MG ZT-T, the 2.5 190+. Yay or nay?
Discussion
I had an MG once (kinda), a ZR. It was pants but I've always been kinda drawn to the brand.
So....
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG/N...
This car? A worthy buy or a complete shed? Ignore the exhaust, I'd replace that thing upon purchase.
So....
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG/N...
This car? A worthy buy or a complete shed? Ignore the exhaust, I'd replace that thing upon purchase.
I've had a 190 for 4yrs and 40k and I've been very pleased. I'd happily recommend it - or a 260 or 135 CDTI.
Feels like it was made by an entirely different company to the ZR to be honest and it feels very different to a Rover 75 to drive too. Try www.xpowerforums.co.uk and www.mg-rover.org for more information.
Not sure where the idea it may be a 'complete shed' comes from but hope this post is useful.
Feels like it was made by an entirely different company to the ZR to be honest and it feels very different to a Rover 75 to drive too. Try www.xpowerforums.co.uk and www.mg-rover.org for more information.
Not sure where the idea it may be a 'complete shed' comes from but hope this post is useful.
Roman said:
I've had a 190 for 4yrs and 40k and I've been very pleased. I'd happily recommend it - or a 260 or 135 CDTI.
Feels like it was made by an entirely different company to the ZR to be honest and it feels very different to a Rover 75 to drive too. Try www.xpowerforums.co.uk and www.mg-rover.org for more information.
Not sure where the idea it may be a 'complete shed' comes from but hope this post is useful.
Cheers, I've done a bit more research on the ZT-T and I've been pleasantly surprised by what I've read. The idea that it might be a bit of a shed was based on ownership of an MG product of the same sort of era and experience of the likes of the Rover 400 but I'm happy to say my fears have been kicked into touch a little. Feels like it was made by an entirely different company to the ZR to be honest and it feels very different to a Rover 75 to drive too. Try www.xpowerforums.co.uk and www.mg-rover.org for more information.
Not sure where the idea it may be a 'complete shed' comes from but hope this post is useful.
No problem.
My sister had a 105 too - though I have to say she's had no problems with it since buying it 4 years ago.
The ZT-T is obviously very different to your 197 - by comparison it won't feel fast (up until around 4k revs) but it is refined, solid and composed with precise, nicely weighted controls so the rate at which you are able to cover ground is very deceptive as it is actually quite relaxing and satisfying to drive quickly.
I'd drive a couple and would prefer one that has been serviced at an ex franchised dealer or specialist. Look for OEM spec Contis or Michelin tyres too as in my view there's no point in compromising a nicely set up car with a lack of grip - and being able to keep your foot down to string a series of fast bends together is one of the most satisfying aspects of this car.
My sister had a 105 too - though I have to say she's had no problems with it since buying it 4 years ago.
The ZT-T is obviously very different to your 197 - by comparison it won't feel fast (up until around 4k revs) but it is refined, solid and composed with precise, nicely weighted controls so the rate at which you are able to cover ground is very deceptive as it is actually quite relaxing and satisfying to drive quickly.
I'd drive a couple and would prefer one that has been serviced at an ex franchised dealer or specialist. Look for OEM spec Contis or Michelin tyres too as in my view there's no point in compromising a nicely set up car with a lack of grip - and being able to keep your foot down to string a series of fast bends together is one of the most satisfying aspects of this car.
Papa_Hotel said:
Nigel Worc's said:
Its a rover chaps.it'll be the worst heap of s
te you've ever had the missfortune to own (or at least mine was, looked gorgeous, just kept breaking )
Oh well, that's it then. Well-balanced and thought out, taking into consideration all factors. Thanks Nigel.te you've ever had the missfortune to own (or at least mine was, looked gorgeous, just kept breaking )Get a beemer,merc, volvo, they work.
Have you driven a ZT yet? If the 'advice' given by some here has not turned you away from what are quite nice cars, do take a couple of ZTs for drives and then decide if you could live with such a car. You may be pleasantly surprised.
If your resources allow for a ZT V8, that car has even greater appeal. Although outwardly similar, the V8 is a completely difference experience to the V6 or the BMW diesel engined version. However, all the variants have appeal subject to individual tastes and car needs.
Good luck.
ETA @ 00:54
I bought my first MG well over forty years ago ~ an MG B roadster. Many new and used ones since and I've never had any trouble with any of them worth a mention although I have had the occasional trouble with their dealers.
Just been trawling one of the other car sites I visit and came across this. If you do go for a BMW after all, try to avoid one of these:
http://www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtopic.php?t=53...
If your resources allow for a ZT V8, that car has even greater appeal. Although outwardly similar, the V8 is a completely difference experience to the V6 or the BMW diesel engined version. However, all the variants have appeal subject to individual tastes and car needs.
Good luck.
ETA @ 00:54
I bought my first MG well over forty years ago ~ an MG B roadster. Many new and used ones since and I've never had any trouble with any of them worth a mention although I have had the occasional trouble with their dealers.
Just been trawling one of the other car sites I visit and came across this. If you do go for a BMW after all, try to avoid one of these:
http://www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtopic.php?t=53...
Edited by MGJohn on Saturday 28th February 00:55
Ignore Nigel worc's. I suspect he's never driven a ZT. Or if he has, it was a trashed or wrecked one that someone repaired and shoved back on the market.
I've had a ZTT 190+ for several years now. I bought it as a stop gap pending delivery of a new car which was delayed, and I ended up cancelling my order and keeping the ZT.
Its now done 105k miles and it has been absolutely superb. No problems of any note (just had the thermostat housing seal done at the 105k service - thats about the biggest job I've had done)
It has never once failed to start
It has never once broken down
Nothing has fallen off
There are no squeeks or rattles
It consumes practically no oil
it averages 29mpg around the Derbyshire dales (ie, up and down lots of hills) 30+ on a run @80mph
My car, a 2001 vehicle. It is still on the original exhaust. Its second battery was fitted last year.
Its had 4 tail lamp bulbs....., oooh, one little VIS motor (the old one stuck a bit as it had some gunk inside at 75,000 miles, the new one was £15 and took 5 mins to fit)
And thats it. No drama. It eats miles with disdain. And those that know me know I don't drive slowly!
Ignore the twits who once owned an MG Metro or such like and who now think they know all about MG cars. The ZT is a truly superb car. Buy with a full service history - they only need one every 15k miles and the only expensive service is the 90k (cam belts) so anyone that couldn't be bothered to get this done would have probably not been the sort of guy you want to buy a car from
HTH
Andy
I've had a ZTT 190+ for several years now. I bought it as a stop gap pending delivery of a new car which was delayed, and I ended up cancelling my order and keeping the ZT.
Its now done 105k miles and it has been absolutely superb. No problems of any note (just had the thermostat housing seal done at the 105k service - thats about the biggest job I've had done)
It has never once failed to start
It has never once broken down
Nothing has fallen off
There are no squeeks or rattles
It consumes practically no oil
it averages 29mpg around the Derbyshire dales (ie, up and down lots of hills) 30+ on a run @80mph
My car, a 2001 vehicle. It is still on the original exhaust. Its second battery was fitted last year.
Its had 4 tail lamp bulbs....., oooh, one little VIS motor (the old one stuck a bit as it had some gunk inside at 75,000 miles, the new one was £15 and took 5 mins to fit)
And thats it. No drama. It eats miles with disdain. And those that know me know I don't drive slowly!
Ignore the twits who once owned an MG Metro or such like and who now think they know all about MG cars. The ZT is a truly superb car. Buy with a full service history - they only need one every 15k miles and the only expensive service is the 90k (cam belts) so anyone that couldn't be bothered to get this done would have probably not been the sort of guy you want to buy a car from
HTH
Andy
Edited by andymadmak on Sunday 1st March 16:41
Absolutely Andy, Ignore me !
Ignore the broken coil spring, ignore the blown head gasket, ignore the failed master cylinder, slave cylinder and clutch plate.
Ignore the solid coloured coolant bottle (so you need the engine cold to check the level)
In fact, have a look on the MG rover forum, in the 75 section, ignore all the chaps in there posting all the problems I have listed above constantly.
I only owned it 9 months, it would have been cheaper keeping a porsche on the road.
I've had three beemers, all 5 series, 2 2.5 straight 6's, and my present very underpowered 1.8 litre 4 cylinder estate. I've covered 150,000 miles plus in both the 2.5's, and have had the 1.8 since last July, and have so far covered 25,000 miles.
Tyres, brakes, one battery and one exhaust to date, oil, filters, plugs, and the odd perished hose, is all they kave needed between them, I've not even managed to wear a clutch out.
I can give you the same reliability stories with Volvo's I've owned.
Longbridge ste was crap when it was made, and it will remain crap, all I can is is offer the advice that I'd stay well away from them, I was warned before I bought mine, but was bowled over by its looks and interior (and when it actually worked it drove very well).
They didn't go bust because the cars were so good nobody needed to replace them.
I'd suggest you stay well clear, unless you actually want a labour of love, you want to own it because it has an MG Rover badge and is part of motoring history, and most importantly, you don't need to rely on it.
Good luck if you do buy it.
Ignore the broken coil spring, ignore the blown head gasket, ignore the failed master cylinder, slave cylinder and clutch plate.
Ignore the solid coloured coolant bottle (so you need the engine cold to check the level)
In fact, have a look on the MG rover forum, in the 75 section, ignore all the chaps in there posting all the problems I have listed above constantly.
I only owned it 9 months, it would have been cheaper keeping a porsche on the road.
I've had three beemers, all 5 series, 2 2.5 straight 6's, and my present very underpowered 1.8 litre 4 cylinder estate. I've covered 150,000 miles plus in both the 2.5's, and have had the 1.8 since last July, and have so far covered 25,000 miles.
Tyres, brakes, one battery and one exhaust to date, oil, filters, plugs, and the odd perished hose, is all they kave needed between them, I've not even managed to wear a clutch out.
I can give you the same reliability stories with Volvo's I've owned.
Longbridge s
te was crap when it was made, and it will remain crap, all I can is is offer the advice that I'd stay well away from them, I was warned before I bought mine, but was bowled over by its looks and interior (and when it actually worked it drove very well).They didn't go bust because the cars were so good nobody needed to replace them.
I'd suggest you stay well clear, unless you actually want a labour of love, you want to own it because it has an MG Rover badge and is part of motoring history, and most importantly, you don't need to rely on it.
Good luck if you do buy it.
So, Nigel, did you buy your ZT new, low mileage used? or from the auto trader (or similar)?
You see the fact is that most of the ZT owners I have spoken to have had experiences more akin to mine than yours, so I'm kean to know what the big difference is....
I usually own my cars from new or low mileage used. Take the car that preceded the ZT for example. A volvo S60 turbo SE. Now I'd be hard pushed to name the bits of that car thet DIDN'T go wrong over the 3.5 years /100k miles of ownership. The front suspension fell off. The engine management system was never sorted out, often cuting out dangerously when accelerating from junctions/roundabouts. (Volvo did offer a fix, provided I was prepared to pay an extra 300 quid - and this on a BRAND NEW CAR) . The doors used to unlock themselves when it rained, the aircon blew up, the bulbs would blow on a weekely basis, the seats collapsed, the paint discoloured, the gearbox broke, the sound system had a mind of its own. Before that, the beemer and the audis I had were a bit better, but not paragons of virtue by any measure. I actually nicknamed my Audi Avant "Christine" after the Steven king novel.
To label all ZTs as crap is just silly, and ignorant. Most of us long term ZT owners have VERY positive stories to tell. Does any car maker make 100% of its cars brilliantly? No.
Sorry you had a bad ZT, but I've had bad Volvos, Beemers, Audis et al. Does that make them all bad? No.
Do a little research into the customer surveys of the day, and you'll find that my experience is more the norm than yours....... Really.
Andy
You see the fact is that most of the ZT owners I have spoken to have had experiences more akin to mine than yours, so I'm kean to know what the big difference is....
I usually own my cars from new or low mileage used. Take the car that preceded the ZT for example. A volvo S60 turbo SE. Now I'd be hard pushed to name the bits of that car thet DIDN'T go wrong over the 3.5 years /100k miles of ownership. The front suspension fell off. The engine management system was never sorted out, often cuting out dangerously when accelerating from junctions/roundabouts. (Volvo did offer a fix, provided I was prepared to pay an extra 300 quid - and this on a BRAND NEW CAR) . The doors used to unlock themselves when it rained, the aircon blew up, the bulbs would blow on a weekely basis, the seats collapsed, the paint discoloured, the gearbox broke, the sound system had a mind of its own. Before that, the beemer and the audis I had were a bit better, but not paragons of virtue by any measure. I actually nicknamed my Audi Avant "Christine" after the Steven king novel.
To label all ZTs as crap is just silly, and ignorant. Most of us long term ZT owners have VERY positive stories to tell. Does any car maker make 100% of its cars brilliantly? No.
Sorry you had a bad ZT, but I've had bad Volvos, Beemers, Audis et al. Does that make them all bad? No.
Do a little research into the customer surveys of the day, and you'll find that my experience is more the norm than yours....... Really.
Andy
Nigel Worc's said:
In fact, have a look on the MG rover forum, in the 75 section, ignore all the chaps in there posting all the problems I have listed above constantly.
All Car Forums (or fora ...;) )are a bit like a Doctor's waiting room ... full of folks with problems. The healthy stay away in droves. Ever noticed that?Nigel Worc's said:
Good luck if you do buy it
Now ... that's more like it. We all could do with some of that when buying ANY car ...Nigel Worc's said:
Absolutely Andy, Ignore me !
That would certainly be my advice.In the last 12 years or so I've had 2 C-Class Mercedes and an Audi A4 all bought brand new, all dealer serviced, and had no problems at all (as you'd damned well expect at that price) before swapping the Audi (a rather nicely specced quattro Turbo) for my current car (a ZT CDTi with ~60K miles on the clock when I bought it) when i decided I'd been spending Just Too Damned Much Money on cars. The ZT hasn't been any trouble at all (OK, it's only done ~12K miles in my hands) and (slightly to my surprise to be honest!) is in many ways a nicer car than any of the hideously expensive German stuff was.
My principal regret (and it's a big one) is not having bought one earlier when I could have justified the cost of running a 190 or 260...
--
JG
bigbadbikercats said:
Nigel Worc's said:
Absolutely Andy, Ignore me !
That would certainly be my advice.In the last 12 years or so I've had 2 C-Class Mercedes and an Audi A4 all bought brand new, all dealer serviced, and had no problems at all (as you'd damned well expect at that price) before swapping the Audi (a rather nicely specced quattro Turbo) for my current car (a ZT CDTi with ~60K miles on the clock when I bought it) when i decided I'd been spending Just Too Damned Much Money on cars. The ZT hasn't been any trouble at all (OK, it's only done ~12K miles in my hands) and (slightly to my surprise to be honest!) is in many ways a nicer car than any of the hideously expensive German stuff was.
My principal regret (and it's a big one) is not having bought one earlier when I could have justified the cost of running a 190 or 260...
--
JG
I bought my last new MG in 2003 ..... Something I will never again be able to do.
Britain, now great only at getting it wrong!
Only in the yUK!
Copied from the Genral gassing thread!
Hi
We have a ZTT 190 from new since 2003 and put 60k miles on it. In that 6 years the only problems have been a weeping thermostat housing and an iffy reversing sensor.
It is the family hack and after a wash and a hoover it wears the abuse very well indeed. The car is a fun family car to own but is a little thristy getting 26-30mpg. It has a lot of character for a station wagon! The 190 is a very refined engine but need working to feel the full 190 - as the ZT is a heavy car!
It currently is in for its 6 year service and cam belt chage - quoted £700 at the garage doing it (an Xpart licencee with rover trained techs) andother ex MG garage quoted us £900+!!!
Xpart prices can be eyewatering, but better deals can be had from the likes of Rimmers and Ebay! Especially brake pads. For example a set of Mintex pads can be had for £20 including postage as opposed to £150+ quoted from Xpart. There also is great support from breakers such as Rover breakers for just about anything you need. The forums are also very helpful. I have read about the VIS issue but have not experienced it (yet) but often it is just a motor which can be replaced for about £50 or fixed with a few basic tools.
Oh and the V8 is the bargain of the century! I also have a 260 from new for 4 years and 35k miles with the only problems being just a condensate leak from the Aircon which is fixed and a resitor failure on the radiator (better replacement from RS for a fiver) .
HTH
Regards
Spunagain
Hi
We have a ZTT 190 from new since 2003 and put 60k miles on it. In that 6 years the only problems have been a weeping thermostat housing and an iffy reversing sensor.
It is the family hack and after a wash and a hoover it wears the abuse very well indeed. The car is a fun family car to own but is a little thristy getting 26-30mpg. It has a lot of character for a station wagon! The 190 is a very refined engine but need working to feel the full 190 - as the ZT is a heavy car!
It currently is in for its 6 year service and cam belt chage - quoted £700 at the garage doing it (an Xpart licencee with rover trained techs) andother ex MG garage quoted us £900+!!!
Xpart prices can be eyewatering, but better deals can be had from the likes of Rimmers and Ebay! Especially brake pads. For example a set of Mintex pads can be had for £20 including postage as opposed to £150+ quoted from Xpart. There also is great support from breakers such as Rover breakers for just about anything you need. The forums are also very helpful. I have read about the VIS issue but have not experienced it (yet) but often it is just a motor which can be replaced for about £50 or fixed with a few basic tools.
Oh and the V8 is the bargain of the century! I also have a 260 from new for 4 years and 35k miles with the only problems being just a condensate leak from the Aircon which is fixed and a resitor failure on the radiator (better replacement from RS for a fiver) .
HTH
Regards
Spunagain
Spunagain said:
Oh and the V8 is the bargain of the century! I also have a 260 from new for 4 years and 35k miles with the only problems being just a condensate leak from the Aircon which is fixed and a resitor failure on the radiator (better replacement from RS for a fiver) .
HTH
Regards
Spunagain
Damn you Spunagain ~ HTH
Regards
Spunagain
~ That's highly classified information. You've just let one of MG-Rover's best kept secrets out of the bag !! They'll all want one now !!Do not believe him folks .... those V8s are terrible. In fact, my next serious car purchase will be one to see just how bad they really are.
Hi MGJohn
Do it! Prices now are pretty low and even if they drop more (which let's face it in todays condition is not impossible), you should still be able to find a looked after one which will live up to your expectations. They are well build cars and no squeaks or rattles yet, but even the best built cars will feel shabby after a time! Now they are lots of just nicely run in cars with 30 odd K on the clock. And no, mine is not for sale!
Regards
spunagain
Do it! Prices now are pretty low and even if they drop more (which let's face it in todays condition is not impossible), you should still be able to find a looked after one which will live up to your expectations. They are well build cars and no squeaks or rattles yet, but even the best built cars will feel shabby after a time! Now they are lots of just nicely run in cars with 30 odd K on the clock. And no, mine is not for sale!
Regards
spunagain
If you decide you can stretch to a V8, then I certainly would recommend you do. Join the owners' club, and you'll find that whilst there are some problems, they are pretty much all well known, and in some cases, we've also had new parts made up which are both better and cheaper than the originals.
You will have a harder job finding at tourer though, as they're much rarer, and I'm certainly not selling mine!
If you do go for a V8 tourer, make sure you check the rear springs. The earlier ones have a habit of snapping on the very top coil.
Now the really important thing to check....
For ANY tourer, make sure you check it for water ingress!
There was a known problem with many of the earlier ones where the drain pipes off the sunroof (assuming it has one) weren't long enough, so water leaked inside the car, not outside. This is easily remedied by fitting longer tubes.
Specific to tourers, however, some of them (including mine
) have problems with the rear tailgate class not fitting quite right, which can also let water in. I'm really going to have to get mine sorted. 
I would, nevertheless, completely, utterly recommend a ZT-T 260.
You will have a harder job finding at tourer though, as they're much rarer, and I'm certainly not selling mine!
If you do go for a V8 tourer, make sure you check the rear springs. The earlier ones have a habit of snapping on the very top coil.
Now the really important thing to check....
For ANY tourer, make sure you check it for water ingress!
There was a known problem with many of the earlier ones where the drain pipes off the sunroof (assuming it has one) weren't long enough, so water leaked inside the car, not outside. This is easily remedied by fitting longer tubes.
Specific to tourers, however, some of them (including mine
) have problems with the rear tailgate class not fitting quite right, which can also let water in. I'm really going to have to get mine sorted. I would, nevertheless, completely, utterly recommend a ZT-T 260.
Gassing Station | MG | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff