MG ZT Saloon 2.5 + (190ps) 4d (2001/51) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Inexpensive sports saloon. Far less than a standard BMW 3-Series (it's much bigger) and half the price of M3 or M5.
Costs
Don't be fooled. It costs a LOT to reshoe, service at MG marks are medium to expensive (except the first one) and 28mpg means petrol stations love you. It costs a bomb to insure as it's group 15.
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On the road
Driving
Excellent road holding. Loves bends. Eats motorways. A bit cumbersome around town and in car parks though. Big wheels make slow speeds hard work even with PAS. Of course, driving up hills in the snow will scare you to death. Hard to see where rear is.
Performance
It feels like a big car, but with lots of oomph. I probably under rev it, though. Lots of power when needed.
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Living with it
Reliability
Did once refuse to start for 1 hour until the rescue van opened the bonnet and looked at it in an accusing way. Never failed again, though. Bulb warning lamp lies. Have had 3 dipped headlight bulbs replaced though and I have never needed new bulbs before.
Image
It's a VERY nice looking beast, despite the Rover jokes. Can't be confused with a 75! Had good compliments from BMW, Jag X-Type and Merc driving colleagues. A cheaper Jag X in my view.
Comfort
Back aches after 3-4 hour drives, even with half leather seating. Some of the controls are in silly places (scrabble, scrabble, where the blazes are the fog lights). Stereo is nice, though. Glovebox stolen by autochanger. Stupidly placed handbrake.
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Security and Service
Security
It has an alarm and immobiliser. No-one's nicked it yet. Some insurers now want new customers to have a tracker installed.
Service
Services have all been quite good, except Faradays of Newbury changed bulbs unnecessarily and charged £10 for each one replaced.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Refused to start just once. Smooth and grunty.
Other
Visibility through the front can feel limited - the front beam is intrusive and the windscreen is not very deep. I was surprised at how heavy the car can feel, but it drives well at speed.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes