Faults:
I think I have had a problem car, but I still think it's a beast, shame its not the car I hoped it would be.
VIS motor failed on this engine. It opens the valves wider under higher revs, like VVTI on toyota engines.
Coolant vanished! there is a little bleed valve that may not have been opened when services so can't be sure.
Back 3 spark plugs are tucked behind a bulkhead and may not be replaced during services as hard to get to.
Unlike other MGRover examples the Rover KV6 engine has strong head gaskets so no worries there.
Tiny squeek from the back right hand seat! no idea what that's about, but its not a problem, just a niggle.
Battery upped and died had to get next door to jump it with there little corsa, needless to say they ripped me for days about the whole `David and Goliath` thing!
Slow puncture on the 18" wheels so kept topping it up.
Radio pick up not too hot.
Boot opens when it wants too!
All of these thing that have gone wrong, at then end of the day the car makes up for its failings.
General Comments:
Raw, Rude and you feel surrounded by quality.
I have told you all the stuff that went wrong, now let me tell you the good stuff.
I think I had a unloved one, nothing else. Had it been a 54 or a 05 reg the last ones I think it would have been different.
It handles like it should, goes like a rocket and stops like no ones business, My Vis motor doesn`t open so I never got that monster kick at 3000 rpm, but even without it the beast still motors up to what ever speed you need.
Corner and roundabouts are mad! even with the big old boot to swing you round!
Seats are firm with little or no wear.
Suspension is hard its true, but it works so well.
I love the whole MG ZT thing and I can say I was happy to own one, I have sold it now in favor or a ST 170 as I don`t trust the car not to fail and cost the earth, but for the month I have had it I have smiled every time I have driven it.
16th May 2011, 16:02
Just to update this, I eventually got rid of the car in February 2011, having done 96,000 miles, as the cost of fuel commuting to work and back was just getting mad. But I still stand by my opinion that this was the best car that I've ever owned.
I replaced it with a Rover 75 diesel tourer, and whilst it's basically the same car, I still miss my old one. It felt like a beast when you were driving it, I could easily outpace boy racers if they fancied their chances, and I just miss the throaty roar of the engine, and well as the squat, muscular looks.
An absolutely stunning car, and, yes, I'm still seething at the way the last British owned volume car maker was bludgeoned to death.