AFTER the sad demise of MG-Rover, many owners were worried about spare parts and keeping up their servicing.
But when I talked to a former dealer who now sells Nissans he said there would be no problem for any car in the range.
Such a home-grown marque would always have companies making parts for its cars he said, and even his dealership, which had stopped selling them, still had a huge range of parts, and could service them all.
But the downfall of MG Rover has affected second-hand prices, which means they are now very reasonable indeed, and make a great buy.
For example, the up-market interior ambiance of the MG ZT puts the Germans to shame and its pretty well up with them on performance too.
Its is a sophisticated sports saloon offering all the best of what makes a great car, and prices are very reasonable indeed, with '01 models now down to £5,000.
The ZT, and Tourer estate, are available with the full range of Rover engines, starting with a 120bhp 1.8-litre, rising through a turbo version of the same unit with 160, a silky smooth 2.5 V6 with either 157, 174 or 187bhp, and three versionsof the same excellent two-litre BMW turbo diesel, with either 114, 129 or 135bhp.
All these are front wheel drive, but there were also a very few 4.6-litre V8 engined, rear wheel drive models made at the very end of Rover's life, which boast no less than 256bhp and tremendous performance.
I have driven all but the V8 over the years, and enjoyed them immensely.
The ZT has firmer suspension than its Rover 75 counterpart, but although the ride is occasionally lumpy, the roadholding and handling are brilliant and it drives like a much smaller car.
Even the non-turbo 1.8 feels good out on the road, with decent performance from the sweet sounding power unit, and it, together with the diesels offer the best for all-round use.
But the 1.8 turbo is quicker, and the 2.5 V6 is a wonderful-sounding unit with great performance.
On top of this decent verve, the car simply looks so good, with more presence than a Mercedes for a lot less cash.
Sides skirts, a deep front spoiler plus a different chrome mesh grill from the 75, and big, big wheels and tyres all add to the car's already good looking basic shape.
And its not just a pretty face. Performance in a straight line is all very well, but if that's all you want, buy a left hand drive Yank tank and rip up some tarmac.
No, a wonderful suspension setup endows it with absolutely superb handling and roadholding, even if the downside is that occasionally unsettled ride.
This is a true MG, with the poise and balance which only comes when all things have been fettled for the purpose.
It clings to the road surface as if its tyres are covered in blue-tack, and is unfazed by mid corner ripples and bumps which would have other cars hopping sideways.
Equipment includes great hip-hugging sports seats with height and lumbar adjustment, height and reach adjustment for the leather covered wheel, a full electric pack, remote locking with deadlocks, alarm and air conditioning in all models.
The MG ZT is a marvellous car in every way apart from a heavy clutch in some models.
FORECOURT FACTS
Model: MG ZT
Driving: quick, rewarding and fun.
Performance: Fair in 1.8, quick or quicker in the rest.
Economy: 36mpg from 1.8, 28 from 2.5, 40 from diesels.
Safety: ABS, EBD, front and side airbags.
Recommended Buy: 1.8T or CDTi.
Alternatives: Jaguar X-type, BMW 3-series.
Price Guide: Pay around £4,800 for an '01 Y-reg 2.5 160 saloon, £5,100 for a 190 from the same year and reg.. An '03 03-reg 1.8+ 120 should be about £6,200, and an '04 04-reg CDTi 135bhp diesel will be about £10,650.
Hit:
Great looks.
Sumptuous interior.
Marvellous handling.
Decent to great performance.
Lower prices than the rest.
Miss:
Sometimes a heavy clutch.
Occasionally lumpy ride.
V6 thirst.
Any without history - even if it's from a dealer.