Are MG ZTs Any Good?

[Doofus]

I've never been entirely sure about the looks of the Rover 75, and therefore I've largely ignored the MG version.

I've been asked to help someone out by buying their ZT saloon. It's a 180 or a 190 (not sure which).

Will I actually want the car?

[sjc]

They are a superbly balanced drive.
Just be aware that the 180 is Auto only, the 190 is manual.
Best place for info and advice will be www.the75andztclub.co.uk

The early cars are much better in most areas than the facelifted later ones.

[Doofus]

sjc said:

They are a superbly balanced drive.
Just be aware that the 180 is Auto only, the 190 is manual.
Best place for info and advice will be www.the75andztclub.co.uk

The early cars are much better in most areas than the facelifted later ones.

Thank you. I asked here, rather than on a club site (even though I did so in the MG section) because I was hoping for warts-and-all feedback, which owners club evangelists rarely provide

Are they comfortable? The cabins have always looked fairly cramped to me; in the front, at least.

Reliable?

[stevemiller]

Having owned 3 75's and 2 ZT in various engine and gear box arrangements I would say they are a good drive. They are all now over 10 years old so a good one will be hard to find, look at as many as you can. They are not the most roomy but not cramped for four. They all steer well if all parts have been maintained/replaced.

They 190 has by modern standards a relatively short top gear (21mph/1000rpm or there about) and as a result is not too economical 27 mpg norm.

Find a good one with sorted VIS and they make a nice V6 growl and will provide great entertainment for the money..

Currently I have a 75 CDTi manual and a S/C V8. If I had room I would have another V6 but it would be a 75 manual.

Some of my history - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Doofus]

stevemiller said:

Having owned 3 75's and 2 ZT in various engine and gear box arrangements I would say they are a good drive. They are all now over 10 years old so a good one will be hard to find, look at as many as you can. They are not the most roomy but not cramped for four. They all steer well if all parts have been maintained/replaced.

They 190 has by modern standards a relatively short top gear (21mph/1000rpm or there about) and as a result is not too economical 27 mpg norm.

Find a good one with sorted VIS and they make a nice V6 growl and will provide great entertainment for the money..

Currently I have a 75 CDTi manual and a S/C V8. If I had room I would have another V6 but it would be a 75 manual.

Some of my history - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Thank you. As per my OP, I'm either buying the one in front of me, or not at all.

[stevemiller]

Doofus said:

Thank you. As per my OP, I'm either buying the one in front of me, or not at all.

Sorry never noticed the limitation. If you drive it and like it if not already done so, they are pretty easy to keep on the road, good club support and parts are mostly cheap and plentiful. If you are not sure it's not for you.

[NNH]

Doofus said:

sjc said:

They are a superbly balanced drive.
Just be aware that the 180 is Auto only, the 190 is manual.
Best place for info and advice will be www.the75andztclub.co.uk

The early cars are much better in most areas than the facelifted later ones.

Thank you. I asked here, rather than on a club site (even though I did so in the MG section) because I was hoping for warts-and-all feedback, which owners club evangelists rarely provide

Are they comfortable? The cabins have always looked fairly cramped to me; in the front, at least.

Reliable?

I ran a new ZT190 from 2001 to 2003, at which point I moved overseas. I found the front seats very comfortable and roomy, and I'm 6'4". As others have noted, the V6 revs a bit in top but it does make a lovely noise. The steering and handling felt great, and the car was fun to drive to Le Mans and across Europe on other trips.

But - it ate a gearbox at 20 months, and a piston came out via the sump on the A14 at 15 months, leading to a bit of a brown trouser moment as all the oil was dumped in the path of the rear wheels. Both were sorted under warranty, and presumably any ZT that has survived this long should have a solid powertrain.

[sjc]

How about posting the Spec and history on here and we can maybe give you a few more head up’s? Although this is a 75/ rather than a ZT, this was my very own car as assessed by Tiff Needell a few years ago. Although the XT was s bit more than just a badge change, the same rules apply.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WMAzi6MKxzA

[Doofus]

sjc said:

How about posting the Spec and history on here and we can maybe give you a few more head up’s? Although this is a 75/ rather than a ZT, this was my very own car as assessed by Tiff Needell a few years ago. Although the XT was s bit more than just a badge change, the same rules apply.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WMAzi6MKxzA

I don't know the spec or history. I've been asked to do the guy a favour and buy his car. My question was will I want it once I've done so, orshould I jist fet shot.

I don't need it. I have four other caes already

[burritoNinja]

I miss my ZT and seriously considering a V8 ZT but there are pot holes to these cars that the MG forums seem to brush over. I’ve owned several MG’s so have some experience. I had the diesel BMW M47 ZT and had it for ten months. Bought it from an engineering guy who looked after it well but I was hit with non stop breakdowns. Clutch went, fuel pumps died, alternator died, in tank fuel pump died, went through two brand new batteries, boot started to not close, rear upper arm broke, cracked spring and more. All this happened in space of ten months and £3,000 in repairs and new parts. It was a money pit and not reliable at all. Although when it was driving it was a great handling car. Really enjoyed it and I do miss it. Traded it in for a brand new Volvo V40. Great cars when working but can be money pits when they go bad since they are old. It was all age related problems that hit mine. I never raced the car, never revved the live out of it. It’s the only car I really miss owning.

Another point of concern is that if anything needs the computer hooked up, I don’t think there is many in the UK anymore who have the little computer required for the ZT. I had to join the local MG club to get access to that as only one guy had it. Don’t even get me started on the knob who ran the club. So much contention in that club with other members openly telling me they avoided events he would be at. Way to much drama lol.

Edited by burritoNinja on Wednesday 28th August 21:24

Edited by burritoNinja on Wednesday 28th August 21:27