MG ZT Saloon (2001 - 2004) 2.5 + (190ps) 4d Owner Review

Only for the true enthusiast willing to get the hands dirty and to spend money keeping it running properly. Very well built (for late 90's and early 00's standards anyway) and great handling. However, i think its lest down by engine department. The V6 sounds lovely, It's torquey and good fun, but its a complicated engine that lacks the simplicity of other engines like the BMW in-line 6 of the same period. it's great when it runs well, and if it's well looked after, it can be reliable too but when problems flare up, it can be a nightmare. Timing belts cost dear to replace (£500) and its better done by a specialists as it needs a special timing tool. Don't buy a car that hasn't the timing belts done. The other issue is a design fault on the KV6 which is the oil breather pipe system... it's poor design that lets the oil into the intake system and clog sections of the intake system and into the throttle body. This issue also It also affects the VIS motors, and, worst of all, the ultimate intake manifold death. Apart from that, only the typical Rover 75 plenum chambers need to be checked for water ingress. In fairness, its a lovely looking car, (Mine was a MK1, which i think its better than the MK2), well built and better suited to the MG enthusiast. Had to sell mine as a misfire was detected in one of the cylinders which was caused by worn piston rings... on a FWD V6, an engine swap its a easier and cheaper solution, as opossed to a repair, but i couldnt be botherred anymore and sold to a mechaninc, who has the facilities to carry heavy repairs.