The curtain may have come down on MG Rover but the fact that the factory gates are now closed doesn’t change the quality of the cars already produced. And while second-hand values, understandably, tumbled after Rover’s demise, prices have now stabilised, which means buying a used MG is not the risk many would have you believe.

It is easy to get an aftermarket warranty and with hundreds of thousands of MG Rovers still on the road spare parts are readily available. Buyers also remain protected under sale-of-goods legislation that requires cars to be of satisfactory quality — and responsibility for this rests with the dealer, not the manufacturer.

So if you are in the market for a good-looking, great-handling, well-built saloon that will undercut its German rivals by thousands of pounds and are not worried about driving a car with a badge that is defunct, then now is the perfect time to take a closer look at the MG ZT. Based on the solid foundations of the Rover 75, it adds a bit of MG magic to produce a car that owners adore.

Introduced to Britain in 2001, the ZT was available with a 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine providing a choice of 158bhp or 188bhp. Performance was lively, 0-62mph in 8.7sec from the 158bhp unit and just 7.8sec from its beefier brother. Even more attractive was how the power was delivered: the smooth V6 is eager and torquey.

In 2002 MG expanded the range with a 1.8 litre turbocharged unit producing 158bhp. It’s a pleasant drive and its low-down torque makes it a fraction quicker to 62mph than the V6 and more frugal at the petrol pumps. However, this model can suffer from head gasket failure due to its small coolant capacity. Drivers wanting an automatic gearbox on their ZT were also satisfied with the addition of a five-speed auto on the 2.5 V6, this time producing 175bhp.

A 2 litre diesel also joined the fray with a choice of 114bhp or 129bhp. In terms of economy these are a cracking buy.

The final piece of the jigsaw came in the shape of the MG ZT 260. Powered by a 4.6 litre V8 petrol engine producing 260bhp, it is an exhilarating piece of kit. MG spent a small fortune developing a rear-wheel-drive system (other ZTs are front-wheel drive) to handle the power and the result was a modern classic. However, nudging £30,000 when new, it never sold in great numbers and today a two-year-old 30,000-mile example would struggle to fetch £10,000 at auction.

Most ZTs came with the option of the + model, which added a more sophisticated air-conditioning system and a CD player. These models command around £400 extra on the used market.

Regardless of trim level, the range offers plenty of sporty kit with 18in alloy wheels, sports cloth seats, chrome tailpipes, rear spoiler and a mesh front grille as standard.

The ZT can be driven at pace and enjoyed. Finding a good used one shouldn’t be a problem — get it with a full service history and reasonable mileage, stick on a decent aftermarket warranty and there are few more striking and capable bargain cars around.

Electrics Check all electrics work and particularly the seat adjustment, if fitted

Auto transmission Whether turbocharged or normally aspirated, the 1.8 litre K-series engine can suffer from cooling problems and blown head gaskets

Dashboard Backlit blue glow dials look fantastic at night and give the cabin a genuinely special feel

Safety MG ZT scored a reasonable four stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. Front and side airbags for driver and front passenger are standard, curtain airbags were an option

Headlights Spring 2004 facelift removed distinctive twin headlamp lights which were replaced by a single lens

Boot At 400 litres it is not as large as a Mondeo hatchback but still pretty good for a saloon car

Keys Replacement keys can cost over £100 each, so check the full set is present

Satellite navigation An expensive option when new but worth having on a used car. Virtually identical to the BMW system, it adds about £250 to used car values

Wheels Check lacquer for signs of kerbing and surface pitting from salt damage. Left untreated, wheels can become unsightly quickly

Tyres Check front and rear tyres for uneven wear as some owners report steering geometry misalignment

VITAL STATISTICS

Model MG ZT+ 160 saloon
Engine 2497cc, V6, 24-valve, DOHC
Power 158bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 30.0mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 8.7sec
Top speed 131mph

THE ONE TO BUY

A 2002 02-registration MG ZT+ 160 saloon with 30,000 miles on the clock. Pay £7,525 from a dealer or £5,825 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY

2000 V-reg BMW 318i SE



2002 02-reg Honda Accord 2.0 VTEC

2002 52-reg Mitsubishi Galant 2.5 Elegance



2003 52-reg Peugeot 406 2.0 HPi Executive



2003 52-reg Renault Laguna 2.0T Privilège

Values: MG ZT + 150 saloon



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you would pay a dealer