GolfGTIforum.co.uk

General => General discussion => Non-Golf gallery => Topic started by: snifferdog on 15 January 2012, 21:40

Title: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105 * See page 5 *
Post by: snifferdog on 15 January 2012, 21:40
I thought Id put a thread up to show the progress Ive made since purchasing a 1.4 105bhp MG ZR In July 2011.

I am fully aware that a lot of people on here dont like them but I thought Id stick you some pics up anyway.

It really does drive and handle well, couldnt be happier  :laugh:

Purchased for a very small amount from ebay -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/KGrHqNicE3WqgGyO3BOL9C4Tq_3.jpg)

Knackered head gasket  :rolleyes:, replaced and uprated by a mobile MGR specialist - very highly regarded on the MGR forums -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0404.jpg)

First mod was to paint the calipers red - cheap and easy but looks loads better -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0441.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0442.jpg)

My mate was so impressed by it that he sold his car and bought one -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0464.jpg)

Bought some new OE wheels for it -

before
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0703.jpg)
after
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0704.jpg)

Went on holiday to the IOW where the window decided to come off its runners and then bite me when I tried to fix it  :angry: -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/fixing.jpg)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/Gash.jpg)

Passed a mileage milestone (shes still going good and strong)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/123456.jpg)

Fitted OE side skirts from a 160 -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0761.jpg)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0760.jpg)

and this is how she stands at the minute -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0776.jpg)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG0777.jpg)

If the new MG3 that is due to come out is as much fun to drive then I'll be looking into it -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/MG3-1.jpg)

Anyway, thats the progress so far. Feel free to comment, Im a big boy so you can tell me if you dont like it or if you think its a chav wagon.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Deano2711 on 15 January 2012, 22:29
Can't believe you still have this Bud......looking good though. Just needs lowering now to make it look meaner and handle even better. As you know I had one of these for 2 whole days and was impressed with it but just chose to return to the VW family  :smiley:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: JC on 15 January 2012, 22:30
huge siggy alert  :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 15 January 2012, 22:32
Looks likely MG will be back in the BTCC this year, thought you might be interested to know that.

Nick
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Deano2711 on 15 January 2012, 22:34
Can't believe you still have this Bud.....looking good though. Just needs lowering to make it look meaner and handle even better. As you know I had one of these for 2 whole days but just had to return to the VW family  :smiley:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 16 January 2012, 15:39
Looks likely MG will be back in the BTCC this year, thought you might be interested to know that.

Nick

Yeah I heard that! It would be good for them if its true, sales of the new MG6 have been very slow.

Can't believe you still have this Bud.....looking good though. Just needs lowering to make it look meaner and handle even better. As you know I had one of these for 2 whole days but just had to return to the VW family  :smiley:

Cheers Deano, take it you didnt buy yours back off the insurance?! Im liking your mk3, I'll get another at some point.
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: PenguinGTI on 16 January 2012, 18:46
I know it's slightly off topic but I like the look of that MG3. Reminds me of a Swift Sport (the new one).
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: clancy on 16 January 2012, 18:53
i kinda like them except the rear end and terrible reputation they have. and most of the colours they come in lol

the black is nice though bud, looks alright
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Deano2711 on 16 January 2012, 20:44
Looks likely MG will be back in the BTCC this year, thought you might be interested to know that.

Nick

Yeah I heard that! It would be good for them if its true, sales of the new MG6 have been very slow.

Can't believe you still have this Bud.....looking good though. Just needs lowering to make it look meaner and handle even better. As you know I had one of these for 2 whole days but just had to return to the VW family  :smiley:

Cheers Deano, take it you didnt buy yours back off the insurance?! Im liking your mk3, I'll get another at some point.

No Mate never got the option of buying it back from the Insurance company Mate. It went straight from the roadside to storage then salvage. The missus was gutted as I only bought the car to give it to her after a few days but it never made it that far  :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Wayne on 16 January 2012, 21:25

Yeah I heard that! It would be good for them if its true, sales of the new MG6 have been very slow.


One very good reason for that against what else is available it is crap, sorry to be harsh but it is built and feels like something that is 20 years.

Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 17 January 2012, 06:40
Why do you say that Wayne? I test drove one last year when they first came out and thought it was fantastic value! You can pick em up fully loaded for about 12K and most reviews say that the handling is class leading, its just that some of the interior plastics feel a bit cheap and there is only one engine available. Have you driven one?
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Wayne on 17 January 2012, 08:12
Why do you say that Wayne? I test drove one last year when they first came out and thought it was fantastic value! You can pick em up fully loaded for about 12K and most reviews say that the handling is class leading, its just that some of the interior plastics feel a bit cheap and there is only one engine available. Have you driven one?

No but sitting in it was bad enough let alone finding out they are still using the K series engine  :shocked: Yes maybe you can get one for £12k but they are sheding value like water.
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 17 January 2012, 11:47
Why do you say that Wayne? I test drove one last year when they first came out and thought it was fantastic value! You can pick em up fully loaded for about 12K and most reviews say that the handling is class leading, its just that some of the interior plastics feel a bit cheap and there is only one engine available. Have you driven one?

No but sitting in it was bad enough let alone finding out they are still using the K series engine  :shocked: Yes maybe you can get one for £12k but they are sheding value like water.

Well, a new turbo engine that is a heavily reworked version of the K series (which is a great engine).  :wink: :grin: :lipsrsealed:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/8404664/MG6-1.8T-Fastback-review.html

Anyway, I'll shut up about MG's now, this is a golf forum. If you dont like em, fair enough.  :tongue:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 17 January 2012, 16:26
I won't mention I've been looking at MG ZT CDTi 135's then. :grin:

Nick
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 17 January 2012, 16:45
I won't mention I've been looking at MG ZT CDTi 135's then. :grin:

Nick

Fantastic cars mate! Someone down the road from me has one of them, took me for a spin in it and I was surprised at what a nice speed/comfort/handling balance it had.

Im a proper MG convert now aint I  :grin: :laugh:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Wayne on 17 January 2012, 20:46
I won't mention I've been looking at MG ZT CDTi 135's then. :grin:

Nick

Not a bad choice (if cheap), Bmw engine gives nowhere near the amount of problems that the k series engines do.
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 17 January 2012, 21:13
They only came up after I was googling good tow cars :grin: TBH I think I might well get a late one as they come with tons of kit, can tow 1600kg (So great for the golf on a trailer), do good MPG and by all accounts are actually a very good car. I also think they look pretty good in the later facelift guise.

nick
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: PenguinGTI on 22 January 2012, 15:56
So that'll be how many cars then Mr Horne? 

Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 22 January 2012, 20:25
3 :grin:

Nick
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: PenguinGTI on 22 January 2012, 22:23
New jobs paying well then :smiley:

But hang on... you're buying an MG/ Rover to tow your Golf?  :shocked:

Have you banged your head while driving with the roof down?   :undecided:

Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 22 January 2012, 22:29
I get a £5.5K a year car allowance but it has to have 4 or more seats. I can't sell the Golf, don't want to sell the 5 so it seemed prudent to buy a derv with the power to pull a car on a trailer. The policy for the allowance is only that it must have 4+ seats and be presentable so the MG fits the bill and I can pocket the rest of the cash. :cool:

Nick
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: PenguinGTI on 22 January 2012, 22:52
Not a bad plan.

Apologies SnifferDog for going off topic. Although we ended up back on MG's so it's not all bad.

Just out of interest is their much mapping potential on the derv MG with it being the BMW lump? 135 bhp's close to the Fabia VRS output IIRC so could be quick with decent software.
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 23 January 2012, 20:05
Took it for an mot today and all it needed was 2 wiper blades. Bargain!

Heres a pic of the pre-mot cleaning underway -

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/zrmot.jpg)
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Ninja on 23 January 2012, 20:29
Prefer the old wheels   :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 23 January 2012, 20:34
Prefer the old wheels   :lipsrsealed:

I sometimes think I do  :huh: :undecided:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Ninja on 23 January 2012, 20:35
Prefer the old wheels   :lipsrsealed:

I sometimes think I do  :huh: :undecided:

Stick em back on pal. You know you wanna!  :evil:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 23 January 2012, 20:38
Prefer the old wheels   :lipsrsealed:

I sometimes think I do  :huh: :undecided:

Stick em back on pal. You know you wanna!  :evil:

Thats the problem - Ive sold em  :grin: :grin: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Ninja on 23 January 2012, 20:39
Prefer the old wheels   :lipsrsealed:

I sometimes think I do  :huh: :undecided:

Stick em back on pal. You know you wanna!  :evil:

Thats the problem - Ive sold em  :grin: :grin: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Fool! haha  :grin:

I think I prefer em cause they look more BBS. Current ones look like SEAT leon ones.
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 23 January 2012, 20:45
I always preferred these ones on the facelift cars:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-ZR-FACELIFT-16-GRID-ALLOY-WHEEL-X-1-/120846533976?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_Car_Wheels_ET&hash=item1c2303c558
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 23 January 2012, 21:29
I always preferred these ones on the facelift cars:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-ZR-FACELIFT-16-GRID-ALLOY-WHEEL-X-1-/120846533976?pt=UK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_Car_Wheels_ET&hash=item1c2303c558

Theyre nice too! There are also some 11 spoke ZS mk2 wheels you can get but they are far more rare.

 I thought that auction was for four at first glance, I was all over that  :grin:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 25 January 2012, 17:04
You were right Horne -

http://www.mgcc.co.uk/mg-news/mg-club-news/1732-mg-enters-btcc.html

Back in the BTCC with Plato driving and triple 8 building.  :cool:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 25 January 2012, 17:44
I'm the all seeing eye. :grin:

Nick
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Roverdose on 31 January 2012, 19:39
Nice car dude, good bang for buck and loads of parts floating around! Im a bit of an mg convert since i got my zs, ignore the haters, its your car!  :grin:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: AD1.8T on 03 February 2012, 20:29
as i think i said to you on .org mate get some 11 spoke on it the same as what i had on my zr there deffinitly the best closely followed by hairpins !
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Alan16ac on 03 February 2012, 20:39
Hey, posted to you on the MG ZR forum the other day.
Didn't realise yours was a 1.4, how do you find it?
Can't decide wether a 1.4, 1.8 120 or 160 is best. Insurance is dirt cheap on the 1.4.

Do they really handle well?

Need to have a go in one.
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 05 February 2012, 12:19
Hi mate, hows it goin?!

They handle well mate and are good fun to drive. If youre used to having power then a 1.4 might leave you feeling a bit disappointed.

Theyre damn quick for a stock 1.4 though dont get me wrong. If insurance is dirt cheap too then its gotta be worth thinking about. You can certainly feel a pull after 4000 revs.

Just good fun and cheap as chips to run and own. :cool:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 05 February 2012, 12:20
Oh, and those 11 spokes are well nice but cost about £400 a set  :sick:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Alan16ac on 05 February 2012, 17:53
Hi mate, hows it goin?!

They handle well mate and are good fun to drive. If youre used to having power then a 1.4 might leave you feeling a bit disappointed.

Theyre damn quick for a stock 1.4 though dont get me wrong. If insurance is dirt cheap too then its gotta be worth thinking about. You can certainly feel a pull after 4000 revs.

Just good fun and cheap as chips to run and own. :cool:

Paying £237 a month at the moment for insurance lol, so it'd be nice to spend on something else.

I really miss the handling of my Mini, I just hope the ZR is as good as people say.
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 05 February 2012, 19:43
Hi mate, hows it goin?!

They handle well mate and are good fun to drive. If youre used to having power then a 1.4 might leave you feeling a bit disappointed.

Theyre damn quick for a stock 1.4 though dont get me wrong. If insurance is dirt cheap too then its gotta be worth thinking about. You can certainly feel a pull after 4000 revs.

Just good fun and cheap as chips to run and own. :cool:

Paying £237 a month at the moment for insurance lol, so it'd be nice to spend on something else.

I really miss the handling of my Mini, I just hope the ZR is as good as people say.


It handles well, there are better handlers though. My mates clio 172 is probably a better all rounder. I just like the ZR cos it almost feels as though you have to grab it by the scruff of the neck and bully it. :undecided: :grin:

I pay £290 insurance for me and the mrs  :laugh:

Dont listen to the haters anyway mate. Theyve got so much character, are great fun, fully British made and are well focussed cars.
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 11 April 2012, 08:35
You heading up to Pride of Longbridge on Saturday?

Nick
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 11 April 2012, 20:00
Hopefully am mate! Are you going? Im a bit skint but definitely want to go.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: Horney on 11 April 2012, 20:04
Yeah sure am mate, catching up with a few of my old mini mates up there. At least it's free to get in so just the fuel to cough up for.

I'll bung you my mobile number so you can text if you make it and we can hook up so I can get some shots of your car. :cool:

Nick
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 15 April 2012, 15:53
Ive seen your pics mate on here and on the other forum  :lipsrsealed:  :grin: Theyre really good pictures, I wish I could have seen some nice ones of mine in with em.

Gutted that I didnt make it but theres a lot going on at home at the minute that meant I really wasnt in the mood. :sick:

Maybe next year ay.

Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 15 May 2012, 14:40
Sprung a minor water leak - it was only the inlet manifold gasket though. Thank God.

 £6.07 later and Im back in business.  :cool: :grin:

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/MG%20ZR%20105/IMAG1561.jpg)
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 23 June 2012, 19:34
Back on hairpin alloys! With 4 legal tyres which is a nice change.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 24 June 2012, 11:22
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/snifferdog18233/IMAG1828.jpg)

Ta dahh :smiley:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: luke on 24 June 2012, 11:33
get it lower craig!  :cool:
I do slow down and look every time I go past, might buy my sisters 52 plate rover 25  :grin:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: wheatobear on 24 June 2012, 11:36
needs avos!!  :grin:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105
Post by: snifferdog on 25 June 2012, 17:11
get it lower craig!  :cool:
I do slow down and look every time I go past, might buy my sisters 52 plate rover 25  :grin:


You are mental about lowness mate!  :laugh:

Remember, Im an old man now mate - I might get some Rover 200 suspension on it so its comfier  :grin: :grin: :sick:
Title: Re: Snifferdogs MG ZR+ 1.4 105 * See page 5 *
Post by: snifferdog on 18 July 2012, 16:24
Well, unfortunately the time has come -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271020680835?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649#ht_1198wt_1139

Quite fancy another Mk3!! I love em for some reason. :cool: :laugh: