MG-ZT How Good Are They?
Discussion
So my much loved X-Type has devoured its engine & it is probably not worth spending too much, if anything, on a new engine so she is for the scrap man i think. Sadly.
I think i have decided to buy an MG-ZT as a replacement - all i really need to know is this: are the 2.6 V6 engined versions any good?
I think i have decided to buy an MG-ZT as a replacement - all i really need to know is this: are the 2.6 V6 engined versions any good?
I liked the ZT. The cambelt design is a bit naff on the KV6 IMHO though. First one failed at half the service milage and [u]well[/u] within the elapsed time. The plastic inlet manifold broke off at it's flanges too.
It drove well though, albeit with fairly rapid tyre wear.
It was a 52 plate 2.5 160bhp owned from new.
FWIW what engine is/was your X-Type? I have a spare 3.0 in the garage.
It drove well though, albeit with fairly rapid tyre wear.
It was a 52 plate 2.5 160bhp owned from new.
FWIW what engine is/was your X-Type? I have a spare 3.0 in the garage.
Same advice for all cars but make sure that the belts have been done recently if you decide on the KV6 engined cars. They should all have had them done now, even if you find a low mileage one, it'll be way past its change date timewise (5 years IIRC).
Otherwise a good and very underrated car. They still look good now even though the basic design goes back to the 90s. Another alternative is the diesel version, more mpg and better reliability (camchain being one difference), but you'll pay more for a good example.
I've got a ZT-T diesel, loadspace is ok except for carrying 'bikes, which have to be carried lying down (my last car, I could stand them up, minus wheels of course). Otherwise, and this goes for whatever engine you choose, good roadholding decent brakes and brilliant seats to go with a well designed interior. Healthy forum at MG Rover forums also useful for sourcing parts as well as what you need to know when looking for one. Parts not that difficult to find anyway, even though MGR went bust a few years ago, my local garage doesn't have a problem with sourcing them.
Otherwise a good and very underrated car. They still look good now even though the basic design goes back to the 90s. Another alternative is the diesel version, more mpg and better reliability (camchain being one difference), but you'll pay more for a good example.
I've got a ZT-T diesel, loadspace is ok except for carrying 'bikes, which have to be carried lying down (my last car, I could stand them up, minus wheels of course). Otherwise, and this goes for whatever engine you choose, good roadholding decent brakes and brilliant seats to go with a well designed interior. Healthy forum at MG Rover forums also useful for sourcing parts as well as what you need to know when looking for one. Parts not that difficult to find anyway, even though MGR went bust a few years ago, my local garage doesn't have a problem with sourcing them.
Have a look here: http://www.75-zt.com/
or if you want a V8 version http://www9.mg-cars.org.uk/mgoc260/
Good Luck..
or if you want a V8 version http://www9.mg-cars.org.uk/mgoc260/
Good Luck..
Edited by AndyG-ZTT on Friday 22 November 12:20
I have just bought one of these myself as a winter hack, although to be honest that description is rather putting it down as it is a great steer.
However, I bought mine with a sort of fault, i.e. a dodgy clutch. About 2 months ago it has had a new clutch, slave & master cylinder, but the biting point is almost on the floor. I suspect the system just needs bleeding as there is no sign of any fluid leaking, does anyone know if this is something I could do on my own or is it a 2 man job?
Or can anyone offer any tips?
However, I bought mine with a sort of fault, i.e. a dodgy clutch. About 2 months ago it has had a new clutch, slave & master cylinder, but the biting point is almost on the floor. I suspect the system just needs bleeding as there is no sign of any fluid leaking, does anyone know if this is something I could do on my own or is it a 2 man job?
Or can anyone offer any tips?
My clutch has always been way down. It was when I bought it at 87k, again after a new clutch at 95k and will probably be again when I get the car back from the garage on 167k (bit dissapointed with how long this one lasted but have been getting some judder for a bit now and I'm guessing that the slave cylinder has been leaking onto the clutch plate.....the pedal went right down on Monday and stayed there). I think clutch on the floor may be fairly normal. Have a look at the various websites, they contain some useful info, not just about clutches.
I've recently bought a 2004 ZT 190 for £700. Belts needed doing so I budgeted for that. Its a good car, drives surprisingly well and sounds great. They aren't that fast though and mine has a flat spot on the rev range over 4000 rpm which apparently is the VIS valves (DIY fix). Apart from the belts I'd also check for any advisories on the MOT as the brake lines especially seem to corrode before their time on these.
I bought a ZT-T 260 last summer and it's absolutely wonderful. Much more interesting to own than one of the common German rivals and has BAGS of character. Sounds utterly awesome thanks to X Power pipes and handling is charming.
Not sure what the other engines are like, have heard bad things about head gaskets going, but for me the only one to go for is the 260. I never want to part with mine
Not sure what the other engines are like, have heard bad things about head gaskets going, but for me the only one to go for is the 260. I never want to part with mine
Speedracer329 said:
I have just bought one of these myself as a winter hack, although to be honest that description is rather putting it down as it is a great steer.
However, I bought mine with a sort of fault, i.e. a dodgy clutch. About 2 months ago it has had a new clutch, slave & master cylinder, but the biting point is almost on the floor. I suspect the system just needs bleeding as there is no sign of any fluid leaking, does anyone know if this is something I could do on my own or is it a 2 man job?
Or can anyone offer any tips?
not sure if you have this sorted or not, but might be worth giving http://www.mgroversolutions.com/ a call.However, I bought mine with a sort of fault, i.e. a dodgy clutch. About 2 months ago it has had a new clutch, slave & master cylinder, but the biting point is almost on the floor. I suspect the system just needs bleeding as there is no sign of any fluid leaking, does anyone know if this is something I could do on my own or is it a 2 man job?
Or can anyone offer any tips?
A chap called Russell.. very reasonable, and if something does not need doing, he wont do it...
He has done work on my F before.
onyx39 said:
not sure if you have this sorted or not, but might be worth giving http://www.mgroversolutions.com/ a call.
A chap called Russell.. very reasonable, and if something does not need doing, he wont do it...
He has done work on my F before.
Thanks for the heads up onyx, but yes I sorted it quickly & for no money. The master cylinder just needed topping up. Well I say "just", after I had contorted my body around to get in there I mean!A chap called Russell.. very reasonable, and if something does not need doing, he wont do it...
He has done work on my F before.
I am aware of that company now as well thanks. The car has just had a lot of replacement new parts, inc. metal triple layer HG, cam belt & ancillaries, clutch & slave are new too so I am rather hopeful I won't be needing his services for a while at least
Ive had two
- CDTI ZTT From new for 3 years, clutch replaced under warranty, got 36mpg, never broke down until the fuel pump went. Fun to drive, brilliant handling but not very quick
- Brought a ZT 190 for £1150 last year. Quite thirsty, handled very well but was so slow (although it sounded good and was smooth). I starved it of oil and killed it
For the money they are total bargains and still a nice looking car.
- CDTI ZTT From new for 3 years, clutch replaced under warranty, got 36mpg, never broke down until the fuel pump went. Fun to drive, brilliant handling but not very quick
- Brought a ZT 190 for £1150 last year. Quite thirsty, handled very well but was so slow (although it sounded good and was smooth). I starved it of oil and killed it
For the money they are total bargains and still a nice looking car.
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