New to MG/Rover - please advise, such a gorgeous car!!

mikerajjers · 1st August 2009, 11:09

Hi all,
I was at Stansted airport a few weeks back and saw a car that I immediately thought... 'that looks gorgeous' and after some internet browsing found it is an MG ZT. As I have been looking to replace my current car (Peugeot 206) for something bigger and a bit more powerful I am pretty sure I know what car I'd like - the ZT. However, I am completely new to the MG/Rover brand and have no idea as to the reliability or quality of the cars, or how easy/difficult it is to obtain parts for the future and thus of repair costs. Please could you advise me/reassure me on this topic? I have found some lovely cars on autotrader from £3500 to around £5000 from 2004/5, which seem very good value for money for the car they are... is there a reason as to why they are so much cheaper than other similar spec brands?

And finally, I was reading a recent post earlier about young people buying MGs... I am 21 and the ZT is very appealing... and the 160bhp version will set me back 1round £550 per year to insure as a named driver

, which is not much different to a tiny Peugeot 206. I am definitely not a boyracer and wouldn't 'chav' up the ZT... I don't think It can be made to look much better than it already is.

I look forward to your comments/advice/pointer

Thanks

Michal

Kandyman · 1st August 2009, 12:09

Hi Michal and welcome to the forums,

The MG ZT is a fantastic car and i am sure you'll love owning one.

If you post up any cars that your interested in i am sure you will get a few opinions on it.

There are loads to read on here that should help ease your fears about the availability of parts.

Any questions feel free to post up

Happy Hunting

stocktake · 1st August 2009, 12:51

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the best forum on the net

As Kandyman says let us know what you are looking at and where you are, more than likely somebody will be close by and may even have a look with or for you

Typical things to look out for are very heavy clutch or a very low biting point on a manual, could be a sign of trouble and not cheap to repair.

Have a read on here for the sequence of events with the cooling fan, they are two or three speed so just because you heard it run does not mean its 100%.

Parts are really not an issue with well over 90% off the shelf and all but the odd one or two available within a few days.

Many of our cars are coming up to and over 10 yr old now and still going strong. As you have noted lot of car for the money, yes they have their faults but no more than any other car on the market.

The Rover 75/ZT is one of the best kept secrets around, don't go telling everybody

kevin · 1st August 2009, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikerajjers

is there a reason as to why they are so much cheaper than other similar spec brands?

Michal

to many buyer think as its a Rover you can't get parts, so it keeps the price down. If only they would ask or look into them like you have they would find out what a great car the 75/zt are.

tonygardner · 1st August 2009, 14:34

is there a reason as to why they are so much cheaper than other similar spec brands

i had a look on ebay last night , i could not beleave how much people wanted for there 75 zt`s ,some on there same spec as mine wanted anywhere from £6000 to £8000 i payed £5300 back in feb this year, that was from a non rover main dealer , i thought at that price it was a little over the top , perhaps prices are rising

johnnyallan · 1st August 2009, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by mirkwood

is there a reason as to why they are so much cheaper than other similar spec brands

i had a look on ebay last night , i could not beleave how much people wanted for there 75 zt`s ,some on there same spec as mine wanted anywhere from £6000 to £8000 i payed £5300 back in feb this year, that was from a non rover main dealer , i thought at that price it was a little over the top , perhaps prices are rising

go on uk.msn.com look on there used cars, you will be surprised at what you can get if your willing to travel a little

Robson Rover Repair · 1st August 2009, 16:25

Have a 160 V6 myself and cant recemmend it enough. Sore on the petrol mind you but ive had it over 45mpg at sensible speeds, but usually 35mpg ish on 70mph+ motorway speeds. Doesnt help its a V6 so you gotta boot it to enjoy it rumble!

If going for the 1.8T 160 (again a good motor, better mpg than V6 160), only issue is to check if the head gasket has been changed, if its gone once, it may go again unless fixed properly with an uprated gasket.

The 160 V6, well you get a rattle from under the engine ("inlet manifold kv6" searches will explain all), clutch and flywheel is dam expensive (can be up to £800 depending on parts and fitting where you go etc) as its dual mass flywheel, so check that.

Otherwise, the front bumper on them always sits slightly wierd, so dont be put off by that, again, people here have solutions to fix how it sits under the bonnet.

Shop around, test drive a few, and if I was you, test drive as many engines as you can, 160 v6, a 160 1.8T and a 190. Everyday normal driving the is so little between the V6 160 and 190, even until 90ish they are almost identicle.

And welcome!

Dave Goody · 1st August 2009, 17:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikerajjers

Hi all,
I was at Stansted airport a few weeks back and saw a car that I immediately thought... 'that looks gorgeous' and after some internet browsing found it is an MG ZT. As I have been looking to replace my current car (Peugeot 206) for something bigger and a bit more powerful I am pretty sure I know what car I'd like - the ZT. However, I am completely new to the MG/Rover brand and have no idea as to the reliability or quality of the cars, or how easy/difficult it is to obtain parts for the future and thus of repair costs. Please could you advise me/reassure me on this topic? I have found some lovely cars on autotrader from £3500 to around £5000 from 2004/5, which seem very good value for money for the car they are... is there a reason as to why they are so much cheaper than other similar spec brands?

And finally, I was reading a recent post earlier about young people buying MGs... I am 21 and the ZT is very appealing... and the 160bhp version will set me back 1round £550 per year to insure as a named driver

, which is not much different to a tiny Peugeot 206. I am definitely not a boyracer and wouldn't 'chav' up the ZT... I don't think It can be made to look much better than it already is.

I look forward to your comments/advice/pointer

Thanks

Michal

You mention Stansted Airport, are you in Essex or nearby? If you want to try a ZT let me know. It's not for sale but if you want to try one out send a pm
Dave PS if it was 8th July and the ZT was Grey it was mine!

mikerajjers · 1st August 2009, 17:54

Thank you for such a warm welcome, you've definitely re-assured me the ZT is a great car and that you're a friendly bunch

. The car I saw at Stansted was a blue one, very nice indeed. I live in Bedford but spend most of the year either up in Scotland at university or over in Slovakia where I am originally from. I'd definitely love to try a few ZTs before buying, but here are two I have found, which look very appealing, what do you all think? Some of you have mentioned that you are willing to have a look with me, does anyone live nearby?

1st car (

7 photos
Technical Data
Play slideshow

2005 05 Reg MG ZT 1.8 T 160 + (trade)

S Armstrong Car Sales

40,000 miles
Manual
Blue
Petrol

4 Doors, Manual, Saloon, Petrol, 40,000 miles, Metallic Blue. Air conditioning, Lumbar support, Passenger airbag, Height adjustable drivers seat, Remote central locking, Drivers airbag, Solid Paint, Alarm,

£3,995

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG+ZT/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-19-40-240-4294966775-4294966777/search.action?&sort=p_VehiclePrice|1&postcode=mk43 +8gq&radius=1500&showMoreOptions=&page=2&googleQue ry=MG%20ZT%20for%20sale&adtype=autotrader-uk

2nd car

6 photos
Technical Data

2005 MG ZT 1.8T 160+ 4dr (private)

31,000 miles
Manual
Silver
Petrol

31,000 miles, 4 Door Saloon, Silver, Petrol, Manual, 3x3 point rear seat belts, ABS, PAS, Alarm/Immobiliser, 18 inch Alloy wheels, Audio Remote Control, Body Coloured Bumpers, Passenger Airbag,

£3,550
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG+ZT/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-19-40-240-4294966775-4294966777/search.action?&sort=p_VehiclePrice|1&postcode=mk43 +8gq&radius=1500&showMoreOptions=&page=3&googleQue ry=MG%20ZT%20for%20sale&adtype=autotrader-uk

Thanks very much once again

Michal

Simon W · 1st August 2009, 21:50

Hello Michal - it's really nice to have a member from Slovakia (originally).

You should take your time and look for a low mileage car. For example, this Mk1 75 sold a couple of weeks ago in July 2009. It was advertised at £4,500 (by Bristol Jaguar) and had only 12,005 miles on the clock.

It might not be the ZT you're looking for but this is a seriously pretty car.

If I didn't already have one I'd have bought it myself!

Anyway - wait til you find a really nice one and you can't go wrong.

(To the mods - hope posting this pic isn't breach of copyright)

1st August 2009, 11:09	#1
mikerajjers Newbie None at the moment Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	New to MG/Rover - please advise, such a gorgeous car!! Hi all, I was at Stansted airport a few weeks back and saw a car that I immediately thought... 'that looks gorgeous' and after some internet browsing found it is an MG ZT. As I have been looking to replace my current car (Peugeot 206) for something bigger and a bit more powerful I am pretty sure I know what car I'd like - the ZT. However, I am completely new to the MG/Rover brand and have no idea as to the reliability or quality of the cars, or how easy/difficult it is to obtain parts for the future and thus of repair costs. Please could you advise me/reassure me on this topic? I have found some lovely cars on autotrader from £3500 to around £5000 from 2004/5, which seem very good value for money for the car they are... is there a reason as to why they are so much cheaper than other similar spec brands? And finally, I was reading a recent post earlier about young people buying MGs... I am 21 and the ZT is very appealing... and the 160bhp version will set me back 1round £550 per year to insure as a named driver , which is not much different to a tiny Peugeot 206. I am definitely not a boyracer and wouldn't 'chav' up the ZT... I don't think It can be made to look much better than it already is. I look forward to your comments/advice/pointer Thanks Michal

1st August 2009, 12:51	#3
stocktake Vis Whiz Rover 75 2.5 auto Saloon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: LEEDS Posts: 20,618 Thanks: 2,057 Thanked 3,056 Times in 1,621 Posts	Hi Mike, Welcome to the best forum on the net As Kandyman says let us know what you are looking at and where you are, more than likely somebody will be close by and may even have a look with or for you Typical things to look out for are very heavy clutch or a very low biting point on a manual, could be a sign of trouble and not cheap to repair. Have a read on here for the sequence of events with the cooling fan, they are two or three speed so just because you heard it run does not mean its 100%. Parts are really not an issue with well over 90% off the shelf and all but the odd one or two available within a few days. Many of our cars are coming up to and over 10 yr old now and still going strong. As you have noted lot of car for the money, yes they have their faults but no more than any other car on the market. The Rover 75/ZT is one of the best kept secrets around, don't go telling everybody __________________ Dave... Lost a few stones and a Gall Bladder and part of a bile duct and all of my dignity in the suppository incident

1st August 2009, 16:25	#7
Robson Rover Repair NI/ROI RS ZT-T 190 / 75 Diesel x3 / 6 door limo / 216 Cabby / Rover 25 van Join Date: May 2009 Location: Antrim Posts: 8,104 Thanks: 299 Thanked 1,046 Times in 568 Posts	Have a 160 V6 myself and cant recemmend it enough. Sore on the petrol mind you but ive had it over 45mpg at sensible speeds, but usually 35mpg ish on 70mph+ motorway speeds. Doesnt help its a V6 so you gotta boot it to enjoy it rumble! If going for the 1.8T 160 (again a good motor, better mpg than V6 160), only issue is to check if the head gasket has been changed, if its gone once, it may go again unless fixed properly with an uprated gasket. The 160 V6, well you get a rattle from under the engine ("inlet manifold kv6" searches will explain all), clutch and flywheel is dam expensive (can be up to £800 depending on parts and fitting where you go etc) as its dual mass flywheel, so check that. Otherwise, the front bumper on them always sits slightly wierd, so dont be put off by that, again, people here have solutions to fix how it sits under the bonnet. Shop around, test drive a few, and if I was you, test drive as many engines as you can, 160 v6, a 160 1.8T and a 190. Everyday normal driving the is so little between the V6 160 and 190, even until 90ish they are almost identicle. And welcome! __________________ Cheers, Colin Robson Rover Repair on Youtube DISCOUNTED MTEC BRAKES FOR ALL MG ROVER'S Braided hoses, more coating and pad options for 2024

1st August 2009, 17:54	#9
mikerajjers Newbie None at the moment Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for such a warm welcome... here are two cars I am thinking of Thank you for such a warm welcome, you've definitely re-assured me the ZT is a great car and that you're a friendly bunch . The car I saw at Stansted was a blue one, very nice indeed. I live in Bedford but spend most of the year either up in Scotland at university or over in Slovakia where I am originally from. I'd definitely love to try a few ZTs before buying, but here are two I have found, which look very appealing, what do you all think? Some of you have mentioned that you are willing to have a look with me, does anyone live nearby? 1st car ( 7 photos Technical Data Play slideshow 2005 05 Reg MG ZT 1.8 T 160 + (trade) S Armstrong Car Sales 40,000 miles Manual Blue Petrol 4 Doors, Manual, Saloon, Petrol, 40,000 miles, Metallic Blue. Air conditioning, Lumbar support, Passenger airbag, Height adjustable drivers seat, Remote central locking, Drivers airbag, Solid Paint, Alarm, £3,995 http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG+ZT/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-19-40-240-4294966775-4294966777/search.action?&sort=p_VehiclePrice\|1&postcode=mk43 +8gq&radius=1500&showMoreOptions=&page=2&googleQue ry=MG%20ZT%20for%20sale&adtype=autotrader-uk 2nd car 6 photos Technical Data 2005 MG ZT 1.8T 160+ 4dr (private) 31,000 miles Manual Silver Petrol 31,000 miles, 4 Door Saloon, Silver, Petrol, Manual, 3x3 point rear seat belts, ABS, PAS, Alarm/Immobiliser, 18 inch Alloy wheels, Audio Remote Control, Body Coloured Bumpers, Passenger Airbag, £3,550 http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MG+ZT/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-19-40-240-4294966775-4294966777/search.action?&sort=p_VehiclePrice\|1&postcode=mk43 +8gq&radius=1500&showMoreOptions=&page=3&googleQue ry=MG%20ZT%20for%20sale&adtype=autotrader-uk Thanks very much once again Michal

1st August 2009, 12:09	#2
Kandyman Banned ROVER 75 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE Limousine 2004 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Welling Posts: 10,995 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Hi Michal and welcome to the forums, The MG ZT is a fantastic car and i am sure you'll love owning one. If you post up any cars that your interested in i am sure you will get a few opinions on it. There are loads to read on here that should help ease your fears about the availability of parts. Any questions feel free to post up Happy Hunting

1st August 2009, 14:34	#5
tonygardner Loves to post rover 75 tourer connie Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: essex Posts: 441 Thanks: 11 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	is there a reason as to why they are so much cheaper than other similar spec brands i had a look on ebay last night , i could not beleave how much people wanted for there 75 zt`s ,some on there same spec as mine wanted anywhere from £6000 to £8000 i payed £5300 back in feb this year, that was from a non rover main dealer , i thought at that price it was a little over the top , perhaps prices are rising

1st August 2009, 21:50	#10
Simon W This is my second home Rover 75 2.0 Litre Club Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: S Posts: 3,280 Thanks: 38 Thanked 50 Times in 47 Posts	Hello Michal - it's really nice to have a member from Slovakia (originally). You should take your time and look for a low mileage car. For example, this Mk1 75 sold a couple of weeks ago in July 2009. It was advertised at £4,500 (by Bristol Jaguar) and had only 12,005 miles on the clock. It might not be the ZT you're looking for but this is a seriously pretty car. If I didn't already have one I'd have bought it myself! Anyway - wait til you find a really nice one and you can't go wrong. (To the mods - hope posting this pic isn't breach of copyright)