MG ZT Saloon (2001 - 2004) 2.5 (190ps) 4d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I just like the original shape, no idea what it says about me, except I just like the design.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like it, they just think it looks like a nice car. After all, it is a car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No need to buy this car again. When you start to spend more on renovations than the list price, you're already in.

What are you likely to buy next?

None, I hate the amount this non +190 is costing me, but to hear that sweet 2.5 V6 24v growl, happy days. All the best guys/ladies.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

March 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

I knew the car was basically good but would need work due to poor servicing but sorted out a good deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had a '51 plate as a company car, great to drive so bought one privately later.

What was the dealer like?

Good, they had the car on the forecourt for quite a while (good looking motor but expensive to tax/fuel/insure).

What's it like to drive?

Ah, the best bit. My '51 plate literally had no body roll and was as good as a similar dated 5 series at the time. My '53 plate is just a tad and I mean just a tad softer but literally no body roll in a corner. 75 owners thought they'd go sporty when the ZT came out, but they didn't like the hard but proper ride the original ZT's gave so the ride was softened a little bit. So the springs were softened just a little bit, which is fine, because even at speed, the cornering is fantastic, this chassis is so under rated. This is a driver's car.

What's it like to park?

With parking sensors - easy. Without parking sensors, reverse parking is fine, so long as you know how to park!

Have you had any problems with the car?

I've got an independent MG specialist locally which is SO important, as to even do a full service most non-dealer garages won't take them - even the rear sparks need an engine lift. Straight away had disks, engine mounts, the three cambelts changed, water pump too. Alas after the servicing, she drives like a dream, which is a shame as the tyres I first had put back on were a mid-range type and they can't take the torque. My company car on the '51 plate were shod with Michelins, which means I need to reboot with these as the mid range Alphas can't get anywhere close.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot. I don't have the volume stats that some people can give, all I know it that it takes large suitcases with ease, shopping bags (many) don't even get near it,.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I bought a normal 190. I had a 190+ that throws in the rear windows, 6-cd auto (say bye-bye to the glovebox though) and split climate. My 190 non + has non of these, the rear passengers have to force themselves to use their arms instead of their fingers, and one day, my cassette player will become, erm, proper crap. The radio is extremely good though (and no 1970's aerial).