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General => General discussion => Non-Golf gallery => Topic started by: snifferdog on 18 August 2013, 18:31
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......I cant stay away from MG Rovers.
I also like the new SAIC owned MG stuff. I had a good prod around the MG3 at the BTCC in Snetterton the other week and was very impressed with it.
Anyway, this is a mk2 MG ZR 1.8 120. Excellent condition. No mods - and I dont have any plans to mod it, just to enjoy it.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG2840_zps827b19f1.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/IMAG2840_zps827b19f1.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG2843_zps2ec0a437.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/IMAG2843_zps2ec0a437.jpg.html)
I called in at Longbridge after picking it up
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG2864_zps8a21862f.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/IMAG2864_zps8a21862f.jpg.html)
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Well, I didnt intend on modding the ZR but after an argument with a lamp-post, I have a little bit. :rolleyes:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/MGZR120-dent_zps7861fe65.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/MGZR120-dent_zps7861fe65.jpg.html)
So gutted, Id been saving up for a good condition ZR for ages. :cry:
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oops :lipsrsealed:
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Better get a new one :grin:
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Well, I took the wing off, bashed it back into shape with a mallet and am happy with the results (for now)......
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG2900_zpse5d02f5d.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/IMAG2900_zpse5d02f5d.jpg.html)
The bumper needs attaching back to the wing properly as a little bracket has snapped, but thats a job for another day.
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Good job there! :wink:
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Cheers mate, Ive sorted it out properly now - and got the bracket to hold it together. Theres still a crease in the wing but its not too bad.
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Can hardly tell on that picture mate!
How you finding the MG? Didn't you have a 1.8 mk4 before that?
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Can hardly tell on that picture mate!
How you finding the MG? Didn't you have a 1.8 mk4 before that?
Yeah, I very briefly had a 1.8 N/A mk4 before - it was a cheapy and didnt stay around for long!
In fact, it broke down in the lion enclosure of west midlands safari park with just me and my 3 year old daughter in it haha. That was embarassing.
Ive been looking at mk4s again though - even though my previous 2 have both had head gasket failure.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG2735_zpsf7a4a67d.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/IMAG2735_zpsf7a4a67d.jpg.html)
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If you're after a new car I cannot recommend an MPS enough mate.
You can get 6 MPS' for dirt cheap now mate, and no car has put as big of a smile on my face for some time.
Or if you fancy a hatch you can get a 3MPS quite cheap too, though not as cheap as the 6 which is arguably the better car with AWD. :-)
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Gone for an MG3! I'll copy and paste the write-up that I put on the MGR forum - if any of you VAG lot actually care?! :grin:
I thought Id write a summary of my recent experiences with MG3s that have lead to me and the Mrs finally smashing the piggy bank.
We started of by looking at Citroen C3/DS3, VW Polo and also possibly a Pug 108 - the other half has a salary sacrifice scheme at work which includes all of the other cars (not the MG3) but these are all 3 year lease deals where you hand the car back at the end. In the end the lure of paying less per month but over 5 years to own the car was too much.
After visits to several dealerships and meeting some of the least charismatic sales people ever (Nuneaton Citroen) we ended up at Bishop and Bishop in Leicester. The dealership is not up and running yet as it is new but they have a few cars to look at and some very helpful salesmen, overall we were impressed with the car and the dealership so booked a test drive for the next Sunday (today). By this point my girlfriend had decided that the MG3 was a better looking car and with better build quality than she had expected. We went straight from B+B to a Citroen dealership in Leicester where she finally decided that the C3 looked decidedly boring after viewing an MG3 and that the DS3 was not worth the extra thousands of pounds.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/MGpoundBishop_zps0f46f6c2.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/MGpoundBishop_zps0f46f6c2.jpg.html)
Over the last week we had been slowly narrowing down the choice of cars until we were left with just the MG3, it really does add up as on ownership proposition. We decided to take a trip to the sales centre in Longbridge to have a look at the two colours that we both agreed were our favourites (Yellow and White).
Arriving at the sales centre for the first time in around a year and a half I was surprised at how different it was, there was an atmosphere, there were cars everywhere awaiting delivery, the showroom was buzzing, it was very different and very impressive. The MGCC were there too which obviously added to the occasion but there were also several other couples there - one asking about a part-ex valuation on a Streetwise and one lad with his dad that went straight out on a test drive.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/Longgy_zps777846fe.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/Longgy_zps777846fe.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/ZRLong_zps5a95d8dd.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/ZRLong_zps5a95d8dd.jpg.html)
We had a good look around the cars before being approached by Dave who offered us a test drive straight away.
My Mrs went first - she was impressed with the comfort and how easy it was to drive. I sat in the back and was impressed with the amount of room and noise insulation but noticed that it was quite bumpy, the suspension was firmer than I was expecting (but this is a good thing). I was becoming concerned though as it just didnt feel fast at all.
Then it was my go. It felt good, easy to find a good driving position, good brake feel and nice light pedals - thoroughly more modern than the ZR that had taken us over there. I decided to give it a few more revs than the other half had - the engine does get noisy as mentioned in most reviews and it still doesnt feel that quick. The thing is - it is actually going quick! Weird. As I pulled away from a set of lights and put my foot to the floor I was waiting for the performance to start when I glanced at the speedo and realised that I was nearly doing 60 in second gear! Fair play to Dave for not saying anything or even using the invisible brake pedal. I took the next couple of corners, on a windy section of test route, with more vigour - the MG3 felt planted - very impressed. As I got more miles under my belt I was really starting to gel with the car and was becoming more impressed. The performance never felt overly scintillating but there is enough there if youre willing to work for it and there is definitely enough there for my Mrs who rarely drives over 2K revs.
Anyway, I feel I have rambled on too much so I'll finish off by saying that we were both suitably impressed to sign on the dotted line for a 3Form Sport in Yellow for delivery in April!
Thanks to Dave at the Sales Centre who was very helpful, low pressure and easily the best salesman that we have met over the last two weeks.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/MG3Long2_zpsea2b54a5.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/MG3Long2_zpsea2b54a5.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/MG3Yellow_zpsb68ab4e5.png) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/MG3Yellow_zpsb68ab4e5.png.html)
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Is it an 8v :grin:
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first i was like :huh: then I was like :undecided: and now :laugh: :grin:
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That's a looker, isn't it?!
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I knew you lot would love it! :grin:
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Look at its funny little wheels! :laugh:
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first i was like :huh: then I was like :undecided: and now :laugh: :grin:
:laugh: :laugh:
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THese are a bit of no brainer for what they cost, crackign little things. Starting to see a few out ont he roads as well. Nice one!
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Hmm, people have a very different opinion. I drove a LHD model. Though it was pre release, it was production intent model.
Dynamics wise, it's oversprung and underdamped. So it's slightly crashy over bumps yet jiggly afterwards. Roadholding was fairly impressive though.
Refinement wise, it's not up to european standards, to be polite. I would decribe it as 'sh!te', it's mainly down to cheap components (which can be forgiven to an extent becuase it's a cheap car) and a poor trimpack.
My main points as I remember them:
Very tinny sound if you slam the door (does not 'sound like a golf'), gives the impression you are in a metal can rather than a solid car.
Horrid mechanical clacking at idle.
PAS pump extremely noisy at full lock, with corresponding poor steeringwheel vibration.
Exceptionaly poor gear rattle, almost any gear below 2krpm at full load
Ringing whines at part load, and clear whines on coast down
Very noisy, with not great sound quality when you are pushing on.
Odd RPM flair when going from 1st to 2nd (the clutch had a very high pite point on the car I drove, so it's probably related)
Though on a positive there were no rattles or squeaks form any of the trim, so it seemed fairly well screwed together. It just required sealing and trim work (which may or may not have been done since I drove it).
All in all for a sub 10 grand car, I prefered the Sandero.
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We looked at the Sandero early on but thought that the MG3 felt like a class above. I even commented on the decent 'thud' sound as you close the door the first time we looked at one.
I can admit that it isnt the last word in refinement though and that there are a few rough edges - but its just so much fun - it reminded me of my AX GT or of my ZR but with more maturity. Neither of these are known for refinement but theyre bloody good to lob about.
Obviously I will comment on those other things that you mentioned, in due course but none were immediately apparent on the test drive.
I think Autocar got it spot on with regards to the handling - http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mg-motor/mg3/ride
Its probably a bit too much for some people on a daily basis but then again, so is my ZR and my Mrs is used to a 84HP Rover 200 so it feels like a rocket-ship to her.
Each to their own I guess.
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It sounds as though they implemented some of the trim pack upgrades, so hopefully most the stuff wont be noticable now.
My previous post kind of makes it look like im trying to piss on your chips, it wasn't my intention. The MG3 is a decent motor for the money, im sure it'll serve you well for years. Plus it looks decent in yellow.
I do vehicle refinement for a job, so I'm probably being overly harsh plus the car I drove was at an earlier stage of development.
Also ironic that your mk4s have had the head gasket go but you have a k series!
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It sounds as though they implemented some of the trim pack upgrades, so hopefully most the stuff wont be noticable now.
My previous post kind of makes it look like im trying to piss on your chips, it wasn't my intention. The MG3 is a decent motor for the money, im sure it'll serve you well for years. Plus it looks decent in yellow.
I do vehicle refinement for a job, so I'm probably being overly harsh plus the car I drove was at an earlier stage of development.
Also ironic that your mk4s have had the head gasket go but you have a k series!
Haha I know - Ive had 3 K series engines with HGF too. Actually, Ive had 2 Renault 19s with it as well - I think head gaskets haunt me. :grin:
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Been loaned this recently, by the guys at Longbridge -
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/MG6_zps27c1501b.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/MG6_zps27c1501b.jpg.html)
Its great fun to drive, well built and has loads of toys, they honestly dont deserve some of the stick they get. It can really hug the corners anyway.
The dashboard plastics are made of twix wrappers though but they dont squeak or anything.
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Popped in to the Nurburgring this morning. It wasnt open for a lap though. Might try again tomorrow.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/ZRNurburgring_zpsf4d24b60.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/ZRNurburgring_zpsf4d24b60.jpg.html)
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Picked up the MG3 last Friday, its a great bit of kit, really good fun to drive. It does need to be worked hard though.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/Drive_zps4fb551fa.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/Drive_zps4fb551fa.jpg.html)
We also drove the MG ZR through Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany on a mini road trip.
5* in Frankfurt - with valet parking.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/DSCF0659_zps629dacd7.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/DSCF0659_zps629dacd7.jpg.html)
Weird fairytale themed place in Belgium and the 'trojan horse' suite.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/DSCF0582_zps41956acb.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/DSCF0582_zps41956acb.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/DSCF0570_zps2a5c413d.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/DSCF0570_zps2a5c413d.jpg.html)
Basecamp Bonn in Germany, a really cool indoor campsite with themed caravans, we stayed in the Airstream.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/DSCF0629_zps10c43f61.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/DSCF0629_zps10c43f61.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/DSCF0607_zps36ba0f61.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/DSCF0607_zps36ba0f61.jpg.html)
Some lovely roads around the Nurburgring, even though it wasnt open for a lap when we arrived.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/DSCF0648_zpsd19a12c0.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/DSCF0648_zpsd19a12c0.jpg.html)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/DSCF0657_zps9dbfebd7.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/DSCF0657_zps9dbfebd7.jpg.html)
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Just thought Id update this thread again as the MG3 nears 4K miles.
Well, there actually isnt much to report - its been doing its daily jobs with ease and has been good fun to drive. My initial impressions of the car still remain the same although, after having a rather enthusiastic drive in my ZR earlier, I am realising how much I yearn for more power in the '3! It could handle it with ease.
I managed to get a pic of the two MGs together the other day.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/3andZR_zps3473671d.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/snifferdog18233/media/3andZR_zps3473671d.jpg.html)