MG ZR+ 105, first car, first wallet killer.

[MGZRod]

Right, where to start. Bought this in november 2009. It's my first car, i've done well over 10k in it since I passed in June '10. And its cost over what it was bought for in repairs... But I love it.



Head gasket was done at the start of the year. And the exhaust is a mess. It currently looks like this:


Err, Yeh... So I'm saving the pennies and going to get a Janspeed cat back made up then it's Toyo T1-Rs all round.
Also took the rear wiper off to tidy it up a bit as the washer spray was screwed.

Don't know why I made this really, possibly trying to tell myself to keep the car and its worth what I spend? Who knows.

Plans will be fit some lowering springs (not going daft) And possibly manifold if I get the cash. Then brakes, possibly a rear disc conversion from a ZR 1.8 and black diamonds up front. Who knows!

Photo time:




Important stickers:

I got bored and chavved it up one day.

I'll keep it updated as I go along.

[soad]

Looks in tip top shape cosmetically, isn't it the time to sell it though?

[MGZRod]

There's a few blemishes and dents but it's fine. Would love to sell now but would rather see use of the money spent. And by the time I sell I should have 2 years NCB so I can sort myself out with a nice MK2 MR2

[Rob_F]

Save the money towards the MR2 - easier to sell an unmodified car anyway so just enjoy it and don't chuck money down the drain!

[thebigmacmoomin]

Nice, I learnt to drive in a ZR 105+.

I wouldnt bother spending anything on mods for it, save the cash for something better for your next car.

[MGZRod]

Not going to be spending stupid money. Will be replacing worn out parts and suspension doesn't cost much. Brakes will upgrade pads and hoses this year but that'll be about it unless I get bored!

[steeveeboy]

Nice to hear the story behind all the pics mate
Oh yeah and nice car, looks like I may be chopping the merc in for one of these when I finally get it to myself!

[skene]

Looks good Rod Can hardly see the towbar in the rear view photo

I jest, do quite like these things!

[deeen]

I've got a friend who is interested in one of these.

Any tips on what to look out for?

[russy01]

thebigmacmoomin said:

Nice, I learnt to drive in a ZR 105+.

I wouldnt bother spending anything on mods for it, save the cash for something better for your next car.

+1. Save and then grab a CTR or Clio 172.

[Mr Dave]

These are really great fun to throw about. Not bad for a first car, I was looking at one for my second car, I said yes, the insurance companies said no

Best colour in them too.

[MGZRod]

deeen said:

I've got a friend who is interested in one of these.

Any tips on what to look out for?

Obviously check for HGF signs.
History is the best thing you can get with these. Receipts of work done, MOT advisories etc.

Check for oil on the block, same as any car.

If it's a + model make sure sunroof is in good working order, not rusty and doesn't leak.

Rust at bottom of doors on 5 door models, bubbling on tailgate each side of window (flex can cause this, signs of a crash) check around the flexi pipe too, rusts easily as standard and if it looks a bit tatty (ie about to rip), chances are it's had a few hard launches.

Either saving for a MK2 MR2 GT T-bar, or an EP3 CTR pre facelift, I'm not picky

[deeen]

MGZRod said:

Obviously check for HGF signs.
History is the best thing you can get with these. Receipts of work done, MOT advisories etc.

Check for oil on the block, same as any car.

If it's a + model make sure sunroof is in good working order, not rusty and doesn't leak.

Rust at bottom of doors on 5 door models, bubbling on tailgate each side of window (flex can cause this, signs of a crash) check around the flexi pipe too, rusts easily as standard and if it looks a bit tatty (ie about to rip), chances are it's had a few hard launches.

Either saving for a MK2 MR2 GT T-bar, or an EP3 CTR pre facelift, I'm not picky

Thanks for this, I'll pass it on.

And MR2, obviously, cos who doesn't want a mid-engined sports car???

[MGZRod]

Well I'll be selling this. It's done me well, whilst it's been expensive to keep going, its now got around 52000 on it and it's never left me stranded.

I really couldn't have asked for a better car. It's a fantastic thing but i'm ready for a change and will be getting a tastefully modified MK2 MX5.

I would recommend getting one so long as it's been looked after. They are (annoyingly) dirt cheap for the amount of car you get, the 1.4 is a fantastic engine and is an ideal stepping stone.

Was recently on a PH run and was keeping in the pack amongst a Toniq R, 350z, Clio cup and such. Real gem of a car and has taught me so much, control layout is fantastic for spirited driving.

Recommended upgrades: brakes cook easy so worth upgrading.
Steering wheel is large, the wheel from an MG TF is an easy swap and is a smaller radius.


Really am sad to be getting rid and I can see myself getting one in a couple years as a run around.


Not the most exciting topic, but there we go! It's also proof that a 5 door with a towbar can (kind of!) be cool

[greggy50]

Glad to here you were pleased with it I always think about selling mine and then go for a drive and just dont see the point until I have a signifcantly more to spend on a car as they really are just great vfm
Shame you had a few reliability issues only had to spend about £40 on some track rod ends and a couple of tyres for mine over 14k miles so far...

[steeveeboy]

Just got rid of a 214si that was cosmetically the same, i can say janspeed stainless box well worth it!