Firstly welcome to the site ....
I recognise your username from the 75 ZT site, I used to have a Bittersweet ZT-T, now gone back to a Mk1 180 saloon.
As a new driver I reckon that aside from perhaps a ZR 105, the ZS 110 is the only car for you if your heart is set on an MG. Good for you ! I won't be talking you out of one. Personally, and talkingcars speaks from experience,
, but I'd be more inclined to have something just a little bigger and safer as a first car than a Metro or Rover 1 series...and as a Dad, I'd be likely to encourage my boys into driving slightly bigger safer cars.
Have a look at Stephen's .... I think he's considering selling up. People with more mechanical knowledge than me on here will come in later, but as with all K series rover engines you have to look for early signs of HGF. Look for a good spec car, and if you can afford a Mk2 with updated dash and more modern exterior looks with the 180 kit you'll not go far wrong.