General impressions and questions from a non-owner

[YorksMG2016]

Hello All

Newbie here, but existing ZT190 owner.
I had the opportunity for a drive in a 260 recently, and although it did make me grin like a big kid, I wanted to ask a few questions.

1. How do the cars stand up to high mileage? (the one I was driving had 164,000 on the clock)
2. Whining diff - a common problem or indicative of mechanical wear and tare?
3. Front sub-frame can be a weak spot?
4. How long lasting are clutch and gearbox? (I understand it's an engine and gearbox out job if either need work, and that is expensive!)
5. Any other big expensive jobs - servicing and/or general maintenance/improvement which owners routinely have to do?

Thanks

Andrew

[David]

Hello All

Newbie here, but existing ZT190 owner.
I had the opportunity for a drive in a 260 recently, and although it did make me grin like a big kid, I wanted to ask a few questions.

1. How do the cars stand up to high mileage? (the one I was driving had 164,000 on the clock)
2. Whining diff - a common problem or indicative of mechanical wear and tare?
3. Front sub-frame can be a weak spot?
4. How long lasting are clutch and gearbox? (I understand it's an engine and gearbox out job if either need work, and that is expensive!)
5. Any other big expensive jobs - servicing and/or general maintenance/improvement which owners routinely have to do?

Thanks

Andrew

1. Mines done 200,000 and runs sweet as a nut.
2. Mine doesn't but there are several reports here of those that do. Maybe poor servicing ?? Costs around 700 to replace I believe ?
3. ? ... but front struts are. Rear end subframe is susceptible to rusting as are rear springs causing breakage, though mine are AOK.
4. Can't say, Mine is a R75, so Auto, but that's fine at 200K.
5. Service costs pretty normal, I would say apart from the 5000 mile oil and filter changes. Best not play around with that if you value the motor. Chain not belt timing. Change at 150K. Air filter is expensive, but a K&N is washable and has a 500,000 mile guarantee. Diff oil and auto-box oils are expensive but scheduled changes are longish mean you don't have to do it too often. Gets through (particularly rear-) brake pads at a pace. Tyres tend to wear quickly if you 'treddle on', but that applies to most cars, I guess!

David

[Nich]

Can't fault David's answers apart from clutch and gearbox. Generally clutch should last upwards of 80,000 miles but depends how you use it. Mine went at 36,000 miles but that was due to a leaking slave cylinder. Gearboxes are pretty bullet proof. Clutch replacement requires an engine out procedure unless you want to bend the output shaft. Cost depends on what you are paying for labour.
As David says oil and filter every 5,000 miles is a bit of a pain, rear tyres every 8,000 miles (drive dependent).

Nich.

[SCP440]

Any of these costs will be about the same if you want to drive a high performance car. I have just swapped my Saab 9-5 Aero for a ZTT 260 and there is nothing in it. A Saab Aero should have its oil changed at 6000 miles, a set of front tyres will be junk in less than 6000 miles. A clutch change is a days work so probably about the same as pulling the engine on one of these. I have a friend who runs a Merc and when he tells me what that costs to run that I have to ask why. He paid over £1200 recently to have his brakes replaced.

If you want performance it will cost.

Saying that these ''260s'' are unlikely to depreciate any more if kept in good order and when you think most stuff is loosing upwards of £100 a month and in a lot of cases £50 a week that has to be factored in.

My biggest concern when buying mine was spare parts but most parts seem to be well covered.

Steve

[AndyG]

I sent a PM, but again (a premium welcome)

WELCOME to the Two Sixties

MG ZT260 FAQ

Two-sixties Blog

Public Section

MG ZT/ZT-T and Rover 75 V8 Buyers Guide
Items For Sale in Public Section
List of MG ZT/ZTT/75 V8s For Sale
Some extra Pictures of cars For Sale

We have many threads in the Members Section that will help you when you own a 260/75V8

If you have other any question please ask on the forum.

How did you hear about our forum?

[YorksMG2016]

Thanks all

Not sure if I will be able to indulge in a 260 (but am thinking about it)
Wanted to be able to go into any evaluation/inspection/negotiations with at least some ideas of what to look at, and what to ask about.
For me would have to be an LPG car, and SE spec would be preferred but may be out of my purchase budget.

Cheers

Andrew

[colintf]

Thanks all

Not sure if I will be able to indulge in a 260 (but am thinking about it)
Wanted to be able to go into any evaluation/inspection/negotiations with at least some ideas of what to look at, and what to ask about.
For me would have to be an LPG car, and SE spec would be preferred but may be out of my purchase budget.

Cheers

Andrew

Hi and WelcomeAndrew

Where in the country are you?
theres a gathering of us at Brooklands on Sunday 10th of April. Pop along if you can

[YorksMG2016]

Thanks Colin, but I'm up in Yorkshire so a bit of a treck down to Brooklands.
I am at POL in my ZT190 though, so will have a nosey around the 260s there on the day

Andrew

[colintf]

Thanks Colin, but I'm up in Yorkshire so a bit of a treck down to Brooklands.
I am at POL in my ZT190 though, so will have a nosey around the 260s there on the day

Andrew

Cool, will be good to see you there

[David]

I'll be there too with Olive, my Chatsworth Rover 75 V8 Conny. Only Dutch registered one in existence in that colour, so you can't mistake it !
Looking forward to meeting you.

David