MG ZT / ZT-T V6 190

[BeeGT]

Does anyone out there know of any particular problems with this engine. I'm considering a ZTT 190 with only 7000 miles on the clock but have been advised (by Honest John, Daily Telegraph) that the engine is a risk. It is pointed out that no one has stepped in to continue the manufacture of this engine following the collapse of MG Rover.

What are your experiences...?

[andymadmak]

Well, the chinese have shipped the engine plant over there to make them for their cars - hence the reason why no one builds them here any more.
I have a ZTT 190 V6 and its great. Mechanically the only issues I have heard of are water pumps on very high mileage examples (worth changing at the 90,000 mile belt service) plus the VIS electronic valves - these are the electonic motors that control the flaps on the variable length air intakes. Mine went at 30k, but have been fine since (now 75k) . costs a couple of hundred to change if they go. The V6 does not suffer from the head gasket problems of the 4 cyl engines. I would honestly say its a fab engine and a fab car. If they still made them I would definately have another - and I don't repeat buy very often!

Andy

>> Edited by andymadmak on Tuesday 25th April 18:05

[Roman]

My 190 has been 100% reliable since buying 2yrs ago. I have been very pleased with the car and would be happy to recommend it.

Land Rover also use the KV6 for their Freelander & MGR parts supply & sourcing is now handled by a company called Xpart who are owned by Caterpillar.

Some mechanical & electrical components are common to the E46 3 series. The CDTI uses a variant of the engine that powers the E46 320D and this can be chipped to 150-160bhp for little outlay.

www.xpart.com/

For more info, buying advice & owners views go to:

www.xpowerforums.com

www.mg-rover.org

[BeeGT]

Thanks for the positive comments, the car was a great drive on test, guess I'll need to find a decent independent warranty (via MGOC or RAC????)

[Yugguy]

As above, no major engine problems with the KV6, the VIS valve problem doesn't always occur and if it does can be cured/prevented quite easily. Look on the xpower forum for more info.

[BeeGT]

OK, whilst I don't expect anyone to hold my hand here, this is the deal:

December 2004 ZT-T 190+, 1 owner (a lease company), 7400 miles, NOT YET SERVICED, £10k

Deal....or no deal?

[Roman]

Is it a mk1 or mk2 (facelift)?

Mk2 worth a little more according to book price but many prefer looks of mk1 (got a mk1 myself & like both).

You may be able to get a little more off if you play the 'concerned about parts & the rising price of petrol with a V6' card!

Does the price include a warranty?

Price sounds OK - lot of car for the money - check out prices on autotrader.co.uk & parkers.co.uk

[BeeGT]

The warranty on offer is pretty poor and for the cost I think either the RAC/Xpart or MGOC/Lancaster Insurance packages offer better value and wider coverage. It is the facelift model and I have to say that I too preferred the "twin spot" look of the Mk 1. As well as the lower price I think there's a lot to be said for an older higher mileage model as any problems from the factory should be sorted by now.

[Roman]

Sounds like good value

good luck with your purchase!

This guy is in the process of establishing an Xpart MG service centre in Gillingham:
www.executivevaletingmobile.co.uk