Had enough of 75’s as daily’s .. this wasn’t meant to happen
Discussion
After 11 years and nigh on 190’000 comfortable miles in 2 V6 75’s, not only did I find myself needing and Estate, but also felt it time to try a different brand.
After months of searching for a auto/with a few toys/decent history cheap estate, and having looked at shed loads of ( most apt term ever) battered 5 series touring /V70’s/ the odd Accord etc, I did indeed change brand... er sort of !
To this...(advert pic)
Demo plus one owner, MG Sports 180+, 90k miles,full history with only two garages, belts done twice..... for the grand sum of £1175, having been up for sale at £1595 ( it needed tyres and pads ).
It’s home, and the fettling has already begun,the same with my previous two, they’re meant to be leave anywhere/work sheds but they grow on you and you then want them as nice as poss for the money!
It was a typical old boys car, a few scuffs, nothing a buff wouldn’t sort out, alcantara worn where he would have dragged himself across the seat, as as he wasn’t a club member the car has none of the little tricks done or upgrade parts that serve so well as preventative maintenance.
So already in ten days it’s had,
New tyres all round.
May as well have the wheels refurbed in silver sparkle then eh?
Body buffed.
Plenum drains checked ( upgrade covers on order)
Throttle cable tightened ( common prob being loose)
Bonnet cable mod.
One key repaired.
Load cover handle repaired.
A few interior trim clips replaced.
A bloody good clean inside with black restorer etc.
A few bits in order are an upgraded Shannon tube,Mk1 Tourer mudflaps( hens teeth) a pair of front spring protectors,and plenum guards.
If this thing gives me anywhere near such faithful low cost service as the other two, I’ll be very very happy .
After months of searching for a auto/with a few toys/decent history cheap estate, and having looked at shed loads of ( most apt term ever) battered 5 series touring /V70’s/ the odd Accord etc, I did indeed change brand... er sort of !
To this...(advert pic)
Demo plus one owner, MG Sports 180+, 90k miles,full history with only two garages, belts done twice..... for the grand sum of £1175, having been up for sale at £1595 ( it needed tyres and pads ).
It’s home, and the fettling has already begun,the same with my previous two, they’re meant to be leave anywhere/work sheds but they grow on you and you then want them as nice as poss for the money!
It was a typical old boys car, a few scuffs, nothing a buff wouldn’t sort out, alcantara worn where he would have dragged himself across the seat, as as he wasn’t a club member the car has none of the little tricks done or upgrade parts that serve so well as preventative maintenance.
So already in ten days it’s had,
New tyres all round.
May as well have the wheels refurbed in silver sparkle then eh?
Body buffed.
Plenum drains checked ( upgrade covers on order)
Throttle cable tightened ( common prob being loose)
Bonnet cable mod.
One key repaired.
Load cover handle repaired.
A few interior trim clips replaced.
A bloody good clean inside with black restorer etc.
A few bits in order are an upgraded Shannon tube,Mk1 Tourer mudflaps( hens teeth) a pair of front spring protectors,and plenum guards.
If this thing gives me anywhere near such faithful low cost service as the other two, I’ll be very very happy .
The seats were a bit worn (alcantara in the middle) and as a daily I didn’t really want sport seats) so with a bit of looking on the 75andztforum I found a set of double piped electric and heated leather seats, proper thick leather from a very early 75.
The chap selling was an incredibly enthusiastic lad only 30 miles from me, so while he was taking out the old, I was autoglymming the new (but old) before they went back in.
The smell of proper leather on the way home was fantastic, and it’s transformed the interior,for 160 quid fitted. I look forward to open the drivers door !
Already the car is nearly how I want it, not bad for just over a week.Probably now just a decent ICE and it’ll be good to go as my daily.
The chap selling was an incredibly enthusiastic lad only 30 miles from me, so while he was taking out the old, I was autoglymming the new (but old) before they went back in.
The smell of proper leather on the way home was fantastic, and it’s transformed the interior,for 160 quid fitted. I look forward to open the drivers door !
Already the car is nearly how I want it, not bad for just over a week.Probably now just a decent ICE and it’ll be good to go as my daily.
In usual 75Zt fashion the first speed on the three speed fan I think is kaput, as I’ve got the whoopy noise, so a new two speed fan with the updated resistor from the 75 guru that is Jules is on its way to me, along with an engine mount which was an advisory on the last service.
Green touch up paint has been gotten as in true SJC style when I buy a car someone has already marked it down the side.
Really enjoying the turn in, the noise, having a sunroof again and very pleased I changed the seats. Think the car will be a nice combo for a daily work hack once a decent sat nav is in.
Green touch up paint has been gotten as in true SJC style when I buy a car someone has already marked it down the side.
Really enjoying the turn in, the noise, having a sunroof again and very pleased I changed the seats. Think the car will be a nice combo for a daily work hack once a decent sat nav is in.
Thanks for the contributions.
To answer a question posed:
Comfort wise the whole car is obviously tauter all round, but the damping is pretty good for a sports estate, and far superior to a modern S-line/M-badged car.Baring in mind it’s 18 years old,and likely on the originals suspension it’s even more impressive. The seats that’s I’ve fitted from an early 75 have helped with the general comfort and ambience.
MPG is averaging circa 28.The Auto box, is rather sluggish deposit the throttle cable being adjusted, so it’ll time to check the Vis motors and get the box oil changed. However, I found similar in my first 75 so it may be as good as it gets.
Maybe it’s due to cars every where being a sea of grey, but the colour has compelled a surprisingly regular amount of people to comment.
To answer a question posed:
Comfort wise the whole car is obviously tauter all round, but the damping is pretty good for a sports estate, and far superior to a modern S-line/M-badged car.Baring in mind it’s 18 years old,and likely on the originals suspension it’s even more impressive. The seats that’s I’ve fitted from an early 75 have helped with the general comfort and ambience.
MPG is averaging circa 28.The Auto box, is rather sluggish deposit the throttle cable being adjusted, so it’ll time to check the Vis motors and get the box oil changed. However, I found similar in my first 75 so it may be as good as it gets.
Maybe it’s due to cars every where being a sea of grey, but the colour has compelled a surprisingly regular amount of people to comment.
Edited by sjc on Thursday 4th June 00:05
Edited by sjc on Thursday 4th June 00:08
So the ZT-T now has two new engine mounts,a massive difference as both were absolutely shot when taken off.The Shannon tube was replaced as they are always shot( it was!) and the fan replaced as although it was probably only the resistor (very common) I’d already bought the complete assembly with the uprated gold resistor.
The handling on this thing is terrific, great turn in and steering feel,and it’s giving me the added bonus of a bit of fun, which couldn’t be said of the 75’s... horses for courses of course !
As previously mentioned, the amount of interest it has received ( mainly gents of a certain age !) is rediculous for a £1175 car, I’m sure the colour is helping amongst a sea of grey nowadays.Quite possibly though,these are thought more highly of now, than they ever were in their time.
Social distance parking observed, then someone spoilt it !
The handling on this thing is terrific, great turn in and steering feel,and it’s giving me the added bonus of a bit of fun, which couldn’t be said of the 75’s... horses for courses of course !
As previously mentioned, the amount of interest it has received ( mainly gents of a certain age !) is rediculous for a £1175 car, I’m sure the colour is helping amongst a sea of grey nowadays.Quite possibly though,these are thought more highly of now, than they ever were in their time.
Social distance parking observed, then someone spoilt it !
d_a_n1979 said:
Lovely car; it'll be a good project 
I've had x3 MG ZTs (x2 190s and x1 160 (well; 177 after the mods) and x2 ZTTs, both 190s
Never went for an auto in these; felt they suited a manual better, as opposed to my 530i E39s and current E39 touring which for me, suit an auto better
The ZTs were great though; like you I replaced the engine mounts and polyfilled the main one; did the moto-build lowering springs mod on them and replaced other bits here n there
The V6 sounds superb too with an aftermarket back box or exhaust and the K&N cold air filter kit on top
Good luck with the car; it's a lovely colour
Cheers, I think I remember you from the 75/ZT site, into your body building by memory ( can remember from your avatar !)? I've had x3 MG ZTs (x2 190s and x1 160 (well; 177 after the mods) and x2 ZTTs, both 190s
Never went for an auto in these; felt they suited a manual better, as opposed to my 530i E39s and current E39 touring which for me, suit an auto better
The ZTs were great though; like you I replaced the engine mounts and polyfilled the main one; did the moto-build lowering springs mod on them and replaced other bits here n there
The V6 sounds superb too with an aftermarket back box or exhaust and the K&N cold air filter kit on top
Good luck with the car; it's a lovely colour
Didn’t want a manual due to my daily driving which is 70% crawling in traffic, and I have a weekend fun manual. The colour is certainly getting attention !
stickleback123 said:
I think a good automatic would be great in the 75, but unfortunately they chose to install the JATCO JF506E instead.
That said, it seems to be an issue for FWD cars generally; I can't think of a single FWD/transverse mounted automatic gearbox that has been as good as it's longitudinal contemporaries. They're also at least a foot shorter though!
It suits the 75 fine, it’s too lazy in the ZT-T but I haven’t bought it for Grand Prix’s. And of course, the box design is over 25 years old That said, it seems to be an issue for FWD cars generally; I can't think of a single FWD/transverse mounted automatic gearbox that has been as good as it's longitudinal contemporaries. They're also at least a foot shorter though!
PrinceRupert said:
Love the colour! Green is such a british colour for a car, suits the 75 down to the ground. Will keep a close eye on this as you seem to know what you are talking about and, well, I do not!
Cheers, I’m no mechanic at all,it’s just that over 11 years of 75/ZT ownership you learn their quirks, and there’s some brilliantly helpful info and people on www.the75andztclub.co.uk and their FB page.That will be the best £10 you spend on the car !Well other than a new set of discs/pads all round and the callipers painted black, the ZT-T has gone about its business in the way I hoped.I’d planned a circa 1000 mile road trip via North Wales/ Penrith/Newcastle /Cheshire/Sheffield various family and friends for early November the first part being a trip to Jules for a service and gearbox oil change amongst other things. With the latest restrictions thats off the menu, so the little quirks that he would have sorted will have to wait,like the rattly door cards, and the new fan that I’m not quite sure has been wired correctly.
The auto gearbox continues to frustrate with its sluggishness and nannying,but other than that it’s doing exactly what I want a load carrying everyday work hack to do, while making a lovely noise !
The auto gearbox continues to frustrate with its sluggishness and nannying,but other than that it’s doing exactly what I want a load carrying everyday work hack to do, while making a lovely noise !
Muddle238 said:
sjc said:
Well other than a new set of discs/pads all round and the callipers painted black, the ZT-T has gone about its business in the way I hoped.I’d planned a circa 1000 mile road trip via North Wales/ Penrith/Newcastle /Cheshire/Sheffield various family and friends for early November the first part being a trip to Jules for a service and gearbox oil change amongst other things. With the latest restrictions thats off the menu, so the little quirks that he would have sorted will have to wait,like the rattly door cards, and the new fan that I’m not quite sure has been wired correctly.
The auto gearbox continues to frustrate with its sluggishness and nannying,but other than that it’s doing exactly what I want a load carrying everyday work hack to do, while making a lovely noise !
I thought that was my own car for a moment! Not to hijack your thread with my car, but I have to say, dark green suits these cars so well;The auto gearbox continues to frustrate with its sluggishness and nannying,but other than that it’s doing exactly what I want a load carrying everyday work hack to do, while making a lovely noise !
Lovely looking ZT-T you have. You mention rattly door cards, not the rears by any chance? Shame about not being able to make it to see Jules, what issues are you having with the auto box?
No issues, ( I've had three so know their quirks), I've just never like the way it decides to changand engine break for you when going downhill, and it's downright lazy in normal mode ( not such a bog deal in the 75, but more frustrating in the ZT/ ZT-T range I'd suggest).At 100k miles,the box is due an oil change.The ratly door cards are the fronts,I permanently have the rear seat down carrying loads of stuff, so have never sat or listened in the back!
So the first year of ownership is complete and around 13,000 miles despite the various lockdowns. As it was due a service, and there was no record of the auto gearbox oil being changed these were duly done at a specialist I found via the club. It also had two new ABS sensors/rings as the light had come on, and both balance and power VIS motors as it was obvious they weren't working.A slight exhaust blow has been sorted ( two places told me it wasn't blowing !),the rear mud flaps have at last been fitted as the chap had the correct clips, the heated seats from the 75 wired up, a new brake pedal rubber fitted,and on the T4 the massively annoying single door locking has been changed to multi door. The underside was rubbed down and treated to a rust proofing session ( in for a penny etc), and various other little bits were done, resulting in a bill not far off what I paid for the car. However, I plan to keep this as long as I'm still working so,as it's nice enough to drive every but not so precious that I worry about where I park it etc.
It will need a headliner at some point, but I've stapled it up for now ( can't see the staples either!), and it's now driving much nicer, smoother gearchanges,quieter,not kicking down at low speeds so much because the power VIS is working properly and generally just a much nicer car all round.
It will need a headliner at some point, but I've stapled it up for now ( can't see the staples either!), and it's now driving much nicer, smoother gearchanges,quieter,not kicking down at low speeds so much because the power VIS is working properly and generally just a much nicer car all round.
So I've done about 25,000 miles in the ZT-T now since purchase, and a couple of the common faults for this model are starting to show themselves.The heater is only blowing luke warm on the drivers side, with no heat at all on the passenger side.Common matrix or pipe problem, so it's booked in at my local specialist for a couple of weeks time, along with the equally common water ingress issue thats's shown itself in the recent heavy rain. It's coming down the passenger windscreen pillar it appears so might be the the sunroof drains,unfortunate it's meant the headliner is starting to drop a bit as well.I'vea brake judder, so that will be another set off front discs,which will hopefully be decent quality.The back box is blowing also, but I'm going to get a nice one made from Hayward and Scott who've just done a complete system on my Noble.As the car is an estate and always driven with the rear seats down, I want it tailored to be whisper quiet at cruise speeds as it's an echo chamber at the back, and with a bit of a yell when the quad cam sings out it's massive 180BHP!!
sjc said:
So I've done about 25,000 miles in the ZT-T now since purchase, and a couple of the common faults for this model are starting to show themselves.The heater is only blowing luke warm on the drivers side, with no heat at all on the passenger side.Common matrix or pipe problem, so it's booked in at my local specialist for a couple of weeks time, along with the equally common water ingress issue thats's shown itself in the recent heavy rain. It's coming down the passenger windscreen pillar it appears so might be the the sunroof drains,unfortunate it's meant the headliner is starting to drop a bit as well.I'vea brake judder, so that will be another set off front discs,which will hopefully be decent quality.The back box is blowing also, but I'm going to get a nice one made from Hayward and Scott who've just done a complete system on my Noble.As the car is an estate and always driven with the rear seats down, I want it tailored to be whisper quiet at cruise speeds as it's an echo chamber at the back, and with a bit of a yell when the quad cam sings out it's massive 180BHP!!
All the above done a few weeks ago and Friday it sailed through its Mot with no advisories.. happy days !Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff