THERE are still plenty of MG Rover cars out there with low mileage and full service history so they can still make a great secondhand buy.
And since prices are very low compared to others, if you buy carefully you can find a real bargain.
Spares are still readily available and most garages know how to service and repair them so they can be easy and cheap to live with.
The MG ZS in the middle of the range is just as popular as the more funky ZR. Engines are a 107bhp 1.6, a 115bhp 1.8 or the old Rover 2.5 V6 with 175.
Two versions of the same 2.0-litre diesel were also available, with either 99 or 111bhp, and these give 50mpg economy.
It's a great driving car and huge fun when pressed. Even in 1.6 form it is reasonably quick, but the best one to go for if you want performance and economy is the excellent 1.8, which revs sweetly and pulls better in the mid-range.
Road-holding and handling are excellent but this does lead to a rather hard ride.
Interior
The V6 is spoiled by a rather heavy clutch and the smaller engined models are much easier in the left pedal department.
Standard equipment is good without being great.
FAST FACTS
MG ZS
Price: Pay about £1,100 for an '01 51-reg, £1,500 for an '03 03-reg, or £2,900 for an '05 05-reg.
Mechanical: 115bhp,1,798cc, 4 cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 9 seconds
Combined mpg: 33
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 174g/km
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Vauxhall Astra