XT 180SE; Good Cars?
Discussion
I am in a position where I need a sensible car for work. I have looked around and the ZT's seem to be a bargain to say the least compared with the usual German and Swedish choices [which do not appeal to me anyway!].
Anyone know of any things to look out for? PS I have decided to be lazy and have the auto altohugh they do seem to be fewer around than 190's.
PH experiences welcomed
Edited to acknowledge that I obviously do not even know the model of car!
>>> Edited by james p on Tuesday 1st March 16:21
Anyone know of any things to look out for? PS I have decided to be lazy and have the auto altohugh they do seem to be fewer around than 190's.
PH experiences welcomed
Edited to acknowledge that I obviously do not even know the model of car!
>>> Edited by james p on Tuesday 1st March 16:21
I have a ZT T 190 Estate. Its now done 45k miles with absolutely no problems whatsoever.
It followed a Volvo S60, a BMW 330, and a Scooby.
I also have a TVR wedge to clear the wax out of my ears. Against all those yard sticks the ZT is a truly wonderful car.
Its not "in yer face modern" either externally or internally. But it gets on with the job very well. Its solid (feels much stronger than the volvo or BMW) and has no squeeks or rattles. The engine is a peach and makes a fab noise. Lacks a little torque sometimes but makes up for it with a wonderfully revvy nature. I average 28.5 mpg combination motorway (90mph+), town, and thrashing round the derbyshire dales. Service intervals are 15k miles. Gearbox is lovely. Brakes strong and powerful. The seats are the best I've had in any car. I suffer with my back, but I can drive this car all day without a twinge. (not so in the volvo)
The best bit is the chassis. It steers, handles and grips brilliantly.
Gripes? well the standard stereo is crap (get the upgraded one) and I keep wanting to clean it cos it looks sooooo good when spotless.
Some people have had water pump problems or induction ramp issues, but thats about it as far as I know.
As I said, I've had no problems at all. I will almost certainly buy another when the time comes - and thats a first for me!
All in all I'd say a low mileage used ZT is the bargain of the century. Let te German uberbarge lovers sneer. Save yer money and get a car that's just as good in most areas, better in some and not far behind in very few.
Andy
It followed a Volvo S60, a BMW 330, and a Scooby.
I also have a TVR wedge to clear the wax out of my ears. Against all those yard sticks the ZT is a truly wonderful car.
Its not "in yer face modern" either externally or internally. But it gets on with the job very well. Its solid (feels much stronger than the volvo or BMW) and has no squeeks or rattles. The engine is a peach and makes a fab noise. Lacks a little torque sometimes but makes up for it with a wonderfully revvy nature. I average 28.5 mpg combination motorway (90mph+), town, and thrashing round the derbyshire dales. Service intervals are 15k miles. Gearbox is lovely. Brakes strong and powerful. The seats are the best I've had in any car. I suffer with my back, but I can drive this car all day without a twinge. (not so in the volvo)
The best bit is the chassis. It steers, handles and grips brilliantly.
Gripes? well the standard stereo is crap (get the upgraded one) and I keep wanting to clean it cos it looks sooooo good when spotless.
Some people have had water pump problems or induction ramp issues, but thats about it as far as I know.
As I said, I've had no problems at all. I will almost certainly buy another when the time comes - and thats a first for me!
All in all I'd say a low mileage used ZT is the bargain of the century. Let te German uberbarge lovers sneer. Save yer money and get a car that's just as good in most areas, better in some and not far behind in very few.
Andy
If I were you I would steer clear of the automatic and buy a manual, unless you absolutely insist on one. By all means the automatic in the ZT does not bring out the best in the KV6 engine.
The ZT180 Auto has 177BHP compared to 188BHP for the ZT190 and has slightly less torque too. Also the automatic box saps a lot of power and it uses quite a bit more petrol. I can't remember the exact figure for performance but I think the 190 takes around 7.8 seconds to reach 60MPH compared to around 10 or 10.5 for the 180. I think the average fuel consumption is around 3 or 4 mpg lower with the 180.
That aside, the ZT is acknowledged to be an accomplished all rounder with excellent handling and driving characteristics that suit a driving enthusiast. According to reliability surveys they are reliable and you can get a good discount on them.
Go for it!
>> Edited by mgcrazeee on Thursday 3rd March 12:50
The ZT180 Auto has 177BHP compared to 188BHP for the ZT190 and has slightly less torque too. Also the automatic box saps a lot of power and it uses quite a bit more petrol. I can't remember the exact figure for performance but I think the 190 takes around 7.8 seconds to reach 60MPH compared to around 10 or 10.5 for the 180. I think the average fuel consumption is around 3 or 4 mpg lower with the 180.
That aside, the ZT is acknowledged to be an accomplished all rounder with excellent handling and driving characteristics that suit a driving enthusiast. According to reliability surveys they are reliable and you can get a good discount on them.
Go for it!
>> Edited by mgcrazeee on Thursday 3rd March 12:50
Thanks for comments and advice so far. I take on board comments about the auto performance and economy but I have a toy so I am not too worried about the performance and most of my driving will be round town. I have been using an automatic clio as a stop gap and the convenience of the auto is about the only redeeming feature.
Having said that there do not seem to be many six month old 180's around and I probably will end up with a 190.
Without starting a fight with BMW/Audi, there seems to be no comparison on value and I am not prepared to pay for a badge on my daily driver.
Anyway thanks again guys.
James
Having said that there do not seem to be many six month old 180's around and I probably will end up with a 190.
Without starting a fight with BMW/Audi, there seems to be no comparison on value and I am not prepared to pay for a badge on my daily driver.
Anyway thanks again guys.
James
Good choice. I hope you do many happy miles in it.
I've just noticed that you currently own a Clio, oh and something called a Ferrari F355.
I'm sure you will find that the ZT is better than the Clio but I don't think it will quite match the F355's performance, handling, noise and exclusivity. However I somehow think that the ZT might be just a little bit more practial to use everyday and it's also less likely to attract the unwanted attention from Chavs and scrots if left unattended!!! 
Enjoy!
>> Edited by mgcrazeee on Thursday 3rd March 18:35
I've just noticed that you currently own a Clio, oh and something called a Ferrari F355.
I'm sure you will find that the ZT is better than the Clio but I don't think it will quite match the F355's performance, handling, noise and exclusivity. However I somehow think that the ZT might be just a little bit more practial to use everyday and it's also less likely to attract the unwanted attention from Chavs and scrots if left unattended!!! Enjoy!
>> Edited by mgcrazeee on Thursday 3rd March 18:35
Thanks
The Clio is a bit of a family hack having been bought new by my mother and given to my sister before I bought it. The next owner will also be the first as the trade in would be silly. To be fair, it has served it's purpose over the last 6 months but I am doing more miles now and need something more.
P&J of course is kept well away from chavs and scrotes as far as possible but the Houx Annexe does seem to be going down market!
James
The Clio is a bit of a family hack having been bought new by my mother and given to my sister before I bought it. The next owner will also be the first as the trade in would be silly. To be fair, it has served it's purpose over the last 6 months but I am doing more miles now and need something more.
P&J of course is kept well away from chavs and scrotes as far as possible but the Houx Annexe does seem to be going down market!
James
Gassing Station | MG | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff