| Archive for The Motor Forum talking cars since 2006 |
| Roadsterstu |
What should I do? IT'S DONE!OK, so the avatar shows I'm having silly thoughts about ZT260s again. I don't know what it is, but there is a massive appeal to me about these things. I think it is the fact that despite being about to disappear into oblivion, MG-Rover developed something so utterly mad, in a sort of "cobbled together in a shed" kind of way. It's under-developed nature is all part of the appeal. Along with that clunking, under-powered Mustang V8. But it just seems to work.Basically, I'm hacked off with the Fiat. It's a good car, let down by issues that were simply not sorted out in anyway properly by the dealer. As the only new car I have ever bought, all that new car excitement was wiped out right from the off. Every little noise now has me feeling that something else is about to go wrong, or that a visit to a dealer will result in even mroe problems than before the car went in. I have lost all confidence in the product. I no longer need the Fiat for a driving school car - a new job last year and a new baby this year have conspired to rob me of the time needed to pass the 3 parts of the test within the required 2 years. As such, I no longer have PDI status and need to re-take the first 2 tests all over again. So, the requirement for the car has been negated. Sadly of course, I've lost a packet on it. It is now worth 7k or so in a private sale. What do I do? Scratch this itch now, whilst there may be an opportunity to do so? Sell the Fiat whilst it's still worth 7k and has warranty, whereas next year it'll be 5, then 3, then 2? Get something a little more exciting, much quicker, yet equally practical? My thoughts so far have ranged from the ZT, through to a firm Forum favourite, the 156 GTA, to something like an S6 or a 5 series. I've considered Legacy turbos, Scoobys, all the usual stuff. But ultimately I think I want something that has some excitement and character. Something that could go wrong occasionally, but could be forgiven as the car would put a smile on my face every time it is driven... At the moment it's tie between the ZT and GTA. The budget is 7k max, or whatever the Fiat would go for. I'll spend less quite happily (aeasy with a ZT, not so with a GTA). What do you think? Crazy thoughts? Idle dreaming? Or a realistic route to something quite stonkingly good fun? |
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| Matt |
I saw Fifth Gear the other day and it was the test around Anglesey between this and the Monaro.
I'd reckon them to be a good laugh and the under-stressed nature is a few parts away from 400bhp madness, surely? |
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| SpecB |
Good to have you back. If the Fiat is driving you mad and you are not going to use it for what you bought it for then why not change. Personally I would choose a Leggy for purely biased reasons (interestingly I did a Parkers valuation of mine today and it came in at £12.5k!) but I have always liked the 75.
I am sure you will be able to find one that doesn't actually result in a net loss in terms of purchase cost less sale of the Fiat. |
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| Dr. Hfuhruhurr |
Shame you didn't get the GTA bug a bit earlier, you could have had one of the best maintained examples out there.
As to the MG, I can't help thinking a contemporary Jaguar would be better in every way, if you want that trad British V8 saloon thing. And given you'd be buying a car from a firm that no longer exists, you need to do your research - owners' forums, test drives ... |
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| Roadsterstu |
Yes, a certain GTA which had travelled to colder climes did spring to mind (assume you meant that one).
I did wonder about the S-Type R but they seem to be a bit leggy at under 7k. Supercharged and V8. Splendid! German saloons are all well and good but I feel will lack something on an emotional level. I looked at Legacy prices - hold up well, don't they? I spotted an about-to-be-imported previous gen Legacy estate, in white. The loopy JDM twin turbo. Would have been about 4k, ready to go. The twin turbo is perhaps a bit crackers, but again would maybe lack that certain something. As for research - I've read up on MG/V8/ZT/X-Power foums of several known,but generally easily sorted issues. An ex club car would be ideal as should have had it all done. Still reading though. As for fuel use - my commute is only 3 miles each way. I can actually bike it but have been a bit lazy and have only done so once. But I could save fuel, get much fitter and slimmer and put the car on a limited mileage policy. As it is I'll do about 7k maximum this next year, all being well. |
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| Roadsterstu |
And was sorry to read about the scum-damaged GT3, Nick. Hopefully all sorted with minimal fuss. | ||||
| SpecB |
I knew the residuals were rubbish but it really doesn't matter as I'm keeping mine. 
If it's the sequential then they can be temperamental but if it's the B4 Twin Scroll (more likely) they are awesome and well worth the money. Edit: As I said to someone else on here a while back whose dad was interested in a Legacy - go and drive one! |
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| Dr. Hfuhruhurr |
It was, thanks, though my renewal premium went up instead of down as a result. Regarding ex-forum GTAs, I was actually thinking of ALF's, which had all that work done recently - shocks, springs, diff, etc. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Ah, yes, of course! But Racing's was rather nice too.
I think the Legacy in question was the sequential - did a google on it. Probably quite a hoot to drive, indeed. |
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| SpecB |
The sequentials are mental. Well up for 160 mph plus (once the nannying JDM limiter is removed) but can give grief!
You need to check out www.uklegacy.com |
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| PG |
If you want to do the ZT260 go for it. Itches sometimes just have to be scratched. If you don't do it, you'll regret it.
It does make me wonder about R&D costs sometimes when you can compare MG/Rover who managed to convert a FWD 75 into a RWD chassis, stick a V8 in, get it tested etc for about £5.60 in development costs, v's the almost billions spent to develop some mainstream models. As James May is always saying, some of the best work is really done by men in sheds. |
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| Matt |
Asking the question 'what should I do' in relation to petrolheads about a V8 might be a wallet-emptying response! | ||||
| Roadrunner |
Just found this thread. No surprises for my big vote for the ZT. You mentioned the forums. I expect you have seen these:
http://forums.mg-rover.org/forumdisplay.php?f=90 http://forums.mg-rover.org/forumdisplay.php?f=163 http://www.mgcc.co.uk/registers-t...register-topmenu-98/contacts.html Knowing how good they are with a four cylinder diesel up front, the V8 must be awesome. Do it! |
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| Martin |
If that's what you fancy then you should go for it, you only live once!!
What other interesting V6/V8 stuff can you get for around that price? The main thing that would put me off the ZT260 is the very thing that enabled it to get made, the 'shed' development! Little details bug me far more than is normal. One of my pet hates is cars with misaligned exhausts (step forward Jag XF!) and uneven panel gaps. I had a quick look on the forum and it didn't take long, I just had to post these 
I hardly need to point it out, but I'm looking at the nearside pipes, as they are worse than the offside ones. It might well be an aftermarket system, but I did check some other pictures to make sure they were all the same. 
Someone just hacked away at the bodywork and then randomly riveted some trim on! 
I won't show you some of the panel gaps!! Having said all that, I always liked the ZT and it's still a nice looking car imo. This one looks great as long as you don't look closely as the details. I'm sure it would be nicer in blue though..... 
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| gonnabuildabuggy |
It'll be more reliable than the Fiat!
Personally I go 540i for that extra reliability or 330i and save some petrol costs but nice cars and just go for it - I'd buy the cheapest/best condition one you can find to minimise depreciation though. |
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| Roadrunner |
But would the BMW, or anything else, be any more reliable than the MG? My 53 reg MG, at 76,000 miles, has never ever needed anything other than routine servicing and new brake discs and pads. My 57-reg 63,000 mile Mondeo is falling apart as it sits on the drive. Our 03 reg 50,000 mile Fiesta needed £750.00 spent on it to get it through its last service & MOT. The MG is equal to my Jaguar in being the most reliable car I have ever had. Even my Mercedes 190 had more problems. |
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| gonnabuildabuggy |
Who knows? As I say buy on condition and price to avoid problems. 30K miles - one set of front and rear discs and pads, one pair of front ball joints (with mileage at 167K) is my high mile BMW experience. but it's got a fully stamped history so money's been spent preventing rather than fixing. My in laws 75 had a basket of problems and still has an ongoing electrical problem which flattens the battery. But I'd say anything with a V8 should be relatively reliable mechanically. What did the Fiesta need or Mondeo? My Mondy was 100% reliable at 100K miles and is now heading towards 130K with no serious expenditure. |
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| Matt |
The diesel has the benefit of being an under-stressed BMW design, not some relatively ancient Ford pig iron, though. | ||||
| Guitar Zero |
I don't see the attraction, the engine manages to be both weak and frighteningly thirsty.
Autocar stats are 100 mph in 17.1 seconds, an average of 16.8 mpg and touring consumption of 20.4 mpg (yes, only 20 mpg even when you drive like a fanny with a sore foot). That's not a good enough trade between performance and economy. It also appears to be rather diesely in it's delivery - no real top end, you just use the torque. |
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| Roadsterstu |
I assume as it's an American V8, that's why it's somewhat lazy in its nature. the forums talk of occasional high 20's on a run. i think maybe you are taking the engine in isolation, rather than the whole package. in which case yes, it's a bit of clunker. but as a package it's something altogether different. | ||||
| Frank Bullitt |
They have all the appeal of a hang-over without the mega piss-up the night before. Like Peet, I don't see their USP other than it being a V8, but it's a turd of a V8. Always thought the ZT was a nice enough motor though so I'd be much more tempted by the 190 bhp 2.5 V6 which combined with the decent chassis and solid base car makes a tempting choice. | ||||
| DaveGibson |
Yes, it's a Ford engine. |
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| Turbonutter |
I see one at the Breakfast Club occasionally. Can't say I dislike them but I'd probably go for a Holden GTS or similar if I was after a big V8 saloon
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| Martin |
Other options, based on decent size engine, less than £7k and less than 5 years old so comparable to the ZT:
Mondeo ST220 X Type 3.0 S Type 3.0 Legacy Spec B Not a lot of other interesting options (imo) unless you go older. |
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| Guitar Zero |
The whole package ?. I think as a whole package it is deeply flawed and I suggest you get a copy of the Autocar roadtest and have quite a long drive in one before commiting yourself. By all accounts, the gearbox is horrid and the driving position is very uncomfortable. Plus points appear to be it's slidey handling and it's V8 rumble. They not exactly cheap though are they - autotrader has them for between £5750 and £11,000. That's a shat load of beans IMHO. |
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| Gurney |
Always liked the sound of these but as Peet says 17.1 0 to 100 and 16.8mpg is dire though presumably the performance is easily boosted?
Obviously biased but I would much rather have a GTA - any 1 of the 3. Get a good specialist and hopefully it will be as boringly reliable as mine. There is a very low mileage example at Autolusso at the moment which is causing all sorts of excitement btw. Mind you rumours of 120p a litre not too clever re this kind of car. |
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| scamper |
A car which will be exciting but may go wrong occasionally (character)?
What about a car which is exciting and relaible? |
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| Gurney |
When my Mini One broke down for the second time (gear selector ball joint flapping in the wind) it managed to do it in the Duddon Valley up in the lakes.
Zero mobile covereage. Trudged up a hill to a lonely farmhouse and found a very friendly couple from Dorset in residence (it was there holiday home) with eleventy one kids and a Toyota Landcrusher. They allowed me to phone BMW recovery and as I was doing so I noticed a pic of a Ferrari Daytona. Turned out it used to be there own car (pre sprogs) broke down daily on trips all over the continent. The chap stared at it wistfully and actually said to me 'Nothing exciting is ever reliable'. I was quite willing to thrash the Mini to death with a tree, Cleese style but on reflection all my dreadfully 'unreliable' 'characterful' cars (irony intended) have been exciting - Mini included, so maybe he was right. Despite being a Southerner.... |
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| scamper |
I presume therefore he charged you for the phone call and didn't offer you any of his quiche? 
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| Eff One |
All four forum GTAs were pretty mint, I think - I can certainly vouch for mine and ALF's.
You know you want to: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1183591.htm |
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| Gurney |
No charge, and no Quiche thank God, I loathe quiche. And the answer to the conundrum must be a Spec B or a 330/335 - (if you accept M series and RS as being a tad expensive) |
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| Gurney |
Bargain, all the right bits done, just needs FSD's & Q2. Never heard of a troublesome Midi fuse though  new one on me.
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| "him" |
He used the word "sweet" and refers to himself as "Jez" though... | ||||
| Gurney |
Bollocks. Scratch that one then
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| Roadsterstu |
Mmmmm. Tasty. |
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| DradusContact |
Have you had any more thoughts on this?
My suggestions: ZT-Tourer. Do it. Still a cracking looking car. If you dont want an S type whats wrong with the X type? Mondeo jokes aside, whats wrong with it? 4wd one should be a good ride too. At the other end of the spectrum how about an MX5? Are you really willing to accept all the issues what getting an older car brings though? |
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| Roadsterstu |
The one and only thing stopping me getting another '5 is the lack of rear seats. I need some practicality as well now. Hatch, saloon or estate but sadly not 2 seat roadster.
The ZT-T260 would be an option but the V8s are pretty hard to find - apparently there were only about 75 made. I'm still leaning towards the 260 saloon, though I'm certainly not going to discount the GTA just yet. Need to drive both yet. Might go and find some for a test drive soon. Still researching the 260 - there is a lot to research! |
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| Racing |
I've always liked the ZT 260. Irrational it may be but there you go. I understand wanting one.
But I suggest you drive one before doing any more research. That will tell you whether you like it, regardless of whether others think it is good, bad or ugly. |
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| Blarno |
I can't help but think that a 540i or C43 will be a better choice.
Then again, I'm selling a perfectly good hot hatch to buy a 12 year old Escort and spend the rest on making a rattly French tin box go much faster than it's supposed to, so my opinion is probably not valid.... |
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| Roadsterstu |
Proof indeed, that not all our car related decisions could be considered completely rational 
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| Roadsterstu |
Sound advice and something I fully intend to do, cheers. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY1ZVylMLEc&feature=related |
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| DradusContact |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqZZfXdm7D0&feature=related
I. Want. One. |
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| gonnabuildabuggy |
Just go the whole hog and get an early Mustang or Camaro - the depreciation will be lower
The V8 Stag has also a similar burbling exhaust note. |
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| Roadrunner |
Probably not representative of the breed, but I saw a broken down C43 stranded on the Kidderminster ring road the other day. I couldn't help thinking that the bill was going to be HUGE. |
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| Blarno |
I think anything with more than 6 cylinders and a bit of poke is going to be expensive if it goes wrong! | ||||
| gonnabuildabuggy |
No more than a 4 pot Turbo diesel I'd guess? |
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| Roadsterstu |
I can well imagine the GTA is going to be pricey for anything major. The 260 ought to be less so, however. The Mustang lump is relatively unstressed and is a basic, old engine. However, I still have to research this...! | ||||
| Guitar Zero |
Obviously, the Ford V8s are supported by a huge tuning scene in America so hop up bits won't be that expensive.
Also, a few things to consider : The mustang uses that 4.6 V8 and it's official output is 300 bhp. Further more, I'm 99% certain that when EVO had one as a long termer, they had it remapped to a far more interesting 370 bhp. See link http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/e...tests/205020/ford_mustang_gt.html So - what exactly is the difference between the stang 4.6 and the MG 4.6 ?. Basically, you could find a way to an easy 300 bhp plus. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Hmmmm, supercharger......
Well, perhaps not. But a remap may be worth investigating, given EVO's big gains. I read the Autocar review - didn't think it was that bad, TBH. |
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| Gooner |
I've really liked the ZT and 75 from the day they first came out and a 260 would be an amazing car to own so why not? My only issue would be knowing what to do if something goes wrong. Is there really the expertise left to deal with it? I'm sure there probably is but worth checking first.
It's perhaps not AS interesting but a recent check shows you only need 4 grand to bag a Passat W8. Surely the ultimate of modern Q cars and probably even more likely to be a real collectors item one day. Don't get me wrong the ZT would still be first choice but you'll not find a cheaper way to an 8 cylinder VW. |
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| gonnabuildabuggy |
One benefit of using old ford technology is that most decent mechanics should be able to fix it I'd think, unlike today's computer led technology. you only live once and if you're sensible depreciation should be no worse than the Fiat
do it, do it, do it, do it..... |
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| DaveGibson |
The chap who bought my Rover 75 uses the services of the former chief mechanic at the local Rover dealer, who set himself up in business after it closed down (it was owned by Phoenix). | ||||
| Roadrunner |
Sounds like this place, which is run by the former foreman of a local Rover dealership: http://www.trautos.co.uk/ What these guys don't know about ZTs isn't worth knowing. Getting your MG seviced at an approved X-Part dealer like this is much like going to a main dealer, but with half the hgourly rate. My MG has as close to a full manufacturer's service history as can be had on an MG. |
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| DaveGibson |
The one used by my buyer is in Worcestershire. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Hmm, super-subtle (and a manual): http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es...ture=2003&vehicleRegLetter=53 |
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| Mark |
"A true VW enthusiasts car"....the irony. And, it's not half a Wolf, it's a full one. To be fair, it is a real Q car. But, I think that's a long way from the proper V8 experience you were looking for originally. |
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| Racing |
Right. Crunch time. Do you genuinely want a ZT260?
I can source you an MGOC member-owned ZT-T 260 (ie the estate) for around £6k ono. It's the facelifted version from 2004. It's bright red with a black leather interior and every option (inc. sat nav). Two owners (first was one of the Phoenix Four, current is a top lawyer). Apparently immaculate. |
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| Matt |
But isn't a bit cart-like at that vintage?
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| Racing |
Ho, ho - I was typing in a hurry... | ||||
| Roadsterstu |
Blimey, put some pressure on!
I've replied to your message. Cheers. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Just been playing about with some insurance quotes. Granted, these are only online "quick quotes", based on 6k per year mileage, car kept on drive (garage not long enough for a ZT), no motoring convictions, 1 non-fault RTC 4 years ago, self and missus to drive.
Best so far: £495. Highest - wait for it - £4015!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fuck my tall hat! OK, it's never going to be a cheap car to run, but on a limited mileage specialist policy it shouldn't be too bad on insurance. Blimey, a 23 year old lad at work has a new Focus RS and he only pays 600 quid for a full, every day policy. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Got a bit of a query on the road tax for these beats. I was under the impression that pre-2004, anything in the top band was 210 quid a year and that post 2004, upto 2009 (or is it 2010?) the top band is 400-something quid a year. Is that right? I've tried looking on the DirectGov website and that seems to skip past the link for road tax costs from 2004 onwards, to the most recent bandings.
I believe there is a point with these cars where they go from the 200 quid tax to 400 quid tax and I could well do without the higher rate, naturally. |
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| Roadrunner |
For insurance, try the MG Car Club insurance scheme through Peter Best Insurance. www.classicinsurance.co.uk
The cheapest quote for my car by a long way. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Cheers. That one 4k was rather amusing! | ||||
| Guitar Zero |
Road tax is a piece of piss
Registered pre March 1st 2001 - anything over 1549 cc = £205 from April 2010 Registered between March 1st 2001 to March 23rd 2006 . The banding for new cars applies up to band K (201 to 225 g/km) - anything pre March 23rd 2006 that is over 225 g/km remains in band K - so the maximum charge is £245 from April 2010 Registered post March 23rd 2006 - then anything 226 g/km or over and it's stiff one eye time in hoopville - £425 per year if up to 255 g/km and £435 per year for anything over 255 g/km. That's the theory - in practise taking a 4.2 litre V8 producing 274 g/km as an example : Pre March 1st 2001 = £205 per year March 1st 2001 to March 23rd 2006 = £245 per year March 23rd 2006 to date = £435 per year. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Thanks. That confirms what Racing had said to me as well. I must have misread something on the 260 forums. Not as bad as I thought then.
Grand! |
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| Gooner |
Racings ZT-T that he's sourced sounds a beaut. I'd be sorely tempted. Good Luck! | ||||
| Roadsterstu |
Due to work and being a rather busy at home I've not progressed this as yet. However, I am still very much after a 260. I have yet to go and see one, although there is a 2004 SE saloon, in red, for sale in Coventry so I may go over and kick the tyres. Price is on the steep side though and certainly over my budget. It's on the Trader but does look rather tidy and it has the coveted X-Power exhausts.
I've just ordered a pair of boots for the Fiat, from Camskill.co.uk - a pair of Toyo Proxes T1R's at 56 quid each. No way I'm putting OE Potenza RE050's on at 111 quid each, only to sell it. Once it has the new shoes on, it'll be advertised in the Trader. If I have to buy a cheap snotter to run about it in the short term, until I find the right 260, so be it. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Washed and polished the Fiat, photos taken. Going on Autotrader and Pistonheads this weekend...
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| Nice Guy Eddie |
How much do you want for the old girl then? | ||||
| Roadsterstu |
Going to start at £7,800. Seems to be right in the middle of the current prices for similar age/mileage/private/trade. | ||||
| Apex clipper |
"Pinch of salt"? Is it on a traders policy? Does he live on the isle of skye? Is it limited milage..IE: 2 foot a year?
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| Roadsterstu |
I'd assumed it was a "new" RS. He brought it in to work last week (only lives a mile away so walks usually). It's only the "proper" RS, in blue. Looks the dogs danglies. Limited mileage policy. Still, fetching cheap for a lad his age. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Never used Piston Heads to advertise before. My first enquiry was from some bloke asking if I'd be interested ina part-ex with his 2004 Corsa 1.8 Turbo with an alleged 250bhp.
Thanks but...
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| DradusContact |
Been off forum a bit as of late, will you hurry up and get this MG! | ||||
| Roadsterstu |
After a small flurry of them becoming available, supply seems to be drying up! There's a lovely 53 plate saloon in red only a few miles form me. But I reckon he's over priced it by a good £1000. I was just in the process of arranging to view one in Sheffield but the buyer has now decided to keep it. The preferred option is a saloon, SE spec, with as many options as possible.
Of course, it now depends on how long the Fiat takes to sell, with no offers to part-ex a chav-spec Corsa. |
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| ALF |
Still think the V6 is a better bet, if you want an MG 75. The 260 spectacularly underpeforms and there is just no point referring to other 75's that have been reliable, because they were properly developed cars under the tutelage of BMW. I've driven one (albeit only on a skid-pan) and was really impressed, with the build and the drive. MG 75's are a bargain and the estate looks great.
The 260 was a hastily thrown-together car by a company in desperation and with a shoestring budget, which went bust, because people were not buying the cars. That has to say something... Most of the reviews I read reinforced the "unfinished" impression. Given more budget and ongoing development I'm sure it could have got there, but it didn't, and there must be the very real possibility of it being off the road for some time if a part breaks that is not easily available. How many engineers are going to know how to work on it? And who will pay for their "tuition" and anything they break accidentally while learning the car? You got it... The Passat W8 is likely to behave but it's another spectacular underperformer for the economy. 2 or 3 seconds slower to 100 than a 330 or 156GTA or countless other much more economical cars - for what benefit. The engines in both those examples are arguable more characterful than a W8 with the standard pipe etc. I would look seriously at older V8 S4's, and particularly AMG mercs, if you want to scratch the V8 itch. AMG's are great value and are properly developed, reliable cars - not cheap to run, but parts and knowledge are plentifully available. What about a C43 or C55 AMG? Lovely cars... |
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| Roadsterstu |
I hear what you say but there is just something about the thought of owning a ZT260. It's the sheer lunacy of it that appeals. The character. The idiocy. That and the relative rarity. There are specialists and I think there will be for some time but that said, they are not massively complex mechanically.
The problem with a W8 Passat would be the relative lack of character. I can't help feeling a Merc or Audi of the vintage I would be able to afford would be similar. Great. Brilliant, even. But missing that magical ingredient. Probably too good. If you know what I mean. |
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| "him" |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFNkrwRmba8 |
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| Roadsterstu |
Lunacy? Positively insane with a supercharger...
Should be going to see one in Wolverhampton tomorrow, all being well, although it is on Ebay. Need to start actually looking at some. |
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| Roadsterstu |
Didn't go. It's a Cat D, which has scared me off. | ||||
| Boxer6 |
Do I hear clucking there?!?!?!
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| Martin |
Shouldn't you go and look at as many as possible, so you know what a good and bad one looks like? You might confuse 'character' with a fault otherwise! | ||||
| Roadsterstu |
Did someone just call me a chicken??!! Oi!
Got an appointment to look and drive one at Sunwin Mazda, Guisely, Leeds tomorrow afternoon. Bit of a trek fro me but my folks are near Huddersfield and so I'll take Evan to stay with his Nanna and Grandad for a couple of hours. 2004 54 ZT260 in silver. facelift model, base spec so no xenons, part, not full leather, only option is the sunroof but has climate anyway, aftermarket Blaupunkt head unit with satnav. Spec doesn't bother me too much really and apparently the SE weighs almost 100kg more. 3 owners, 46k miles, dealer sold it to last owner 3 years ago and has just taken back in part ex. Any issues ought to have been resolved by that mileage. Hopefully I will get to it, but others are enquiring as well... |
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| Boxer6 |
At least getting to drive one is a step in the right direction - gives you a lot better idea what you're looking for.
It's odd how you see cars on the road when you're specifically thinking about them though, isn't it? I spotted a ZT-T the other day, and a 260 going the opposite direction, but normally it's not a car I'd particularly have noticed!! |
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| Martin |
That's true. I'm seeing a lot of MG ZTs at the moment (still a good looking car, particularly the ZT-T), but not seen a 260 yet. | ||||
| Boxer6 |
The other thing is, every ZT-T I've seen, bar one reddish-orange one, has been green. Why is that? |
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| TimR |
Maybe they're all bought by string backed driving glove wearing chaps who have a nostalgic feel for British Racing Green? |
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| Roadsterstu |
Due to be collected on 1st October is a silver Mk2 ZT260, non-SE, bought today for 6990. Full details later this evening, with a piccy...
My god, what a glorious noise she makes!
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| Racing |
Was it the first one you saw!?!?
PS my colleague sold his which is why I didn't get back in touch. |
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| cbeaks1 |
Has the IFAT sold as well?
Congratulations on scratching the V8 itch! |
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| gonnabuildabuggy |
Good Man! I'm planning to go and look at an English V8 later this week though I doubt I'll buy it. |
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| "him" |
Well done...
I will keep an eye out for superchargers for you!
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| Nice Guy Eddie |
Bravo!
Sod what the others have said I love them. I actually prefer the half leather as the full hide used by Rover wasn't very pretty from the cars I've seen. |
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| Jasper |
Wow. Nice one Stu. Keep taking the brave pills
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| Clunes |
Good work that man
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| Blarno |
Nice!
When's it coming to Oulton then? |
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| Frank Bullitt |
Nice one, did it come with a free-issue chest wig
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| Martin |
Well done for scratching the itch!! | ||||
| Roadsterstu |
I did. Broke the number one rule. To be honest, I never follow that rule, I'm too impulsive. 
Sorry for the hastily edited photo and the low quality. I'm knackered, beena long day. Basically the car has some cosmetic work to be sorted out, which the garage are doing - smart repair type jobs to the bumpers, etc. Also, the driver's seat bolster has worn and ripped from drivers getting in and out. This too, is to be repaired. The other work being done prior to collection is: Aircon compressor being replaced and system fully tested Scuffs on alloys being repaired Tracking/alignment (slight pull to left) Handbrake adjustment (top of travel) Passenger seat won't slide fore and aft, so is being fixed Service due imminently so being serviced 12 months MOT 12 months warranty Valet inside and out The car has a fully stamped service history, most from the dealer I am buying from (they were MG Rover prior to becoming Mazda and still service MG and Rover vehicles). Previous owner had it for almost 3 years, supplied by same dealer and salesman. They wouldn't budge on the price, which wasn't really expected once the level of work was agreed - I think they are spending quite a substantial sum on the amount that is being done. I couldn't get any tax thrown in, either, which runs out at the end of this month. 6 months going on it for now. It hasn't been a pampered example, by any means, but it seems a good, honest car, with some bits and bobs for me to sort out as well and this is reflected in the price. That said, all that work is being done prior to me collecting the car. Driving impressions? Everything I dreamt it would be! "Meaty" is a word I would use to describe the weight of the controls, clutch and gearbox especially. They have a very heavy, yet solid action. It gives the car a real "mechanical" feel. The steering, on the other hand, was really quite impressive in it's comination of weighting and feedback. The car, although not small, feels responsive and smaller than it actually is. Then there is the engine - granted, not a patch on anything from BMW, Audi, etc but the sound is addictive and had me grinning from ear to ear. The torque peak is really quite high at 4k rpm and whilst the car didn't feel initally to be that fast, a glance at the speedometer showed how quickly the speed had risen. The IFAT has yet to be sold - it really needs to go now, so a little pressure on to sell it. I think it will go fairly easily, though. Collection date is 1st October as it currently stands, so a train journey up to Leeds and then a good blast back down to the Midlands. I've used up my supply of brave pills, so will need to get another bottle! Then it'll be off to Oulton to smoke some tyres. Remember - sideways is the new forwards
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