WHAT hits you first about the MG ZT is the in your face combination of spoilers, skirts and wings. The previously conservative Rover 75 on which it is based actually looks pretty good after this treatment and the good news is that the exterior sporting intent is actually carried right through.
To drive, the whole range of ZTs which includes diesel and petrol engines of varying sizes are all responsive and sound sporty too. In handling terms there is plenty of grip and the ZT behaves in a positive and safe manner when cornering and pressing on.
Drivers have a good position and a clear dashboard that has some nice sporty design details. Although the boot is limited, the ZT-T estate version has marginally more practicality. Inside it isn't huge but it is comfortable enough for four adults.
Whilst Rover and MG are now defunct, the parts business continues, so repairs are not a problem or particularly expensive. But being an MG, there are a good few points to look for. Here are just three that I've taken from the UsedCarExpert.com buyers guide:
Check 1: Door seals
With the doors open, look along the sills - under the doors - to ensure the trim panels are all in place and properly affixed. The trim panels can be kicked off.
Check 2: Water leaks
Feel the front foot well carpets to ensure they are not wet - especially the front left corner. A leak in the front foot well is usually due to a blocked drain in the scuttle panel.
Check 3: Sensors
Leave the engine on and listen for the engine misfiring - rather than the revs being constant when on idle and the engine making a consistent noise, it splutters and spits. The car may also have starting problems or cut out. These symptoms point to a sensor problem. The lambda sensor and the cam sensor should be checked first.
In summary, compared with rivals the ZT remains good value and is well equipped. A 2001 2.5 160+ with 70,000 miles is £5,300.
NOTE TO SUBS: Please delete data for the areas in which you have no interest.
03 Reg MG ZT 2.5 160, 25,000 miles, £7,995. Mill Motors - 0141 8878383.
MG ZT 2.5 V6 190+, 66,000 miles, £5,995. L & M Motors - 0141 5834883.
53 Reg MG ZT 2.0 CDTi 135+, 31,000 miles, £8,595. Kenmure Car Sales - 01389 762582.
53 Reg MG ZT 1.8 120+, 50,000 miles, £6,999. City Cars - 0191 2864800.
02 Reg MG ZT 2.5 160+, 45,000 miles, £6,995. Darras Cars - 0191 2560220.
52 Reg MG ZT 2.5 190+, 49,000 miles, £7,995. Trade Centre Direct - 0191 2172233.
MG ZT 2.0 CDTi 135 4dr Diesel Saloon, 20,000 miles, £10,900. Private - 07786 443693.
04 Reg MG ZT 2.0 CDTI, 24,000 miles, £10,695. Greaves Garages - 01642 700210.
03 Reg MG ZT 2.5 190, 16,000 miles, £8,989. SIMS - 01325 384242.
52 Reg MG ZT 2.5 180+ Sports, 26,000 miles, £6,994. KW Cars - 01484 510450.
2002 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190, 45,000 miles, £5,495. Thornhill Motors - 01484 713890.
2004 MG ZT 2.0 CDTI 135+, 12,000 miles, £11,000ono. Private - 01422 255038.
03 Reg MG ZT 2.5+, 44,365 miles, £7,995. Dane Volkswagen Wrexham - 01978 340600.
54 Reg MG ZT 2.0 CDTi, 8,000 miles, £10,675. Nick Tomlin Cars - 01606 889494.
04 Reg MG ZT-T+ 160 1.8 Turbo, 13,000 miles, £8,990. Jonathan Charles of Northwich - 01606 783308.
03 Reg MG ZT 2.5, MOA, £6,995. Scott Automotive - 01695 556880.
53 Reg MG ZT 2.0 CDTi, 20,000 miles, £9,950. The Car Trade Centre - 07887 566645.
MG ZT 1.8-litre Plus, 15,000 miles, £7,999. Foxfield garages - 01942 219200.
02 Reg MG ZT 2.5 160+, 43,000 miles, £7,295. Albany Motors - 02476 713287.
52 Reg MG ZT 2,497cc+, 41,446 miles, £7,499. Bettabuyz Motors Ltd - 02476 303900.
2005 MG ZT 2.0 CDTi 135+ 4dr Auto, 27,000 miles, £11,000ono. Private - 07887 787862.
52 Reg MG ZT 2.0 CDTi+, 49,100 miles, £7,995. Avenue Cars - 01527 578662.
53 Reg MG ZT 1.8 T 160, 24,000 miles, £7,999. Central Trade Cars - 01527 869171.
52 Reg MG ZT 2.0 CDTi+ S, 20,000 miles, £8,999. Mount Pleasant garage - 01527 545066.
54 Reg MG ZT 2.5 V6 SE 190 4dr 2,497cc, 17,121 miles, £12,495. Jeff White - 02920 395777.
05 Reg MG ZT 2.5 190+ 4dr, 7,049 miles, £9,993. The Car Shop - 0800 4582732.
06 Reg MG ZT 1,796cc, 25,000 miles, £11,699. Cars 4 U UK Ltd - 01443 848448.