MG ZT 135+

The MG ZT CDTI is a super smashing car plenty of power smooth and lively, good handling on most roads no matter whether it would be a motorway or a B-road.

Reliability is no problem at all

As long as the basic checks are carried out, like fan resistor, door actuators, under bonnet fuel pump if fitted.

Supercar I would highly recommend to anybody

What a fabulous car! ...like many others who choose a ZT I too have previously owned a Mercedes, BMW, Jag equivalent and although being tempted away by MG whilst in search for something a bit different, I was never expecting the experience to be as great as it has been! The handling is top notch, performance especially mid range puts a smile on your face, a car that really can eat up long journeys and yet cut it on the best B roads, boot size and folding seats have made sure I'm not caught out on the practicality front, passengers always comment on the feel of the car, the quality, the comfort and the drive. You really can not knock this car! I do tend to go through tyres, but that may have something to do with the fact that I really can't resist throwing it into corners! The most surprising and best car I have owned (and that is saying something)...

A car bought out of necessity rather than want should not be this good. It just shouldn't!

I bought the ZT CDTi by chance. I drive a Mid Engine Sports car but as we all know fast cars cost a lot to run and are not the most user friendly everyday run around. When I initially bought the ZT I was searching for small Euro hatch, something Golf like with a sensible 1.9 Diesel engine. Instead, out of a moment of what could be seen as many as insanity I arrive home not with the Euro Box but a Bright Blue Brutish British Saloon.. In retrospect it is quite possibly the best motoring decision I have made to date.

Parking up next to a BMW 3 Series or Jaguar X-Type it feels like a step above in terms of design with the retro lines of the Rover 75 mixing it up with the brawn of MG kit to create something that at no angle looks boring or staid while never venturing into the realms of being vulgar or "in your face". Its the same story inside with the ties with BMW really shining through in the efficiency of the switchgear and the high quality of the materials making the cabin a really nice place to be. My only qualm with the interior is that by 2009 standards the rear is starting to show its age in regards to lack of space and I have taken this into account in my star rating.

The final point is the driving. This is what blew me away. Even without the nice cabin, without the exterior charm the ZT would remain a cracking car to drive. I really never expected this and comparing with the likes of a Vauxhall Vectra or even an Audi A4 the car is leagues ahead. Applause to MG Engineers!

The car could handle a lot more power... Which, thankfully MG addressed... I know in the future I will be buying a ZT V8 and as a prologue to that car, the ZT CDTi is near faultless..

...And for a Diesel Family Saloon that is indeed high praise!

Wow the MG ZT has to be one of the best and underated saloons on the road. Almost every review I've seen rates it for reliability, comfort and performance and it sure lives up to that I can say! (and what a fabulous auto box coupled to that great engine).

Most of the people I know that own or have owned the MG ZT in any form have been swayed from Merc or BMW rivals which I can see why... I've own some real marques and although they've been good, they're not a patch on this vehicle, I'm already dreading the day in the future, that may come when I finally have to say good bye to this machine. Still smitten two years on, this must be true love!

Fantastic looks. Good build quality. Excepional BMW engine. Superb handling. Top spec. Incredible mid range torque, 30 to 70 in the blink of an eye! Absolute rocket ship, mid range, great for overtaking on B roads etc.....drop a gear, 1500 rpm, gone!

Best drivers car I have owned....and I have had 3 series BMW'S, Merc's, Rover 827 Sterling, Xr3i, Vectra 2.5 V6 to name but a few.

Charismatic, head turning car! All coupled to diesel economy.......fantastic! You can now buy a £20k plus car (when brand new) for around £5k!

Tragic that they are no longer made...I would buy a brand new one, no hesitation......family sized car, with diesel economy and MG performance and handling....not forgetting the magnificent styling and sporty but practical interior.

Mind you, MG/Rover dropped a clanger with the facelifted 2004 version......... ugly car took away the character of the Mark one body style version!

In the past 11 months I have owned 2 MG ZT 135 CDTi+ sports car saloons and both have been RUBBISH!

They are both highly specced, Hiline sat nav, TV, DVD, CD Autochanger, Drivers Pack, Electric sunroof, Xenon etc etc. The car was £21000 and the extras came to another £5500, both were bought brand new and the original cost I paid was £18000 in total.

The first one, my dream, I had had a 75 estate for 2 years without a problem and covered 90k. Within 2k in the ZT the clutch packed up, a bit later the car stopped in mid flight on the motorway, at 6000 another clutch went and again at 8k, the car became less and less reliable. The management system and injectors were replaced. Eventually MG Rover replaced the car for a Solar Red equivalant, almost as well specced. In 5 months I have done 16k. After 3k it needed a new exhaust system as it had corroded a hole in the original, It has now done the same again. At 6k it needed a new clutch and it has just had a new management system, injectors and fuel pump.

I love to drive the MG and I admit to driving hard but covering 50k a year I can not afford to go too slow. The suspension, road holding and cornering is fantastic. Its noisy on the motorway and its a really comfortable car.

A lack of reliability is in-excusable and I am now replacing the car with a Saab 95 - not as good to look at but all the other points are similar.

The ZT is 5 months old and has an RRP of £26000, the best deal I could pull on the car selling privately is £13,400, the lowest price I received in PX was £9,500.

If you buy one make sure it has a TV, you will need it whilst awaiting the AA.