Why are mg zt so cheap

From these, you move down to the more fleet-friendly, four-cylinder 1. However, if it happened, it was usually at around 40, miles, so most cars will have been fixed long ago.

Finally, there are the two diesel ZTs, both of them with 2. Their weak spot is fuel pumps, which can play up. For example, we found a mint, one-owner, reg ZT 2. The optional leather trim is more hard-wearing than the vinyl.

The ZT was facelifted in , when it gained new headlights and bumpers complete with gaping shut lines. To these, the ZT added a unique grille. Yet another reason to buy one. The values of 75s and ZTs halved overnight so I bought a load and did very well. There are a handful of problems common to all of them and I have developed special fixes that are very popular. My daily drives and loan cars are a ZT diesel and a ZT Engine: On the 1.

The 1. This is often worse on cars equipped with mud flaps as they create an extra water trap. The first time many owners become aware of this is at the annual inspection, as the crusty part is often on the very lower edge of the sill — away from your eyeline and only visible when the car is on a ramp.

When buying, be prepared. Take a torch and lie flat on the ground so you can look up at the sills from behind and reach around the jacking point as much as you can to feel for soft metal.

The second big issue with ZTs is water ingress. The front plenum chamber houses the ECU and if the drain holes get clogged up, which commonly happens with autumn leaves, the disastrous result is a drowned ECU. They tend not to be revivable so the only option is a complete ECU and Body Control Unit set, which is both expensive and a complete faff to fit. Less serious but no less irritating, the seals around the rear lamp lenses deteriorate and also let in water to the extent that enough water can leak in to fill up the spare wheel well!

Other more trivial exterior issues include badges that fade and lose their enamel over time — a result of MG Rover choosing a cheaper overseas supplier rather than its traditional badge maker when new. The ZT was launched as a V6 only, and the 2.

Diesel models use a variant of the BMW M47 engine, but reengineered for transverse installation meaning not all parts are interchangeable. That said, very little goes wrong with them — the only biggie being failure of the diesel pump, which is an engine-out replacement. Of greater concern with diesel models, and with V6 manuals, is the clutch hydraulics. Gearboxes themselves rarely give trouble, with over ,miles perfectly viable from a manual. JATCO autos are a little more temperamental and occasionally hold on to lower gears for too long, though this is usually a result of contaminated fluid.

The ZT has a fairly straightforward set-up, with disc brakes all round, front struts and rear trailing arms giving a predictable and enjoyable handing set up. Doing so will be well worthwhile because it costs far more to bring an average car up to top spec than to buy a perfect one in the first place. Skip to main navigation. By Malcolm McKay. Images: James Mann. Bodywork See above for trouble spots. Engine The KV6 was an advanced four-cam, quad-valve engine, generally trouble-free but beware thermostat housing leaks; BMW diesels are usually bombproof.

Suspension Rear suspension top links are prone to rust and will ultimately snap if not replaced. Electrics Check that all electronics still work as they should, with no warning lights. Plenum and sunroof drain blockages can soak the under-dashboard ECU. Also consider. Share Tweet Email. Related Articles.