Impressed with initial visit to Stratstone Stourbridge, with no OTT sales pressure etc. I test drove the Aero8 and before proceeding further wanted a view on some small bits of corrosion and few other bits that needed correction. Was told they would contact Morgan factory and get back to me.
2 weeks on and after 2 failed promised call backs I spoke to someone, on my 3rd chase call, in the showroom who stated they are still waiting on Morgan for some quotes. That was last week and still heard nothing.
I get the feeling they are finding their feet with Morgan, but a little deflated from not being kept up to speed.
Impressed with initial visit to Stratstone Stourbridge, with no OTT sales pressure etc. I test drove the Aero8 and before proceeding further wanted a view on some small bits of corrosion and few other bits that needed correction. Was told they would contact Morgan factory and get back to me.
2 weeks on and after 2 failed promised call backs I spoke to someone, on my 3rd chase call, in the showroom who stated they are still waiting on Morgan for some quotes. That was last week and still heard nothing.
I get the feeling they are finding their feet with Morgan, but a little deflated from not being kept up to speed.
Dave
I find their comment about "waiting on Morgan" a bit strange. I have twice had to contact the factory for quotes on bodywork, and both times had a reply within 48 hours.
Fault light seems an odd one - never seen a check engine light an an Aero ever in all my miles.
Seen a few 'your brakes are on fire', 'everything is overheating', 'all my fault lights are flashing randomly' etc light combinations (All due to the dreaded windscreen washer pipe leaking on an s2) but never engine on it's own...
You can check what it is using an Android phone, Torque, and a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter. Torque then allows you to re-set the error if it is something innocuous.
I have been doing an on-line search looking at used Roadsters for sale. (just out of interest and triggered by seeing NeilM's lovely car) Interestingly, Stratsones appear to have 3 x 3.7s all showing low mileage and all discounted. I would guess that the smaller "local hero" Morgan dealers would be somewhat upset.
Just to put in my two penny worth in, having owned a variety of over 30 sporting cars over 35 years purchased from small local garages, privately and from large dealers some main dealers I would say this.
1. Main dealers customer service varies greatly, most are franchised and it depends on the control exerted by the marque as to what the level of service is.
2. Small local garages can be a mixed bunch, if car enthusiasts then usually good, otherwise I have generally found it is the profit margin they are interested in.
3. Marque specialists, I have found pretty good they are up against the main dealer and generally go that extra mile and can be better value.
Obviously having said that there are exceptions either way.
Personal experience
Porsche main dealers always been excelent at the 3, I have used in the past. Autofarm (3rd part excellent)
Ferrari 3rd party specialists excellent having used 2.
Westerley mini excellent
Land Rover- Matfords a mixed bag, generally good but had a servicing issue
Aston Martin - superb, factory called me as I had purchase car was booked in for service at local main dealer, offered check up free by factory chief mech., car was 5 years old out of warranty, identified water leak on door seals which was known issue, he booked car into factory to fix for free and do the service at discount, and a factory visit at the same time. I was astounded by the service, his response was that they hope that n Aston was for life ownership and tried to support owners in that, and any factory known faults were covered whatever the age of the car. Try beating that.
Morgan - Berrybrooks very helpful, good service, try and accommodate you as best they can. Pleased to chat about cars and issues.
If you find a good garage for your vehicle stick with them, but remember they are a business
Adrian
Buggered Off, to a modern none leaky car, heart's still ticking
Don't you think that the idea of bringing in Stratstones to the dealer network was a move by Morgan to try to sell their Aero range (Plus 8 included as its an Aero really ) in what the factory see as a more upmarket dealer? I should imagine that Stratstones would prefer not to sell M3Ws and trade.
I can't imagine using some large glass fronted corporate dealer to buy a Morgan, it seems so totally wrong. I wonder just how tolerant Stratstones will be towards the factory with reliability and build quality issues. A sharp learning curve for them I think!
Mike has now ceased to be a Main Dealer. Every time I go there his workshop seems to be full of older traditional cars either being serviced, fettled or restored and I suspect that is where he is happiest....rather than trying to meet MMCs requirements on sales volumes. And long may he last...we need Morgan dealers like him as a balance to the more glitzy modern establishments...which also have their place.
Jays Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
![[Linked Image]](http://bradley.it/public_images/drive.jpg)
) in what the factory see as a more upmarket dealer? I should imagine that Stratstones would prefer not to sell M3Ws and trade.