My Pearl Black '04 ZT CDTi + 135
 

Following on from my previous thread asking for a bit of advice, I have just arrived home with my new car!

Saw it advertised on the net for a reasonable price, 2004 54 plate ZT CDTi + 135 model in metallic, possibly pearlescent black(?).

I won't bore you with too many details, but the drive home was fantastic, much better than I'd anticipated.

The car has covered 91k miles, but it still feels so tight and responsive, everything from acceleration to handling, braking, steering etc, the feel of it is more like a car with half or a third of the mileage.

The handling especially impressed me. When accelerating out of A & B road tight corners, it just so, well, planted for want of a better expression. It gives a very sure, and confident drive.

If I'm honest, I am somewhat underwhelmed with a few things. The spec levels leave a bit to be desired... No trip computer, no cabin ambient lighting etc etc, but that's probably just the model that I have bought (?).

Here are some pictures:-

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...35/advert1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...35/advert5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...35/advert4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...35/advert2.jpg



I do have a few plans for it, I'm not normally one to leave a car standard!

It no particular order, but things that I have have already noticed need (want) to change are:-

Stereo - it has the flip screen tape & boot cd changer. Although the quality is ok, I need to be able to attach my iPhone & Pod somehow... Any suggestions welcome.

The wheels, whilst not the worst that I have seen, really could do with some attention. Ideally I'd like to get them refurbished, possibly in a dark anthracite colour. I'll need a couple of tyres soon too.

The front MG badge has faded somewhat, so that'll need replacing, possibly with a black, carbon, or anthracite effect one.

The drivers seat, whilst in pretty good condition, does have some bobbling on the alcantara, so I'll try and tackle that, delicately!

The bodywork could do with a good t-cut, mop & polish, so I may look into getting that done professionally, then keep on top of it regularly. I've not had a black car for a while, but my memory is that they are a nigtmare to keep clean!

I don't like 'GB' number plates, so I'll be getting some new ones, possibly with the full size rear, but I can't decide if I'll prefer it the smaller size :confused:

As I was viewing it, the rear number plate lights both went out! It could be a fuse, or something more sinister, so I'll have to look into that asap. I'd like to replace the bulbs with LED's anyway.

On that note, I'd like to replace the interior light bulbs with LED's too, for a bit more of a modern feel.

The drivers mat, whilst original, has a little wear hole in it, so I'll probably replace them with a new set from ebay.

When I get a new car, I like to go way over the top and give it a really good clean, so that's coming soon too!

I'd appreciate any comments, ideas & suggestions please. This is my first MG, so I'm very new to this game!

Thanks for looking.

One other strange problem occured on my journey home - when I got to 60mph & above, the red light on the dash for an open door, bonnet, boot etc came on. I pulled straight over to check, and all were shut properly.

Pulled off, and the same thing happened again, but only over 60, if I slowed down, it went off!

I'm guessing there is a faulty sensor, but that may be fun to locate & check...

More than likely the bonnet switch ;) Easy fix..... :D When you open the bonnet, you will see the swith on the slam panel...

Oh, and for your boobly alacantara, try shaving it ;) Seriously, it works....

Congratulations on your buy. Use the search function for a lot of info on here. Badges are available and lots more.
The bonnet light is very common, just put a spacer between the bonnet and switch, the cover does come loose and get water in it as well. A small flat screwdriver is needed to slip it back into place.

That'll be the first fix tomorrow then! Thanks for the advice. How did we all survive before the internet??

Can anyone clear up my paint colour query? Is it pearl or 'just' metallic black?

Thanks!

One very important check...... the PLENUMS ;):D:D

Nice looking car btw.... hope you manage to sort out the niggles and enjoy the car.

One thing I have always done with every vehicle I have bought is to change all the fluids, filters and check the brakes (regardless of service history).;)

You then have a bench mark of what has been done when :}

The paint code should be on the front passenger door pillar.

Some useful links nicked from Reebs' signature ;)

Check your trim here . Check your spec here
Check your colour here . Check Project Drive here
Check your original price here

Car looks great .The MK2 ZT looks best in black. Good luck with her.

re the warning light as mentioned most likely the bonnet.open it up look at the x2 holes where the pins go in.you should see a lug sticking out.if not slacked of the x2 bolts a tadge they will then pop out.oil well and they should be ok.you also find by doing this the relase lever in the car will no longer be slack.failing all this if it still happens get a felt pad the type you put on the bottom of chair legs to stop them marking the floor and stick that under the bonnet above the switch.do not press down hard on the front of the bonnet.otherwise you will end up with two hand size dents in it.:(