Anyone got an MG ZT-T?

[t84]

Posted a thread earlier about suggestions for an Estate car, this came up a couple of times but I know absolutely nothing about MG/Rover and I would be worried buying one...

SHould I be? What are they like? They look pretty good, cheap, and come with good levels of kit, don't think I can afford the V8 though

[simonej]

I bought a ZT-T 190+ at the start of the year and have since covered 5000 miles in it. It was bought as a motorway cruiser to get to work. Prior to this I had been driving a diesel VW Golf Plus but even though all it needed to do was eat the miles I just ended up hating it when I wasn't on the motorway heading to work - it was awful. I suppose I just wanted something that offered just a little bit of interest and excitement. So basically I figured the ZT-T offered a bit of an interesting car for a dirt cheap price, enough that the low initial cost would balance out the thirst of the V6.

After 5000 miles it's grown on me immensely, so much so that i'm even considering having the stone chips and scratches sorted out on what is essentially a car only one step up from a bargain banger (I paid £2k for it with 50k miles on the clock)! It handles really well, the brakes are excellent, the engine sounds lovely and it's a bit 'different'. For the price I really don't know what I'd replace it with.

Downsides, well it's a bit thirsty (24-30mpg), the interior trim rattles a bit in the doors (but I think that's because the retaining clips have been broken) and the insurance and tax isn't particularly cheap.

There are a few things to look for when buying them (this is what i was told with the V6). Cambelts need doing every 90k or six years and this costs about £500, the VIS motors in the inlet manifold tend to break and I believe there are a few cooling issues (but not head gasket with the V6).

Hope that helps a little. I'd buy another if something happened to this.

[t84]

Thanks, it does, I'll definately take a look

[spaceship]

Are they fairly easy (and cheap) to get parts for?

Also, i read somewhere that they are a bit tight on space, especially in the back. Not sure if that's true or not?

Must admit, i've always quite liked these. A lot of car for not a lot of money.

Ooh and the V8 version sounds awesome!!

[t84]

I think the V8's are massively sought after though!

Will they fit two fully assembled pushbikes in the back? That's the burning question

[beebs90]

yes it will the back seats arnt the most spacius but the boot is enormus you still fit 3 6ft adults in the back though.

[confused_buyer]

The boot space is OK (on a par with similar 3-Series etc.) it is rear legroom they are a bit tight on.

If you find a good one they are one of the great motoring bargains of the age - better sorted for UK roads than a E46 of similar vintage IMO.

[simonej]

Yeah the rear seats are lacking on legroom actually, but as mentioned it still accommodates 3 adults. With the rear seats down myself and a mate can get our bikes in the back with no wheel removal. I also keep a pillow and sleeping bag in the boot for catching some sleep if working late/nights.

[Somnophore]

I think my money would go on a Saab 9-5 Hot Aero some good ones to be had for around 4k

[spaceship]

Somnophore said:

I think my money would go on a Saab 9-5 Hot Aero some good ones to be had for around 4k

Ooh, now I like those too. Also quite like the Vx Signum too, huge boot and lots of space in the back.

[t84]

Somnophore said:

I think my money would go on a Saab 9-5 Hot Aero some good ones to be had for around 4k

That's also on the list, along with a T5

[Somnophore]

I'm currently trying to justify getting either a T5 or a Saab 9-5 Hot Aero, but unless I start cyling more or something I don't really need an estate, I do like them loads though.

[t84]

Haha, nor do I, I'm hoping it'll make me cycle more! Bikes fit in the back of hatchbacks but it's REALLY irritation when you're cold and muddy and you just want to get home!