Description
Up for sale is my 2005 MG ZR 160 3 door in Firefrost Red, with current MOT until 28/ 10/ 2025. Logbook in my name showing 4 previous owners. 2 keys + 2 working remotes, includes key card. I purchased her from Exeter Road Garage (MG specialist in Newton Abbott) in 2018 who were selling it on behalf of a relative. They had maintained the car for several years and carried out the upgraded / modified head gasket back in 2011 (have receipt). Having owned several ZRs over the years this has been by far been the most fun being the VVC version and have (and still do) enjoyed driving and owning her. However, over the last few years she has only really been used for mainly dry use local commutes / occasional car shows and due to lack of use / time I have finally decided it is time for another enthusiast to enjoy her. During my ownership I've maintained and self-serviced her using genuine MG Rover parts wherever available (stamped service history in handbook until 12/ 12/ 2018). I have only ever used Castrol Magnatec 10W40 oil, brake fluid and coolant have also been regularly changed. Bodywork is overall good condition with some light age related marks / scuffs to be expected for a 20 year old car. Rear wheel-arch lip on both sides have been repainted to keep them in good condition. It has the alcantara interior which is in good condition with slight wear to the drivers bolster. It also has the very rare and desirable Janspeed stainless steel back box (not too loud) and had a new standard exhaust centre section in 2022. I have added the scarce MG ZS 180 11-spoke alloys which were refurbished prior to my purchase of them (noting one wheel has had a small professional weld repair before i purchased them and one has a slight scuff which has been touched up but doesn’t detract) which really improves the look of the car in my opinion (original wheels are included in sale). All 4 wheels have Continental tyres. Steel spare and jack pack are present. Apart from a K+N air filter (air box type) the car is otherwise in standard condition. Timing belt was replaced before I purchased it in 2018, again in 2022 along with the water-pump and it had a new Halfords Silver Yuasa battery in 2019. As shown on the MOT history it needed a structural weld repair to rear outer sill (common issue) on the passenger side in 2023 which was completed (along with a previous preventative drivers side weld repair too) and the outer CV joint rubbers were replaced before returning back to the road in 2024. She isn’t in mint condition but in my opinion would consider her a good example for a 20 year old MK 2 ZR. Unfortunately there are always bad bits. The headlining has the usual sagging and there are a couple of small areas of rust related bubbling on the front wing wheel-arch lips (again common for this car). Rear suspension bushes have been an advisory for the last few years, was advised last year as still intact and functional, but are likely to need addressing in the future and there is a very slight oil leak from the front of the engine (not entirely sure where from). Rear tyres still have plenty of tread but showing signs of age related cracking so likely to need replacement in due course. Occasionally the rev counter needle sticks at zero but just requires a very slight tap on the dash to rectify and the coolant level sensor in the expansion tank could do with replacement (new one approximately £35) as it occasionally tiggers the dash warning light to come on (noting this is not due to loss of coolant). The aircon has never worked since I have owned her so unsure if it could be re-gassed and made functional once again. I will be including a selection of ZR spares with the sale including a used VVC hydraulic control unit, brand new MG Rover clutch cable and Haynes manual. As stated earlier the original wheels and centre caps are also included in the sale should the new owner wish to revert back to original. I have done my best to describe her accurately and she will be sold as seen. More than happy for viewings before committing (encouraged) but no tyre kickers please, I’m not going to give her away. Test drives will be accompanied and proof of insurance to drive other cars and driving licence will be required. The MG ZR 160 is getting quite a rare car on today’s roads with not many examples left. Still a great looking hot hatch especially in the updated MK 2 guise and undoubtedly likely to be a future classic.
