bar a little understeer due to the previous owner's choice of Chinese tyres. More recently at Goodwood things were much improved due to some proper track tyres, a change of pads and fluid and some light poly bushing."

What next?
"More track days really. Thruxton next month and Pembrey in June are both booked and then I should be able to do two more in the year before deciding whether to keep it and make it more track optimised or sell up and buy something already done. Either way, I'm definitely going to be carrying on with track days."

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