hmm MG ZT diesel

[Shnozz]

I need to replace my old shed of a celica that has proved a reliable daily ride for the last 3 years. I usually only spend a grand or 2 on my daily driver as they started life as being very much the second car to my sports car and left in pub car parks etc and generally abused. However, as the sports cars have become less practical, and I approach 30, I notice I am using the shed more and more to the point that I sold my last sports car in October/November and havent got around to replacing it yet.

Anyway, my rambling leads me to conclude I will spend a bit more on a daily car this time around and have allowed between £4k - £6k.

I wanted something that isn't too dull (mondeo and vectra ruled out) was a little prestigious, fairly reliable, would be able to resell, looked good but not shout out nick me, not be too crazy on fuel and, er, not make me look a prat.

I had narrowed it down to an A4Tdi (bit pricey or leggy or old shape..), a Mercedes E220 CDI (thirsty even though a diesel and build quality not great) and my favourite out of the lot...

a Jag x-type sport 2.5 V6. Although not great on fuel, I loved all aspects of the car enough to not worry too much if I could get late 20's mpg.

After trying to agree various deals on several x-types matching my spec I have had no joy, but whilst at the dealers looking at one, next to it was parked a 54 plate Zt diesel for very reasonable money. Low miles, newer shape for about £6.5k.

I quite liked the looks and have read up a few internet reviews and it seems all are positive. Can anyone on PH give me an owners perspective - was it all its cracked up to be? I am yet to hear of many negatives to be honest, there must be some!?!

I must say I am slightly concerned by 2 things - parts availability and the ability to be able to sell it once I have done with it.

[Kermit power]

Parts availability is really not a problem as far as I can see. MGR sold the parts division to Caterpillar before they went under - that's what Xpart is. There are so many ZTs and 75s around that it is in the interests of the third party parts suppliers to continue to supply parts for them for the foreseeable future, and I'm 99% certain that the diesel engine is a BMW power plant anyway.

I wouldn't trade my 260 in for one, but they are by all accounts perfectly decent cars that can be made fairly rapid with a bit of help from a box of tricks sold by a bloke called "Rover Ron". Just head off to the 75 and ZT owners' club forum and do a search on there.