Item: Used MG Rover ZT Tourer 2001 - 2005
Author: Steve Huntingford

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Estate

One of the most famous names on British roads, MG is owned by Chinese firm SAIC these days and it's slowly beginning to rebuild its model line-up.

At present, just two cars are offered: the MG 6, which aims to match cars like the Skoda Octavia on space while beating them on price, and the Ford Fiesta-rivalling MG 3. Both cars look good value for money, but resale values have been an issue, as well as cabin quality and the tax bills created by relatively high CO2 emissions.

Things could improve with the arrival of the GS, a Nissan Qashqai-rivalling SUV that will bring a new transmission and new turbocharged petrol engines, as well as a revised diesel motor. It's scheduled to go on sale in 2016 - although it wouldn't be the first MG to have been delayed during the brand's rebirth.

ZT-T

<p>The MG ZT Tourer is a capable load-lugger and so much more</p>


MG Rover ZT Tourer (01 - 05)

<p>MGs were always cheap to buy, and the poor residuals that put many new car buyers off make the ZT-T a cracking used buy.</p>

<p>Servicing costs were never steep, the costs for maintaining the ZT-T being comparable to those for a Ford Mondeo. Mind you, because MG Rover main dealers are a thing of the past and you have to go to an independent, servicing is now even cheaper.</p>

<p>Remember, though - the manufacturer's warranty died with the rest of the company, so you might want to budget for an aftermarket warranty package.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


Used MG Rover ZT Tourer 2001 - 2005

The MG ZT Tourer is a capable load-lugger and so much more

<p>We'd recommend the turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol engine. Its 0-60mph time of 8.9 seconds isn't too far behind the bigger 2.5-litre V6 engine, but it improves your average fuel consumption by almost 9mpg.</p>

<p>The entry-level 1.8 is even more frugal, but it's too weedy to make the ZT-T feel like a proper sports car. The same goes for both the 2.0-litre diesel engines. The V8 isn't a great choice. It's very quick, but an average of 21.5mpg makes it very pricey to run.</p>

<p>Trim levels reflect those found in the saloon. There are two for our favourite engine: ZT-T and ZT-T+. The standard car has lots of toys, including remote central locking, air-conditioning, alloys, electric front windows, a sunroof and a CD player. The ZT+ won't cost you much more, and it adds climate control, electric rear windows and a CD changer.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

<p>If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.</p>

<p>Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.</p>

<p>There are some terrific estates at most price ranges. The humble Skoda Fabia Estate offers cavernous space for not much cash at all, for example.</p>

<p>Further up the price range, another of our perennial favourites is the Skoda Superb Estate;&nbsp;it’s great to drive and as practical as most people should ever need. Meanwhile, for serious mile-munching ability and a premium, well-finished interior, it’s hard to look beyond the BMW 5 Series Touring.</p>

<p>Because it was developed and produced under the watchful eye of BMW, this was probably the best-built car that MG Rover ever made. The materials are chunky and fairly classy throughout, and the assembly feels reassuringly solid.</p>

<p>Most owners have reported trouble-free motoring, but front coil springs have been known to corrode to the point of breaking. Check the electric seat adjustment, too, because the motor isn't hugely reliable.</p>

<p>The 1.8 engine also needs to be watched. It's prone to overheating and the head gasket is a bit fragile, so make sure the coolant levels are kept topped up at all times. Check the oil filler cap regularly - if you find white residue, you've got an expensive problem.</p>

<p>Steer clear of cars with signs of uneven tyre wear. This indicates suspension problems, which can be hard to fix on the ZT-T. Finally, on diesel models, check that the clutch is sound.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


<p>The MG ZT-T manages to keep the Rover 75's smooth ride and refinement, but adds more poise, better grip and sharper responses to make it a very enjoyable drive.</p>

<p>The engine range is the same as you find in the ZT saloon, and all but the entry-level 1.8 give strong performance. They do need to be worked hard, though.</p>

<p>Iits big boot means it's practical as well, but the garish styling might put some people off. Cabin space is good for four, though, and lots of kit came as standard. Best of all, the car was built when <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> owned MG Rover, so quality is good.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


Used MG Rover ZT Tourer 2001 - 2005 review

Best electric cars - our 2022 award winners revealed

Nissan Qashqai

Audi A3

BMW 1 series

Mini Hatchback

Audi Q2

Hyundai Tucson

Toyota Yaris Cross 

New car deals >>

site ribbon config

Looking for alternatives to the used MG ZT-T 2001 - 2005? The expert What Car? review team guide you through some great options.

New car deals >>

Used MG Rover ZT Tourer 2001 - 2005 review

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used MG ZT-T estate?

What Car? has a buying service

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information