2002 MG ZT 190 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Whilst overtaking on a dual carriage way, its engine expired.

After suffering what can only be described as a temporary loss in taste and a misguided patriotic leaning, I bought the MG, this is when the problems started. it is by far and away the most unreliable and ugly car on the road.

Small pebbles in the road are worth avoiding as not only does it result in a large dentist bill, but it also knocks the wheels out of allignment.

I hate it and actually gave serious thought to rolling it into the sea the other day.

I doubt this article is true.

This adverse review is completely at odds with my own experience, that of every other experience of which I have heard and with all the reviews and road tests. This car is generally thought to be superb.

These cars are great, I've yet to read a car report that says anything else. Those owners I've met all rave about them.

These cars are all about driving, the suspension is set up for handling rather than comfort. If you want to waft around in comfort and near silence, then you should have bought the 75 Tourer instead and leave these gorgeous ZT's to those who know and appreciate them.

Do yourself a favour - sell your ZT and let the next person enjoy it for what it is - a DRIVER'S car.

Bought my MG ZT 190+ last year. Yes, it does have a hard ride, and yes, it does drink petrol - I'm getting about 20 to the gallon around town, but it more than makes up for that when you're out on the open road where it handles really well - goes where you point it - looks fantastic in silver, and is relatively exclusive. If it ever became as common as a BMW 3 series - I'd sell it.

Have you ever noticed that british cars suck, even other makes that are manufactured in this country break down and have poor build even japanese cars, look where a car is manufactured before purchase and if it is italy or england steer clear.

I have one of these and its probably the best car I've driven - gorgeous to look at, great handling and BRILLIANT performance!

I suspect the negative review (s) were written by someone who hasn't actually owned one of these fabulous motor cars - but I would like to state that I have previously owned BMW's (overpriced, hideously expensive to maintain+repair AND overrated performance/handling), Citroen (quirky, but hideously expensive to maintain+repair), Renault (hideously expensive to maintain+repair AND overrated performance/handling) - all European cars built abroad. I agree that British cars were poor in the early 80's, but they have come a LONG way since - the ZT and the S-type Jags are gorgeous! Basically, the negative reviewers don't say ANYTHING about the car, they are just sounding off - a case of a big mouth and nothing to say ;)

If you want a family cruiser with great comfort, go for Rover 75 Tourer. If you want fun, handling, performance and great looks - buy the ZT!

I fully agree these cars are absolute rubbish, the 190 is completely gutless and they look like a child has been let loose in Halfords with a low budget.

My last BMW328i was no where near as good a car as the ZT.

It was very expensive to run and had a very boring interior. The ZT interior is very nice and well built. The exterior is as good as anything the Germans can make.

The engine is smooth and quiet, maybe not blisteringly fast, but is refined and reliable.

I will keep mine for a long time as I cannot think of anything nearly as good for the price!!

I am in Melbourne, Australia, and recently purchased an MG ZT 180. It is great in all respects, and compares very favorably to previous top-of-the range cars I have had. But I am biased because I love most things British!

I have owned my ZT 190 for a year now and covered 13,000 miles in it without a single complaint. I took it to germany this year and drove it around the Nurburgring 15 mile circuit which has huge gradients and 130 odd corners, some of which are off camber etc, I completed 7 laps on the day I went with no problems (not even brake fade which has occurred on my previous cars with Race Brakes fitted).

I have gone through a set of tyres, probably due to the Germany trip and the oil gets changed every 3000miles. I don't plan on selling the ZT for a while yet, but could be persuaded when the V8 model arrives. Best sports saloon I've driven in a while.

I bought the MG ZT +190 in May 2002. I was thrilled with it until... April 200,after 7500 miles, the clutch system burnt out completely on me. This was replaced under guarantee, but I was very worried as I have been driving for nearly 28 years, in all manner of vehicles and never had a clutch go. I tried to find out what the problem had been, but MG Rover could never give me a definitive answer. Another eleven months later having driven about 16000 miles, exactly the same thing has happened again. I am now involved in a wrangle with MG Rover as to why and who is going to pay...

I have an odd problem, puncturing front tyres. They are so low profile, they have burst driving over a pothole and clipping a kerb.

I have just read the comment about clutch failure. I also had mine fail at about the 1st year service, 10,000 miles. My local dealer presented me with a bill for appx £1000 claiming it must be the way I drive it. The bill was reduced to £250 which I paid in order to get the car back on the road. Has anyone else had similar problems?

I purchased my MG ZT 190+ with every extra from the book bar sat nav as an ex demonstrator with 6000 miles on the clock for £14K. For the price and mileage on the clock it is a stunning different saloon with grunt. The fuel's not great at about 26mpg, but for foot down fun it's unbeatable. The clutch started to slip at 10K and was replaced without question by MG Rover under warranty as 'a known problem'. Unfortunately the tyres at £200 each for factory fit Michelin Pilot Sport are an expensive bug bear - but this is the trade off of driving something different. On balance the pleasure to drive and admiration it attracts far out weigh weaknesses of running costs. My only regret is buying in silver not trophy blue for fear the thing would get keyed.

I received my 2004 ZT 190+ 2.5 V6 a few days ago and it probably the best car I've had the pleasure of driving. Smooth and quiet around town, but all hell breaks loose when you open up the V6 at about 3,000RPM. I can't get enough!