MG ZR 1.8 or Saxo VTS

[AdskiVTR]

Well at some point im going to buy a new new car,i've always liked the saxo vt but i like the mg zr also.which would you have and have any of you owned the zr if so good and bad points?

[VTR-Chris]

VTS

MG's are just badged up rovers that look poop , also = headgasket failure

[Bodvts]

brother in law had a 160zr he liked it i thought it went well only the one problem with it that all rovers have is headgaskets his went and had to have a new head
Few years ago i had a 220 coupe and mate had 220gti both had head gaskets mate who mechanic is rover trained he's just done a zr head gasket last week that needed new head but mg's are only cars he buys he's just bought a zs xtreme

[AdskiVTR]

So basically head gasket fails on most of them?
I know both cars are owned by "boy racers" so either car could be thrashed etc

[Tringaling]

MG = MASSIVE GAY

VTS = *dribble*

[Saxo_Phil-B]

The front ends are made of chocolate, it all cracks and bends on even a small bump.

Plus the whole Rover Fred Basket thing!

Vts :y:

[Saxo-SX]

Head gasket thing isnt really much of a problem as you can get it uprated easily enough.

Personally I'd go for the ZR. But my decisions soley on the better safety of the ZR over the VTS.

[AdskiVTR]

Whats the cost of a head gasket if it went and how much to getting it uprated and benefits? stats wise the VTS doesn't actually seem much quicker,plus in the event of a crash i wouldn't feel very safe in a saxo but is the zr that much safer?

[Giraffe]

VTS. HG isn't a problem as you can get it uprated, but I'd sooner have a newer ZS 180 than a ZR.

[x_steph_vts_x]

vts :y: .. Only coz I own one and like it
Ive drove a zr though and there really nice to drive bit of a hard ride though but then so are saxo's if there lowered .

[baker556]

A ZR is a glorified rover but to be fair sit inside and it feels so much nicer, with air con, leather seats more modern dash - personally would have the rover.

[Jo3fish]

Buy the MG put a few k miles on and when the HG fails and it warps the head you will regret it for your entire life.

[AdskiVTR]

So basically everyone is saying the MG is actually worse then a saxo lol

[dankzy]

MG ZR anyday, simple fact is it is a newer car, not much slower then vts, saxos are just dated now, mg zr's look mint, especially mk2, as for headgaskets, treat it right and it be fine, plus if you get the mk2, it less prone to HG because of the steel dowes not plastic. i getting a zr over the vts anyway, it was between the two and saxo just doesnt quite do it

[Giraffe]

MG ZR anyday, simple fact is it is a newer car, not much slower then vts, saxos are just dated now, mg zr's look mint, especially mk2, as for headgaskets, treat it right and it be fine, plus if you get the mk2, it less prone to HG because of the steel dowes not plastic. i getting a zr over the vts anyway, it was between the two and saxo just doesnt quite do it

Lol, why is newer better? Depends what you want it for. Newer usually means more fancy gizmo's = more potential fault = more expensive and harder to fix usually.

If you are after a car to just have fun driving, then the VTS. If you want a nice interior and gizmo's, then there are nicer cars than a ZR for that.

[Saxo-SX]

So basically everyone is saying the MG is actually worse then a saxo lol

You are on a saxo biased website so most people will tell you to get the Saxo.

Go on a ZR website and im pretty sure nobody will say get a Saxo.

[x_steph_vts_x]

Just ditch the idea of both of them and get a mini ;)

[aLz327]

ZR you can sort the head gasket before it becomes a problem. easy

[Saxo-SX]

Ditch both get a golf

[jimbo06]

VTS VTS VTS

MG = bottom'less money pit

[AdskiVTR]

Basically i'll have about £1800 just to go out and buy a car but the zr or vts is what ive been looking at for that price range that seem decent.Unless there are other quick cars for that lol

[Tabzman]

Owned a ZR 160 1.8 and am currentley buying a vts so testing alot of them. VTS all the way, ZR feels larger, tougher and built better......however vts feles amazing to drive, like a little go cart, great fun to tune and play with. Its about the feel of the vts that makes it addictive. Its all down to you buddy but i have a vtr, then bought a ZR 160, car didnt feel as fun as my vtr let alone a vts and everytime i went to the drive i always ended up in the vtr, so sold it and now getting a vts and i know its a decision i will not regret.

Hope it helps, Tabz

[AdskiVTR]

Yeah i loved driving my vtr but is the vts really that much different? sure its faster but is handling better comfort any of those things?,thats why im looking at the zr because it looks more comfortable and safer in the event of a crash and is only a bit slower by the looks of the stats.I know the Saxo's can have shit loads of money spent on them on repairs etc because lets face it they are not the best made cars are they lol

[dankzy]

Lol, why is newer better? Depends what you want it for. Newer usually means more fancy gizmo's = more potential fault = more expensive and harder to fix usually.

If you are after a car to just have fun driving, then the VTS. If you want a nice interior and gizmo's, then there are nicer cars than a ZR for that.

of course newer is better, more modern car, and no matter what the mileage, you still get problems with age, zr all the way, half leather seats, air con, PAS, e/w,c/l, ele sunroof, i would sacrifice a minute bit of power for them, wouldnt you?

[dankzy]

VTS VTS VTS

MG = bottom'less money pit

and saxos are so relieable?

only thing on mgs is HG really and if look after it be fine, just make sure you change coolant every 2 years and water pump after 50k

[AdskiVTR]

I've been looking at piston heads and some good priced cars on there and some of them have had the head done already

[swaterman1408]

Possibly a 160, would not bother with the 120. My brother had a Zr120 with a full system including 4 branch, chip and remap, still slow.

[dankzy]

I've been looking at piston heads and some good priced cars on there and some of them have had the head done already

i been looking, tbh the head doesnt bother me, of course it an adavantage if it has been done which alot of them has, put as long as it has fsh or near full, you should be fine, especially on mk2s, but if you buy one, i would just wait untill it happened rather than replace when you get, cause it will still cost about the same to replace and it prob wont even go and if it does, then get the multi layer HG

[dankzy]

Possibly a 160, would not bother with the 120. My brother had a Zr120 with a full system including 4 branch, chip and remap, still slow.

i would still have the 120 over vts, not that much slower on stats

[AdskiVTR]

Possibly a 160, would not bother with the 120. My brother had a Zr120 with a full system including 4 branch, chip and remap, still slow.

120 isn't much slower then a vts from looking at the stats and i think the 160 is higher group then a vts

[willsy]

If you're after the fun then VTS is a very good option

If you're after something reliable, safe with lots of mod cons theres a hell of a lot better cars out there for the price than the MG. (granted the ZR does look quite tidy) but other than that theyre so dull, its like a football team thats never bad enough to be in the relegation battle but at the same time never in the top half of the table, regularly grinds out 0-0 draws and noone really cares if theyre there or not

[dankzy]

If you're after the fun then VTS is a very good option

If you're after something reliable, safe with lots of mod cons theres a hell of a lot better cars out there for the price than the MG

nothing that looks better tho :) at end of the day it up to you, but i would have mg, as i need something for comfort and mod cons rather than speed, if you want speed then vts, but it not that much quicker

[davidandrews5343]

I got an mg zr about 3 weeks ago, It doesn't feel as fun as my saxo but is more powerful and far more comfortable plus i got a 12 month guarantee on it

[MICK-VTR]

Vts all the way!

[AdskiVTR]

Like what cars for that price willsy?i want something reliable comfortable and pretty quick.The 120 is faster then a vtr and not much slower then a vts and lower insurance which is good enough for me.But what others would you suggest with the budget in mind and insurance etc?

[Tommo87]

Civic EK4 VTi.

[willsy]

Just having a look through ebay (to gauge idea of going rates) and theres no decent ZR 160's atall for under 2,000

With regards to other potential cars on the market whats the criteria you're after?

Does it need to be hatch back?
Is £1,800 maximum budget?
Is there an insurance group that you're willing to go upto?
Which are essential mod cons and driving aids for you?
Whats the oldest age/max milage you're after?



Swing a few bits this way and ill have a dig, I fancy a challenge searching for some alternative candidates

[willsy]

Not quite in the price range but not massively higher.

Group 11 insurance, looks better than the ZR and its a bloody good car to drive :)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-HONDA-CIVIC-SPORT-GREY_W0QQitemZ250612045610QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutom obiles_UK?hash=item3a59a4572a

[AdskiVTR]

Does it need to be hatch back? prefer it
Is £1,800 maximum budget? yeah be about that
Is there an insurance group that you're willing to go upto? i'd prefer to go no higher then a vts (which works out about £900 fully comp)
Which are essential mod cons and driving aids for you? Power steering elec windows central locking comfortable reliable and not cost shit losts to get fixed if things need doing and be good for getting parts
Whats the oldest age/max milage you're after? After 2000 prefer no more then 80k max

[Lewis]

MGZR every day of the week.

VTS's are getting old, they are effectivly 13 year old parts and a barely updated design.

MGZR for the same price you get a newer car with better spec = better value for money

MG own Rover so they arnt a Rover

MG look wayy nicer IMO, especially the Mk2, you can literally bolt on Mk2 parts on a Mk1 without spending much money

The top spec ZR's have spec Saxo owners only dream of

£160 gets you an uprated head gasket all in, so add that to your purchase price and its still better value for money

How can you go wrong if you spend £3000 on a 160bhp Top spec 2005 car with good miles?

Yea so MG for me :P

[AdskiVTR]

I've been looking at ZR 120 versions mk1 shape not a huge fan of mk2 front end :/ lol

[Giraffe]

of course newer is better, more modern car, and no matter what the mileage, you still get problems with age, zr all the way, half leather seats, air con, PAS, e/w,c/l, ele sunroof, i would sacrifice a minute bit of power for them, wouldnt you?

Nor. As it happens I've gone from an 04 plate Vectra, to an 03 VTR, and drove a lot of cars inbetween that I haven't outright owned, and now I've gone and bought an E30 BMW, and it's hands down better than any car I've ever driven. Sure it's not really fast, but it's very nice to drive, handles like it's on rails without any mods to improve it yet, and it's still comfortable and nice inside. Yes I've driven a ZR before, and it was a heap of shit if I'm honest. It felt horrible to drive, and I used to buzz over the way they looked (first car was a Rover 25 so I really wanted to upgrade to a ZR).

To the person who actually wants a nice quick car. Get yourself a BMW. E36 323i or something. Best of everything.

@ Dankzy, I buy a car for how it drives, not for all the little toys. Air con? I have heater things and windows. Electric sunroof? I'm not lazy, a manual one will do fine. Most cars have electric windows anyway, but if mine didn't, then brilliant, one more thing that can't go wrong, again, I'm not lazy. Half leather? Why? What does the half do for you? I found it uncomfortable.

[AdskiVTR]

I like The older shaped (99) bmw 316 but what they like after so many miles like when do things start going wrong as i've seen a few with 100k on the clock

[adamm]

Not quite in the price range but not massively higher.

Group 11 insurance, looks better than the ZR and its a bloody good car to drive :)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2004-HONDA-CIVIC-SPORT-GREY_W0QQitemZ250612045610QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutom obiles_UK?hash=item3a59a4572a

naaah dont get that the vtr is quicker than that lol. dont get a zr though i think if you want something fun to drive the vts is better over the mg plus for 1800 you will get more on a vts most mgs mk2 at that price will be a pile of poo but you see some mint vts for that price on here

[Lewis]

@ Dave. i think he means for the same price you can have thoes things, same power, same mpg, same performance, except the ZR has better spec. The non biased man would choose a ZR, but then again this is a saxo forum :P

[adamm]

i think the mg zr look nicer but would still have a vts anyday be much more fun to drive and they still look nice like i said for 1800 your going to get a better vts than you would be able to get a zr

[sparky771]

MG = MASSIVE GAY

VTS = *dribble*

Actually means Morris Garages ;)

[AdskiVTR]

My main thing that puts me off a saxo is they are shit quality everybody knows it lol yh maybe a bit faster and a bit more fun to drive but i'd take a slightly slower car thats more reliable still fun to drive and isn't gonna fall apart lol

[Tom5190]

id get the Mg, and BEFORE you drive it about and the HG goes go and get a new uprated one on it. problems solved and youve got a better car and the hg wont fail again if you get the uprated one and get it done properlly along with the stat

[adamm]

a saxo wont fall apart if its been looked after besides what falls of can be fixed back on again piece of piss alot of people would probably take the vt kit of and put all new clips on not hard atall. a mate of mine brought a zr a couple years ago was nearly new had under 20k on it and things where breaking all the time windows wouldnt work locks started fucking up tbh my saxo is more reliable than what her zr was and she payed 7-8k for it i dont know whats making you think the zr is so much better built over the saxo fair enough they feel better built and that but things stil lbreak all the time

[AdskiVTR]

id get the Mg, and BEFORE you drive it about and the HG goes go and get a new uprated one on it. problems solved and youve got a better car and the hg wont fail again if you get the uprated one and get it done properlly along with the stat
how much in total would i be looking to have that done?
Edit: adamm look at all the problems on here lol and i've had a vtr i know alot can go wrong with them lol.As for your friend having a new car and loads of problems, thats just your luck imo you can buy a brand new car and have nothing but problems with it, known as a monday or friday car because on those days workers slack lol.

[adamm]

before i get slated im not saying the saxos are good build quility just saying the zr really is no better.

[adamm]

fuck double post sorry

[Giraffe]

@ Dave. i think he means for the same price you can have thoes things, same power, same mpg, same performance, except the ZR has better spec. The non biased man would choose a ZR, but then again this is a saxo forum :P

And what about me? I had a ZR for a week and I wished I hadn't even had it for 30 seconds. I have a saxo, but drive a 318is? Spec isn't everything. A Saxo is actually fun and nice to drive to certain people, a ZR just isn't :\ Face it, a ZR isn't ever going to have miraculous spec, and no, ZR's don't have spec saxo owners will dream of, ever.

I like The older shaped (99) bmw 316 but what they like after so many miles like when do things start going wrong as i've seen a few with 100k on the clock

Mate, if a car has been looked after, it's good. My saxo is on 104k, still drives sweet. My 318 is on 145k, drives very sweet. Strong engines, but don't get a 316. Seriously, unless you are gonna get a 318is (140bhp) then go for a 323 or 325 or 328. Performance is way better. 316 and standard 318's are boring, the 318 is bearable but if you are wanting decent performance too, then you are looking at 323i minimum I reckon.

[Wizzy]

Dont buy an MG, i wouldnt really reccomend a saxo either, judging by your criteria you can do alot better than both.

The MG build quality is shocking (citroen isnt great either). I had an 05 plate in at work the other week that needed a new roof skin. It had rotted out because the sunroof had fitting issues and didnt seal properly and it appears that MG/Rover dont believe in rust protection. I know this is only one car but you are asking for trouble in my oppinion.

[dankzy]

Nor. As it happens I've gone from an 04 plate Vectra, to an 03 VTR, and drove a lot of cars inbetween that I haven't outright owned, and now I've gone and bought an E30 BMW, and it's hands down better than any car I've ever driven. Sure it's not really fast, but it's very nice to drive, handles like it's on rails without any mods to improve it yet, and it's still comfortable and nice inside. Yes I've driven a ZR before, and it was a heap of shit if I'm honest. It felt horrible to drive, and I used to buzz over the way they looked (first car was a Rover 25 so I really wanted to upgrade to a ZR).

To the person who actually wants a nice quick car. Get yourself a BMW. E36 323i or something. Best of everything.

@ Dankzy, I buy a car for how it drives, not for all the little toys. Air con? I have heater things and windows. Electric sunroof? I'm not lazy, a manual one will do fine. Most cars have electric windows anyway, but if mine didn't, then brilliant, one more thing that can't go wrong, again, I'm not lazy. Half leather? Why? What does the half do for you? I found it uncomfortable.

yer like i can get one of them? bmws cost to much for the old pre 2000 shape and they look like turd, but if i could i would choose the mg zr 160 over the bmw e30

as for your comment on the little toys, you not on a race track you no? i want a car that is comfortable to drive to work in and have a bit less power, going by what you said you would drive about in a stripped out car all the time?

[Giraffe]

yer like i can get one of them? bmws cost to much for the old pre 2000 shape and they look like turd, but if i could i would choose the mg zr 160 over the bmw e30

as for your comment on the little toys, you not on a race track you no? i want a car that is comfortable to drive to work in and have a bit less power, going by what you said you would drive about in a stripped out car all the time?

Nah, I'd just drive a BMW, Audi, or something a bit bigger. My 318 costs me £6 more to insure than a VTR, and I'd have it over any saxo, MG, or any smaller car, just because it is comfortable and still drives very well. And no, not on a racetrack, but I'd still like to have a car that I feel comfortable driving around B roads and in the wet, i.e. something that doesn't suffer from stupid amounts of understeer like a Vectra. If I wanted an MG, I'd get a ZS.

[McBain]

Just get a ZT 260. No HG problems there.

[AdskiVTR]

I prefer smaller cars and 3doors

[davidandrews5343]

I prefer smaller cars and 3doors

my mg is 3 door

[AdskiVTR]

You trying to sell it to me or something lol

[TypeRDavid]

Just get a ZT 260. No HG problems there.

No, just hideous fuel and tax costs !!! lol;)

[swaterman1408]

And what about me? I had a ZR for a week and I wished I hadn't even had it for 30 seconds. I have a saxo, but drive a 318is? Spec isn't everything. A Saxo is actually fun and nice to drive to certain people, a ZR just isn't :\ Face it, a ZR isn't ever going to have miraculous spec, and no, ZR's don't have spec saxo owners will dream of, ever.



Mate, if a car has been looked after, it's good. My saxo is on 104k, still drives sweet. My 318 is on 145k, drives very sweet. Strong engines, but don't get a 316. Seriously, unless you are gonna get a 318is (140bhp) then go for a 323 or 325 or 328. Performance is way better. 316 and standard 318's are boring, the 318 is bearable but if you are wanting decent performance too, then you are looking at 323i minimum I reckon.

I had a 318is last year and at 137bhp standard it was a great car.

[inkedandpierced]

VTS all the way :P

[Pixie]

VTS for defo :y:

[Giraffe]

I had a 318is last year and at 137bhp standard it was a great car.

Yeah they are, comfort wise, and even drive and handling is great. Engines are great, if my E30 packs when I own it, then I'll consider going up to the E36's, although I can't see it... will probably move on to a 325i sport or a VR6 Corrado.

Can be made to look good too, think there is a thread in the photos section at the moment about a red IS, looks gorgeous. Just more refined as an everyday car than a saxo or an MG, although Saxo's are great fun to drive around B roads and stuff, I love my Saxo as much as the 318, handles just as well in a different way, although comfort isn't there...

[AdskiVTR]

Yeah the vts would be fun i suppose but in the event of a crash i don't wanna be stuck in a car thats not gonna end up much bigger then a tin of sardines lol

[GoonS_VTR]

very stupid question my friends VTS all the way also MG out of buisness

[AdskiVTR]

very stupid question my friends VTS all the way also MG out of buisness
It's not a stupid question you sir just gave a stupid response because even if mg is out of buisness it doesn't mean you can't buy a mg zr

[Phils_VTR]

ZRs are vile cars. I see them and want to throw up. However, I see a vts and cream my pants and I will be getting one at the end of the year. Might be a saxo biased site, but who on earth wants a Rover?

[adamm]

It's not a stupid question you sir just gave a stupid response because even if mg is out of buisness it doesn't mean you can't buy a mg zr

why keep this thread going? sounds like youve made a decision i personally would have the vts anyday i have a vtr and nothings ever fell off and not really had to many other problems like i said for 1800 your not going to get a great mg but you could get a pretty good vts at that price.

[adamm]

Yeah the vts would be fun i suppose but in the event of a crash i don't wanna be stuck in a car thats not gonna end up much bigger then a tin of sardines lol

have you seen the ncap video for the mg rover urm its not alot better than the saxo

[Tlarking93]

with the zr the 160 VVC engine is very tuneable, with simple upgrades only fault is headgasket going but if they are done properly they shouldnt need doing again

[french_baguette]

Notice how the people with slow saxo's are saying they wont get a vts because its older and not alot quicker? just something I picked up on.

As for safety, you could be in the safest car in the world and hit a tree and the car will still be intact, however the human body is still the same squishy mush in the middle. humans can't survive harsh g-forces, metal can.

I'm by no way saying a saxo is just as safe as a modern car, just don't go around thinking because your car is newer and "safer" you arn't going to get hurt if you drive it like a twat and crash it.

for the record, My mum had a mg zr, it was the most boring, characterless, vile peice of crap car ever made... her words.

[AdskiVTR]

I havn't made my mind up im in 2 minds on both but all i get is boo mg saxo vts all the way like omg its teh perfect car .And i never said i won't get hurt but lets face it the saxo's are built like shit.If i had the chance i'd get neither and get a evo 6 or s2000 but as for insurance it's just not worth it yet

[swaterman1408]

How old are you? Go wild and get a cossie or pulsar.I went from a 1.4 fiesta to a saphire cosworth at 19.:P

[dav0506]

VTS all the way!!... and by the way Phils_VTR i love your avatar!

[JLS09x]

my friend has a MG ZR, i dont like it much, on the other hand i LOVE saxos so the VTS all the way! the smaller engine counts for alot! :)

[Giraffe]

I havn't made my mind up im in 2 minds on both but all i get is boo mg saxo vts all the way like omg its teh perfect car .And i never said i won't get hurt but lets face it the saxo's are built like shit.If i had the chance i'd get neither and get a evo 6 or s2000 but as for insurance it's just not worth it yet

Are you dead set on getting either a ZR or a Saxo? Look at other cars too man...

As for MG going out of business, they've got a new car coming out, it's called the MG 6. Look it up.

[dankzy]

mg are back in business, rover has gone, but mg have all the designs now, so aslong as you have a mg dealer near you, you can get parts, my trouble is my nearest dealer would be newcastle, about 1 hour drive, but you can still get parts from motor factors